Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 24. The discussion focused on the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Uzbekistan, as well as current issues in the further development of Uzbek-Russian strategic partnership and alliance relations.

The leaders noted that trade and economic cooperation continues to show growth, with trade turnover increasing by 10% last year to reach $13 billion and rising by another 32% since the beginning of this year. These figures indicate steady growth in bilateral economic ties, though questions remain about its future stability amid global economic uncertainties and potential geopolitical frictions.

The conversation emphasized the implementation of major joint projects in industry, energy, and transport, particularly advancing the project to build Uzbekistan's first NPP. The work of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was highly praised, and active preparations for the international industrial exhibition "INNOPROM. Central Asia," scheduled for April in Tashkent, were highlighted.

The presidents also exchanged views on key international agenda items, including the situations in the Middle East, South Asia, and Ukraine, and discussed the schedule for upcoming contacts. These topics underscore the complex regional dynamics and the challenges both nations face in navigating global issues, with the Ukrainian conflict reportedly adding to the geopolitical tensions in the region.

Source: kun.uz