Philippines and Uzbekistan Convene 3rd Bilateral Consultations in Tashkent
TASHKENT 18 September 2024 – The Philippines and Uzbekistan convened the 3rd Bilateral Consultations on 17 September 2024 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan at the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, three years after the 2nd consultations were virtually held in 2021.
The Philippine delegation was led by the Honorable Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs, while the Uzbek delegation was led by Uzbekistan Deputy Foreign Minister Ilkhom Khaydarov.
The high-level discussions between the two countries focused on exploring cooperation in various areas, including political cooperation, trade, consular, labor, migration and people-to-people exchanges.
Undersecretary Lazaro stated that this meeting ‘signifies an exciting chapter in Philippines-Uzbekistan relations’ She emphasized the Philippines’ keen interest in expanding its diplomatic footprint in Central Asia by intensifying high-level exchanges with Central Asian states. She also highlighted the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships with Uzbekistan, with trade and investments regarded as priority areas of cooperation.
Undersecretary Lazaro likewise noted that the Philippines has invested in Uzbekistan with the opening of a $10 million factory of Filipino company Liwayway Marketing Corporation in Tashkent in 2024.
During the consultations, both sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Both sides also expressed their commitment to further deepening ties and working together to achieve shared goals. The next bilateral consultations meeting will be hosted by the Philippines in Manila. END