Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has hailed the strong partnership between Uzbekistan and Russia, stating that bilateral relations have reached a “whole new level.” During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday, Mirziyoyev praised the strategic partnership between the two countries and highlighted the progress made through their cooperation.
According to Mirziyoyev, the deepening ties between Uzbekistan and Russia are not limited to the government level but also extend to individual regions in both countries. He cited a regional forum held in Russia’s city of Kazan on Wednesday as an example of their growing collaboration. Mirziyoyev emphasized that there are no unresolved issues between the two nations, indicating the strength of their partnership.
In terms of trade, the volume of trade between Russia and Uzbekistan has seen a significant increase in recent years. In 2022 alone, trade between the two countries surged by 23% to $9.3 billion. Additionally, the volume of Uzbek-labeled products and services exported to Russia reached $3 billion over the same period. This demonstrates the mutually beneficial nature of their economic cooperation.
Furthermore, Uzbekistan has signed a two-year deal with Russian energy giant Gazprom to ensure the delivery of 9 million cubic meters of natural gas daily during the cold season. This agreement aims to address energy shortages in Uzbekistan and highlights the importance of energy cooperation between the two countries.
However, the partnership between Uzbekistan and Russia has faced challenges from the US and the EU. Both Western powers have accused several Uzbek companies of assisting Russia in evading their sanctions. In July, Brussels blacklisted two Uzbek firms for alleged violations, following similar actions taken by the US. These accusations emphasize the complexities and external pressures that both Uzbekistan and Russia must navigate in maintaining their partnership.
In conclusion, the relationship between Uzbekistan and Russia has entered a new phase, characterized by a deepening strategic partnership in various spheres. This has resulted in concrete benefits for both countries, including increased trade and cooperation on energy issues. Although external pressures have posed challenges to their partnership, the leaders of both nations remain committed to resolving any issues and ensuring the continued growth of their bilateral relations.
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