Presidents of Uzbekistan and Russia Hold Strategic Meeting at Kuksaroy Residence

Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Russia Vladimir Putin convened at the Kuksaroy Residence in a contracted format, according to media reports. The press service of the Uzbek President detailed the meeting, noting that President Mirziyoyev warmly welcomed President Putin, highlighting the significance of Putin’s visit as one of his first foreign engagements following his re-election.

The discussions centered on the enhancement of the comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance between Uzbekistan and Russia. Both leaders emphasized the fruitful preparatory activities leading up to the visit, including parliamentary meetings, political consultations, the Innoprom exhibition, and conferences involving rectors of top engineering and technical universities and heads of notable medical institutions from both nations. Additionally, the Russian Art Week events are currently ongoing in Tashkent.

The meeting highlighted the positive trajectory of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. The leaders expressed satisfaction with the growing trade turnover and increasing Russian investment in Uzbekistan, noting that the portfolio of joint projects has reached $45 billion.

A significant outcome of the meeting was the agreement to establish a Joint Investment Platform to support collaborative projects between leading enterprises. The Presidents underscored the importance of furthering interregional cooperation and will co-chair the inaugural meeting of the Council of Regions of Uzbekistan and Russia later today.

Substantive discussions also covered the development of mutually beneficial cooperation in various sectors, including energy (with a focus on nuclear energy), agriculture, innovation, migration, and security. The leaders highly valued the progress in cultural and humanitarian exchanges, with plans to adopt a Cultural Cooperation Program during the visit.

Education and training for engineering personnel were given special attention. Agreements were reached to open branches of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University and the All-Russian Academy of Foreign Trade in Uzbekistan.

The Presidents also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, reinforcing the robust and multi-faceted partnership between Uzbekistan and Russia.