In his letter, the Hungarian President notes that for the past 20 years, the independent Uzbekistan has made remarkable achievements in political, economic and social development, and that it has come to be instrumental in maintaining security and stability in Central Asia. Uzbekistan deserves special acknowledgement for its enthusiastic involvement in addressing the situation in Afghanistan.

According to Pal Schmitt, the expansion of interaction between the European Union and Uzbekistan is highly appreciated in Hungary, opening up new opportunities for the latter to bolster bilateral ties.

“For Hungary, Uzbekistan is not merely an important political, economic, trade and cultural partner in Central Asia, but it also is a nation with which we have common origins, common ethnic, historical and cultural roots,” the Hungarian leader adds.

Pall Schmitt pointed out with pleasure that the relations between our two countries have experienced substantial development for the recent years. The deals signed last year in Tashkent during the Uzbek-Hungarian summit have defined aspects for further advancement of bilateral cooperation.

In his turn, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov has sent a greeting letter to President of Hungary Pal Schmitt on the occasion of twentieth anniversary of diplomatic relations established between our two countries.

The head of our state noted in his message that Uzbekistan considers Hungary a long-term and reliable partner in Europe and highly regards its economic, intellectual and spiritual potential.

President of Uzbekistan stressed that our bilateral and multilateral interaction has for the past year been built on principles of mutual understanding and respect, and that they have currently been advancing successfully and steadily in political, trade and economic as well as humanitarian areas in the interests of our two peoples.

Islam Karimov expressed confidence that the consistent practical materialization of agreements reached during Hungarian President’s November 2011 official visit to Uzbekistan will facilitate new dynamics and solid additional impetus to bilateral cooperation in diverse spheres.