DUSHANBE, April 27, 2016, Asia-Plus – Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday met for talks in the Kremlin with Uzbek President Islam Karimov, who was in Russia on an official visit.
According to the Kremlin press service, the presidents discussed the further development of bilateral relations in many areas and cooperation in the framework of the CIS and SCO. They exchanged views on current issues of the regional and international agenda.
A number of documents were signed in the two leaders’ presence following the Russian-Uzbekistani consultations. These documents include an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the export of military products to other countries; an intergovernmental program of cultural and humanitarian cooperation for 2016–2018; a program of cooperation between the foreign ministries of Russia and Uzbekistan for 2016–2017; a memorandum of understanding between the Russian Sport Ministry and the Uzbekistani Culture and Sport Ministry on cooperation in physical training and sport; and an agreement on research and academic cooperation between the Bauman Moscow State Technical University and the Tashkent Institute of Railway Engineering.
Vladimir Putin and Islam Karimov made statements for the press following their talks.
Putin, in particular, noted that the talks were constructive and informative. “We discussed important issues of bilateral cooperation and outlined specific plans for our political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian relations,” said Russian president.
“Uzbekistan is Russia’s strategic partner and reliable ally. Our cooperation is aimed at strengthening these relations of friendship and mutual support, Putin noted.
Uzbek president, for his part, said Russia should be involved in peace talks in Afghanistan. Karimov also said the Shanghai Cooperation Organization must not be involved in the military and political stand-off in Afghanistan.
Karimov noted that the renewal of peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban is “important” for the whole region.
According to Karimov, “instability in Afghanistan” may gradually spread to other countries of the region.
Putin said that Russia and Uzbekistan support the creation of an international antiterrorist coalition.
