Uzbekistan and Russia Presidents Discuss Further Strengthening of Bilateral Relations
On September 15, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks with the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, who arrived in Samarkand to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit.
The Leader of Uzbekistan warmly welcomed the distinguished guest and expressed gratitude for participation in the SCO Samarkand Summit.
In turn, Vladimir Putin thanked Shavkat Mirziyoyev for the traditionally warm hospitality and highly appreciated the development of intensive and productive interstate interaction at all levels.
At the meeting, the parties satisfactorily noted that the multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia has reached an unprecedented high level in recent years.
Mutually beneficial trade and economic ties are actively growing. By joint efforts, according to the results of last year and seven months of this year, the growth in trade turnover amounted to more than 30%. Moreover, today the structure of mutual trade consists of 70% of products with high added value.
The industrial cooperation is developing dynamically. In recent years, more than 100 joint projects have been launched in the mining and metallurgical, fuel and energy, chemical, agricultural, machine-building, textile and other industries.
The sides agreed to adopt a joint Comprehensive Action Plan for the development of industrial and technological partnership, primarily in the electronics, pharmaceuticals, textile, clothing and knitwear industries.
It was noted that as a part of the current visit of the President of Russia to Uzbekistan, a package of new investment agreements worth $4,6 billion is being signed in mechanical engineering, chemistry, petrochemistry and geology.
The direct interregional ties play an important role in enhancing the multifaceted cooperation. In the first half of the year alone, about 50 mutual visits to the two countries’ regions took place.
The parties agreed to create the joint industrial parks in the regions of Uzbekistan, to hold the next Forum of the regions of Uzbekistan and Russia in October this year.
The Presidents also highly appreciated the rich and diverse cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
Today Uzbekistan is the leader in terms of the number of foreign branches of Russian universities. The branches of 12 leading Russian universities have been opened over the past four years. There are 15 of them in total.
The tourism exchanges are developing dynamically. The number of Russian tourists in Uzbekistan has exceeded pre-pandemic levels this year.
The Presidents exchanged views on the issues of the regional and international agenda of mutual interest.
Following the meeting, which was held in a sincere and friendly atmosphere, the sides confirmed their commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership and alliance between Uzbekistan and Russia.
