Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Negotiations were held at the Presidential Palace in Ljubljana between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, both in a narrow and expanded format.

At the beginning of the meeting, Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and noted that this visit, the first in the past 20 years, marks the beginning of a new stage in the development of Uzbek-Slovenian relations.

The parties discussed a wide range of issues related to deepening practical cooperation. They welcomed the active development of political dialogue, the expansion of intergovernmental contacts, and business ties. The importance of mutual support within the framework of the United Nations and other international organizations was emphasized.

A threefold increase in bilateral trade volumes in recent years was noted. Cultural and tourist exchanges are strengthening, and a visa-free regime is in place for Slovenian citizens.

The leaders agreed on the need for systematic interaction at high and highest levels to ensure stability and momentum in cooperation.

Special attention was paid to increasing trade turnover to 500 million euros at the first stage through diversification of supplies and the development of import substitution. In particular, discussions covered exports from Uzbekistan of textiles, fruit and vegetable products, mineral fertilizers, copper products, and other industrial goods, as well as imports from Slovenia of medicines, technologies, and equipment.

Opportunities to utilize the potential of the Port of Koper as a logistics hub for Uzbek goods to access EU markets were also considered.

An agreement was reached to adopt an Industrial Cooperation Program involving leading Slovenian companies. Joint projects are planned for the production of modern equipment, industrial and agricultural products, localization of pharmaceutical manufacturing—including products based on honey and medicinal plants—as well as construction and modernization of energy infrastructure.

To regulate labor migration, the parties agreed to prepare an Agreement on Organized Migration, including language training, professional development, and adaptation to labor standards.

Tourism development, especially in rural and mountainous areas, was identified as a promising area. In education, an agreement was reached on mutual recognition of diplomas and the launch of joint educational programs with the Universities of Ljubljana and Maribor.

Additionally, a Youth Forum on innovative projects involving universities and research institutions from both countries is planned for next year in Tashkent.

To expand humanitarian ties, cross-cultural Days of Culture and a Week of Uzbek Cinema will be organized in Ljubljana.

The parties decided to hold the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission in July this year in Ljubljana.

At the conclusion of the negotiations, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev invited Nataša Pirc Musar to visit Uzbekistan on an official visit at a convenient time.