Rumen Radev invites Shavkat Mirziyoyev to visit Bulgaria

On June 10, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held high-level talks with President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rumen Radev at the Kuksaroy residence, with the participation of official delegations. The meeting was reported by the press service of the President of Uzbekistan.

During the talks, the two leaders discussed key areas for enhancing practical cooperation between Uzbekistan and Bulgaria. President Mirziyoyev warmly welcomed his Bulgarian counterpart and noted that this first summit in 17 years holds historical significance, marking a new stage in Uzbek-Bulgarian relations.

The parties expressed satisfaction with the strengthening of inter-parliamentary dialogue and growing cooperation between economic and foreign affairs ministries. Trade turnover between the two countries is on the rise, and several new areas and joint projects are under development.

Humanitarian exchanges were also highlighted. Sister-city relationships have been established between Bukhara and Varna, and between Samarkand and Plovdiv. The leaders emphasized the need to build consistent contacts between foreign ministries to further expand multifaceted cooperation.

"Special attention was given to increasing trade volumes through the expanded supply of textiles, food products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, metal goods, and technological equipment. To support this, both sides agreed to open trading houses in their respective capitals, accredit laboratories, and allocate preferential credit lines.

The development of joint projects in agriculture and food production, pharmaceuticals, geology, artificial intelligence, digital technology, IT, and tourism was identified as a priority.

The two leaders also discussed enhancing transport connectivity by establishing effective land and air corridors. In this context, they agreed to consider launching direct flights between Uzbekistan and Bulgaria," the report stated.

To foster systematic cooperation in the field of labor resources, the possibility of opening a representative office of Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency in Sofia will be reviewed.

The presidents supported initiatives to boost humanitarian ties, including academic and scientific exchanges, and proposed organizing a meeting of university rectors in Andijan later this year. They also agreed to hold a Week of Uzbek and Bulgarian Culture and Cinema in 2026.

To ensure effective implementation of all agreements, both sides agreed to adopt a joint “road map,” elevate the status of the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Commission, and engage regional leaders and major businesses in its activities.

At the conclusion of the talks, President Rumen Radev extended an invitation to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to pay an official return visit to Bulgaria at a convenient time.

As previously reported, an official welcome ceremony for President Rumen Radev was held earlier the same day at the Kuksaroy residence. The Bulgarian leader will also take part in the 4th Tashkent International Investment Forum.