Tashkent, December 22, 2024 – The Europe Today: The Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Uzbekistan, Leonid Marinich, held a pre-New Year meeting with media representatives to reflect on the key achievements of bilateral relations between Belarus and Uzbekistan in 2024.
Ambassador Marinich highlighted that cooperation between the two nations has continued to flourish across various domains, including politics, economics, culture, and humanitarian relations. Despite a shifting geopolitical landscape, both countries have demonstrated steadfast commitment to equal and mutually beneficial collaboration.
Intergovernmental dialogue played a pivotal role in strengthening ties this year, with active participation in regional organizations and integration associations such as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The Ambassador noted that these engagements have further solidified the partnership between Belarus and Uzbekistan.
Education has been a significant area of cooperation, with a growing number of Uzbek students pursuing higher education in Belarus. Ambassador Marinich revealed that while fewer than 100 students from Uzbekistan studied in Belarus in 2018, the figure has now surpassed 5,000. This growth reflects the increasing appeal of Belarusian education, bolstered by joint educational programs such as the 2+2 or 3+1 models.
During the conference, a photo exhibition titled “Sovereign Belarus” was organized, showcasing the work of BelTA photojournalists. The exhibition depicted various aspects of Belarusian life and highlighted the nation’s development over the past 30 years.
This year also marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus. The Ambassador expressed gratitude for the recognition of this historic milestone in Uzbekistan and the collaborative efforts to preserve the memory of the Great Patriotic War. In honor of this occasion, commemorative medals were presented to representatives of the Svitanak Belarus Cultural Center in Tashkent, including Olga Bobrovskaya and Nina Shubnikova, as well as journalist Innobat Normuradova for their contributions to patriotic education and historical preservation.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Marinich informed attendees about the upcoming presidential elections in Belarus, scheduled for January 26, 2025. He also addressed questions from journalists during the meeting.
This year’s achievements underscore the robust and dynamic relationship between Belarus and Uzbekistan, setting a strong foundation for continued cooperation in the years to come.
