Russian, Uzbek leaders discuss bilateral relations, energy cooperation

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) – Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed bilateral relations and cooperation, especially in the energy sector, with his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev over the phone on Wednesday.

“The presidents reaffirmed mutual commitment to strengthening Russia-Uzbekistan relations of alliance and strategic partnership, boosting trade, and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, including in energy,” read a statement by the Kremlin.

It said Mirziyoyev expressed his gratitude for Putin’s hospitality during the informal meeting of the heads of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member states in St. Petersburg on Dec. 26-27.

Also, a statement by the Uzbek presidency said the issues related to further deepening ties between Tashkent and Moscow were discussed by Mirziyoyev and Putin.

“Particular attention was paid to the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation in the oil and gas sector,” the statement said, adding that Mirziyoyev highly appreciated the fruitful results of the informal CIS summit.

The CIS is a regional organization formed after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 by its former members to encourage cooperation in economic, political and security affairs.​​​​​​​