Russia is the main trade partner of Uzbekistan and will continue
strengthening its positions, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said at
a meeting with Uzbek President Islam Karimov, RIA Novosti reports.
Karimov said that trade turnover between the two states had increased
by 35%-40% in 2010, despite the economic and financial problems.
The presidents held a meeting in Tashkent and discussed the security
of Central Asia and development of cooperation against terrorism and
drug-trafficking. Russian Presidential Aide Sergey Prikhodko assisted
the president. Medvedev will attend the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization (SCO) summit in Astana on June 14-15.
The summit will pay special attention to the situation in Afghanistan.
The presidents will discuss cooperation of Russia and Uzbekistan
within efforts of the world community to settle the Afghan conflict
under the auspices of the UN.
Medvedev and Karimov exchanged views on the situation in the Middle
East and North Africa. Russia is ready to discuss problems with its
neighbors, Medvedev said.
The Russian president said that this year had a complicated start in
the Arab world, the conflict may take a lot of time to settle.
Medvedev expressed hope for improvement of economic and trade
relations, humanitarian and cultural ties.
Medvedev underlined that Russia has always been open. All key issues
undergo detailed discussions.
Karimov noted that Russia and Uzbekistan consult on everything
regarding security and stability in the region, including the
conflicts in North Africa and the Middle East. The Uzbek president
believes that Tashkent and Moscow need to exchange views and develop
common positions on the problem.
