TASHKENT: The official visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Belarus on July 8 and 9 marks another important stage in the steady development of Uzbek-Belarusian relations, which continue to expand across political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.
Relations between Uzbekistan and Belarus have shown consistent positive momentum in recent years, supported by regular high-level dialogue, growing trade, investment cooperation and stronger regional partnerships. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on January 21, 1993. Since then, both sides have developed a broad legal framework covering trade, investment, industry, transport, education, culture, science, healthcare and interregional cooperation.
At present, Uzbekistan and Belarus have signed 126 bilateral documents. The foundation of this partnership remains the Treaty on the Principles of Interstate Relations, signed in Tashkent on November 6, 1991, which reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to sovereign equality, mutual respect and consideration of each other’s interests.
Political dialogue remains central to the partnership. From 1991 to 2026, President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko visited Uzbekistan six times, including official visits in 1994, 2018 and 2024. The official visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Belarus in July 2019 was also an important milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Intergovernmental engagement has also intensified. Between 2022 and 2026, reciprocal visits by the prime ministers of both countries focused on trade, economic cooperation, industrial partnerships, logistics and joint investment projects. Inter-parliamentary cooperation has also become more systematic, with Uzbek-Belarusian women’s business forums playing an important role in promoting entrepreneurship, business contacts and humanitarian ties.
Economic cooperation remains one of the strongest pillars of the relationship. Mutual trade has increased more than fivefold in recent years, rising from $181.7 million in 2017 to a record $965 million by the end of 2025. This growth has continued in 2026, with trade reaching $340.4 million in January to April, nearly one-third higher than the same period last year.
The structure of trade between the two countries is diversified. Belarus supplies Uzbekistan with food products, machinery, equipment, vehicles, chemical goods and raw materials. Uzbekistan exports industrial and food products, processed goods, services and finished commodities to Belarus.
Investment cooperation is also expanding. Currently, 244 enterprises with Belarusian capital operate in Uzbekistan, while 229 companies with Uzbek participation are active in Belarus. In 2025, Belarusian investments in Uzbekistan reached $104.4 million. The Intergovernmental Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, established in 2001, continues to coordinate economic engagement between the two countries.
Regional cooperation has become another important driver of bilateral ties. Since 2017, more than 40 mutual visits of regional delegations from Uzbekistan and Belarus have taken place. Forums of Regions, often held during official visits of the heads of state, have helped promote investment opportunities, national exhibitions and cooperation agreements.
Cultural and humanitarian cooperation also continues to strengthen mutual understanding between the two nations. Belarusian creative groups regularly participate in Uzbekistan’s “Sharq Taronalari” International Music Festival, while Uzbek cultural representatives take part in events in Belarus, including the “Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk” International Festival of Arts. Days of Culture are also regularly organized in both countries.
Symbolic gestures have further strengthened cultural ties. In 2018, a bust of Belarusian literary classic Yakub Kolas was unveiled in Tashkent. In 2019, a monument to Uzbek poet and thinker Alisher Navoi was installed in Minsk, reflecting mutual respect for the cultural heritage of both nations.
Education and professional training are also developing rapidly. The establishment of the Belarusian-Uzbek Intersectoral Institute of Applied Technical Qualifications in Tashkent has become an important step in this direction. Universities from both countries are implementing double-degree programs, while forums of rectors and professional education platforms are expanding academic cooperation.
Cooperation is also growing in science, cinema, tourism and healthcare. Days of Uzbek Cinema are held in Belarus, while Days of Belarusian Cinema are organized in Uzbekistan. Tourism organizations from both countries are increasing interaction through specialized forums and presentations.
Healthcare has emerged as another active area of cooperation. In 2023, the first medical forum, “Healthcare and Medical Education Days Uzbekistan – Belarus,” resulted in more than 120 agreements aimed at expanding partnerships between medical institutions, exchanging expertise and introducing modern technologies.
The Belarusian community in Uzbekistan also plays an important role in strengthening humanitarian ties. Around 18,000 ethnic Belarusians live in Uzbekistan, while the “Svitanak” Belarusian Cultural Center in Tashkent and the Belarusian Cultural Center in Angren contribute to preserving national culture and promoting public diplomacy.
Overall, Uzbek-Belarusian relations are marked by steady development, mutual trust and practical cooperation. The growing political dialogue, expanding trade and investment partnership, stronger regional links and active cultural exchanges create a strong foundation for further deepening relations in the long-term interests of both countries.
