Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko is holding a meeting with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Independence Palace. Shavkat Mirziyoyev is in Belarus on an official visit on 8-9 July, BelTA has learned.

The talks, which will be held in narrow and expanded formats, are preceded by an official welcome ceremony featuring the guard of honor and the performance of the anthems of the two countries.

The day before, the heads of state had already met in an informal setting. Aleksandr Lukashenko hosted Shavkat Mirziyoyev at his home. “I think we will have a good meeting and we will discuss all the behind-the-scenes matters. Both public and confidential matters. As always, like friends you and I will share all the information that we have. I’ve been preparing for it. And for a long time at that. Once again I welcome you to my home,” the Belarusian leader said.

For his part, Shavkat Mirziyoyev thanked Aleksandr Lukashenko for the invitation and stressed that he was very happy to be in Belarus. “We have indeed been getting ready very seriously for this visit. After your historical visit [an official visit of the Belarus president to Uzbekistan in February 2024] we have had totally different mutual relations at all levels.”