Petros Petropoulos : Acting Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks at talks with Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov Tashkent, January 16, 2020

Mr Kamilov, friends,

Thank you for your invitation. It is always a pleasure for me to visit Uzbekistan, which is not simply an ally and strategic partner but a close friend of Russia too. Ties between our ministries are based not only on the political principles approved by our presidents, but also on personal sympathy and comradely relations. This is why we always deal with any problems on the basis of mutual respect and consideration for the other side's interests.

I fully agree with what you have said about the current stage in Russia-Uzbekistan relations. It can be described indeed as an unprecedented upswing in all spheres without exception, including the economy, humanitarian ties and defence industry cooperation. Nuclear engineering is the standard bearer of our interaction. We have special agreements the implementation of which our heads of state are monitoring. When it comes to education, there are quite a few branches of Russian universities here, which once again confirms the closeness of our peoples and interests.

We are preparing for the upcoming state visit by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Russia. Before it, the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation will convene to discuss the draft documents that are scheduled to be signed at the top level. We have a number of proposals regarding the best way to prepare this important event in our bilateral relations.

Of course, our meeting today offers an opportunity to exchange views on international matters, including Central Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East and North Africa, as well as our interaction at international organisations, primarily the UN. I also hope that we will be able to have a constructive discussion of our plans regarding cooperation within the CIS. We would like Uzbekistan to strengthen its ties with the EAEU and the CSTO.

Once again, thank you for your traditional hospitality. I have no doubt that our talks today will be fruitful.