ISTANBUL

Uzbekistan and Hungary stressed the launch of a special economic zone in the Central Asian country’s northeastern Tashkent region, amid talks between Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto.

A statement by the Uzbek presidency on Tuesday said Mirziyoyev and Szijjarto, who arrived in the Central Asian country on an official visit, noted the importance of the early launch of a special economic zone for projects of Hungarian and European companies in the Tashkent region.

The statement said Mirziyoyev and Szijjarto discussed the current issues regarding bilateral cooperation, while also considering the issues of promoting cooperation projects in fields such as industry, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, fish farming, logistics, and real estate construction.

“The consistent strengthening of the strategic partnership and the dynamic development of practical interaction between Uzbekistan and Hungary were noted with satisfaction,” the statement further said.

It also said intensive contacts between Uzbekistan and Hungary are continuing at all levels, indicating that the trade turnover between the two countries has almost doubled, while the number of joint projects and enterprises is growing.

“An exchange of views also took place on issues of interaction within the framework of international and regional organizations, including at the platform of the Organization of Turkic States,” the statement went on to say.

For his part, Szijjarto conveyed the “warm greetings and best wishes” of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and also congratulated Mirziyoyev on the successful holding of the 3rd Tashkent International Investment Forum on May 2-3.​​​​​​​