Prime Minister Vladimir Putin held talks with Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoev
Vladimir Putin's adderss at the intergovernmental negotiations:
Mr Mirziyoev,
I would like to say that Russia pays special attention to the development of its relations with Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan is Russia's major partner in general and in Central Asia in particular.
Basing on the principles of strategic partnership and friendship, we seek to develop our cooperation in the widest range of areas.
At the beginning of our conversation I'd like to point out that we know how much attention the President of Uzbekistan pays to the development of Russian-Uzbek relations. We appreciate it. Indeed, the result of such an attentive approach towards interstate links is evident. Our efforts are repaid a hundredfold.
You have mentioned the growth of commodities turnover. It is really impressive. There has been a tenfold increase in six or seven years. It's a great achievement.
We'd like to congratulate you on your country's successful economic development. You have a good harvest this year. You have told us that this year's harvest exceeded your expectations. It's the first time in recent years that Uzbekistan will be able to export grain, which has never happened before. Especially in the Soviet times. It's a good sign that not only did the relations between our states effectively develop in the previous years, but they also have a development potential in the short and, moreover, in the long run.
We are satisfied with the dynamic development of our relations. But the key thing I would like to emphasize is that all the questions that arise in the course of our cooperation are settled with the spirit of friendship and with respect for our mutual interests. Our restricted meeting has proved it.
During our conversation, we touched upon the most sensitive issues of our economic ties. Those are the energy industry, hydrocarbons, the nuclear energy branch, the electrical power industry and several other areas.
I fully agree with you that we need to consider a diversification of our economic ties, which we will do today, I believe. I have no doubt, we'll achieve good results.
Thank you.
