On September 7-8, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is making the first official visit in the history of bilateral relations to Serbia. One-on-one talks were held between Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić at the Serbian Palace, with the participation of official delegations, Gazeta.uz reported.
The presidents noted the intensification of political dialogue, interparliamentary ties, trade and economic cooperation, as well as business and humanitarian exchanges. They emphasized that the opening of diplomatic missions and the establishment of an interparliamentary forum will contribute to the deepening of bilateral relations.
Against this backdrop, the first meeting of the Uzbek-Serbian intergovernmental commission was held on September 7. The parties prepared a joint declaration on the creation of a working group to begin negotiations on a free trade agreement. They also signed an industrial partnership development plan for 2026-2028 and established an Uzbek-Serbian business council.
The parties intend to expand joint production in pharmaceuticals, textiles, agriculture, and food processing, as well as cooperate in critical minerals, artificial intelligence, 5G, and IT. Uzbekistan's participation in the modernization of Serbia's railway network, including the construction of a 200-km section, is being discussed.
Mirziyoyev's visit gives new political impetus to relations, which now have a concrete economic dimension. For Uzbekistan, Serbia could become an important partner in the Balkans and an additional channel to European markets. For Belgrade, expanding ties with the rapidly growing economies of Central Asia opens new opportunities for investment and exports. It is particularly significant that the political agreements are accompanied by industrial cooperation mechanisms and the prospect of a free trade zone.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
September 8, 2026