During an official visit to Budapest, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán signed a Joint Declaration establishing an enhanced strategic partnership between the two countries, the Uzbek presidential press service reports.
The high-level talks took place at the Carmelite Palace and focused on deepening multifaceted cooperation. Discussions covered joint investment initiatives, the expansion of trade and economic ties, and the promotion of cultural and educational exchanges.
Key agreements included:
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Adoption of an Investment Partnership Program at the upcoming session of the Intergovernmental Commission in Budapest this July;
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Declaration of 2026 as the Year of Uzbek and Hungarian Culture;
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Development of direct air connections between the two countries;
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Creation of conditions for joint degree programs and the opening of Hungarian university branches in Uzbekistan.
Several intergovernmental and interagency agreements were also signed during the visit, including:
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An extradition treaty;
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A cooperation agreement on climate change;
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Agreements on disaster management;
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Cooperation in science, innovation, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Strengthening Investment Ties
Special attention was given to enhancing investment cooperation. The current portfolio of joint projects amounts to $500 million, with an additional €1.5 billion in new projects prepared for the visit. Both sides emphasized the goal of raising bilateral trade to €500 million, leveraging import substitution strategies and Uzbekistan’s GSP+ status.
Plans are underway to:
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Launch a pre-certification program for export goods;
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Accredit laboratories to meet EU standards;
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Establish a joint platform to support exporters.
The leaders also exchanged views on international and regional issues, reaffirming their commitment to combating terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other contemporary security threats.
Economic Cooperation and New Initiatives
Later that day, President Mirziyoyev held a meeting with leading representatives of Hungary’s business community. Attendees included top executives and founders of major companies such as OTP Bank, BDPST Group, 4iG, Indotek, MVM, Duna Group, MOL Group, H2O Consortium, Inpark, Wizz Air, and others.
Agreements were reached on the implementation of new projects in the following areas:
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Modernization of transport infrastructure;
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Construction of roads and logistics hubs;
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Development of public utilities;
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Production of textiles, construction materials, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals;
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Digital technologies and aquaculture.
To host these industries, a special industrial zone for European companies will be established in Uzbekistan, managed by the Hungarian operator Inpark.
Both countries are members of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Uzbekistan is a full member, while Hungary has held observer status since 2018.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
May 21, 2025