Uzbekistan and Slovenia have set a target to boost their bilateral trade volume to €500mn in the first stage, following high-level talks between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President Nataša Pirc Musar in Ljubljana on May 22.
At the start of the meeting, the Head of State thanked the Slovenian leader for the warm welcome and highlighted that the high-level events—taking place for the first time in 20 years—will be remembered as the start of a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries. The talks were conducted in a narrow format and expanded with delegations from both sides.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of expanding the range of tradable goods to achieve the €500mn goal. Uzbekistan aims to increase exports of textiles, fresh produce, mineral fertilizers, copper goods, and industrial products, while Slovenia will supply pharmaceuticals, modern technologies, and machinery.
The strategic role of Slovenia’s Koper port as a gateway to the European Union market was also highlighted as part of the broader effort to enhance logistics and trade connectivity.
Agreements were reached to adopt an Industrial Cooperation Program with leading Slovenian companies. Joint projects will focus on manufacturing equipment, producing industrial and agricultural goods, localizing pharmaceutical products—including honey and herbal remedies—and modernizing energy infrastructure in Uzbekistan.
The two countries agreed to draft a new agreement on organized labor migration, which will include training programs in language, skills, and labor standards. In education, the sides will sign a mutual recognition of diplomas agreement and launch joint programs with the universities of Ljubljana and Maribor.
Tourism development, particularly in Uzbekistan’s rural and mountain regions, was identified as a key area for collaboration. Humanitarian exchanges will be deepened through cultural days in both countries and a Week of Uzbek Cinema in Ljubljana.
Additionally, a Youth Innovation Projects Forum will be held in Tashkent next year, engaging universities and scientific centers from both nations.
To coordinate and monitor the implementation of the agreed initiatives, the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission will be held in Ljubljana in July. President Mirziyoyev concluded the visit by inviting President Pirc Musar to pay an official return visit to Uzbekistan at her convenience.
