OREANDA-NEWS. April 20, 2010. Talks were held in both restricted and expanded formats. Dmitry Medvedev and President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov discussed the prospects of trade and economic cooperation between their two countries and pressing problems in Central Asia, as well as the situation in Kyrgyzstan.

President Medvedev emphasised that deepening strategic partnership with Uzbekistan is in Russia’s long-term interests.

In turn, President Karimov noted that Russia is Uzbekistan’s reliable, trusted partner, and stressed the substantiveness and openness of the talks that just took place. The President of Uzbekistan also commended Russia’s role in ensuring peace and stability in Central Asia and globally.

The presidents of Russia and Uzbekistan issued a Joint Statement on the results of the consultations and witnessed the signature of various agreements on cooperation in the cultural, educational, and military technical spheres, as well as between customs authorities.

Following the talks, Dmitry Medvedev and Islam Karimov made press statements.