Russian, Uzbek foreign ministers discuss bilateral, regional cooperation

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov on Monday discussed issues related to bilateral and regional cooperation.

A statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry said the ministers discussed "strengthening of the strategic partnership, alliance and multifaceted bilateral cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan, including its political, trade, economic, scientific, technical, cultural and humanitarian components.”

Lavrov and Saidov also discussed issues on regional and international security, stressing the current situation in Ukraine, as well as tightening coordination in organizations such as the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Eurasian Economic Union, it added.

“The situation in Afghanistan and additional measures to strengthen stability and security in the region were considered in detail.

"The importance of interaction on the platform of the UN and the OSCE, which should not depend on the current international situation, was noted,” the statement also said.

Meanwhile, Saidov said on Telegram after the meeting that they had “a candid and fruitful meeting,” and “underscored the unprecedented dynamics of mutually beneficial partnership.”​​​​​​​