The Head of the state, warmly welcoming the guest, noted with deep satisfaction the high dynamics in development of Uzbekistan – Russian relations of strategic partnership and alliance.

For his part, Sergey Lavrov expressed sincere gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan for the warm welcome and conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

It was noted that shared political will and intensive contacts at the highest level have been contributing to the enhancement of bilateral cooperation by filling it with solid substance.

Currently, joint projects are successfully implemented in trade, investments, energy, industry and agriculture, transport and logistics, along with programs in education, healthcare, culture and other areas. The two sides have discovered the potential of inter-regional cooperation.

Issues of the practical implementation of agreements reached at the highest level and further expansion of productive cooperation have been considered at the meeting.

Current aspects in the international and regional agenda, including interaction within the UN, SCO, CIS and other institutions, as well as promotion of the peace process in Afghanistan were discussed.

The Russian side has highly appreciated and supported Uzbekistan’s active efforts to promote the soonest stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan and engage the country in regional trade and economic cooperation.

In conclusion, the mutual commitment was stressed for further strengthening friendship, strategic partnership and alliance, as well as for enlargement of multifaceted cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of Uzbekistan and Russia in the interests of ensuring peace, stability and sustainable development in the region.