"We need people, and preferably from Uzbekistan." Lukashenka invited Uzbeks to come to Belarus en masse
Aliaksandr Lukashenka held talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Minsk on July 9. The parties discussed the development of bilateral cooperation and signed a Declaration on Strategic Partnership.
Aliaksandr Lukashenka with Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Photo: president.gov.by
During the meeting, Lukashenka stated that Belarus needs workforce, and expressed a desire for citizens of Uzbekistan to come to work in the country with their families.
"We love Uzbeks here, so before Pakistanis, I want your people to come to us with their families. In agriculture, we provide housing [...] Free education, healthcare - all of this is free, just like for our Belarusians, equal conditions. In the city, you need to wait a bit, and housing will be available. We need people, and preferably from Uzbekistan. Very good people."
He also noted that in 2025, trade turnover between Belarus and Uzbekistan reached one billion dollars, and in the future, the countries could increase it to two billion.
The parties paid special attention to joint economic projects. Lukashenka expressed hope that with Uzbekistan's support, Belarus would be able to more actively enter the markets of third countries, especially in regions where Tashkent has strong economic ties.
In addition, the expansion of cooperation in mechanical engineering, agriculture, the humanitarian sphere, and medicine was discussed. Lukashenka also called on citizens of Uzbekistan to come to Belarus for medical treatment.