Mirziyoyev and Putin discuss strategic cooperation ahead of December Summit

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in late December, according to a report by the Uzbek presidential press service. The announcement came following a telephone conversation between the two leaders on December 11, during which they discussed bilateral and regional cooperation.

The discussions focused on advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership and allied relations between Uzbekistan and Russia. Both presidents reviewed the progress made on agreements from Putin’s state visit to Uzbekistan in May, guided by a jointly approved "roadmap."

During the call, the leaders commended the outcomes of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation meeting held in Moscow a day prior. They emphasized the importance of coordinated measures to boost mutual trade, accelerate joint projects in key sectors like industry, energy, transport, and agriculture, and maintain active dialogue between the regions and business entities of both nations.

Cultural, educational, and technological collaborations were also highlighted, with particular attention to expanding ties in innovation, artificial intelligence, education, and medicine. Notably, the Days of Culture of Uzbekistan, celebrated in Russia in November, were deemed a success in fostering closer cultural ties.

While the exact date and location of the upcoming meeting have not been disclosed, it is speculated that the presidents may convene during the informal summit of the heads of state of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Earlier, the Kremlin press service stated that Mirziyoyev and Putin also exchanged views on the ongoing situations in Syria and Ukraine during their recent conversation.