OREANDA-NEWS  On 18 September was announced, that president of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov said on 11 September in his statement to the media that Uzbekistan, unambiguously, is interested in strengthening long-term and mutually beneficial relations with Azerbaijan.

In his statement, Uzbek leader expressed gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev for invitation and warm receipt.

President Karimov expressed his satisfaction with the result of negotiations, which took place in open and trustful atmosphere. He said the sides considered wide-scale issues of bilateral cooperation, regional and international issues. He added that the sides have common positions on majority of issues, discussed at the meetings.

Islam Karimov said that seven inter-state and intergovernmental documents and contracts will serve as impulse for development of bilateral relations and lay good foundation for realization of mutually beneficial joint projects.

He said that during talks, the sides underlined that interdependency of South Caucasus and Central Asia and similarity of regional problems, which two states are facing.

Uzbek President Islam Karimov said Uzbekistan supported peaceful solution to Nagorno Karabakh problem. "We also think that to ensure Azerbaijan's territorial integrity should be one of the main principles of the settlement of the conflict. In my opinion the model for the solution to Nagorno Karabakh problem offered by Azerbaijan is optimal and acceptable. Of course, this is my opinion, but I am sure that all, who objectively assess the happenings within the past 17 years, will agree to it. Karabakh problem began in 1988 and I think all, who attentively followed the processes, unambiguously support the position of Azerbaijan," he said.

He added that the decisions, adopted on the results of the talks, paid a special attention to necessity to increase economic and trade turnover, expansion of trade-economic relations, deepen cooperation in cultural0humanitarian sphere between the countries.