Presidents of Russia and Uzbekistan Vladimir Putin and Shavkat Mirziyoyev support the further expansion of cooperation in military and technical spheres, says a joint statement made by the two presidents following the negotiations held in Moscow April 5.

According to media reports, during the negotiations, heads of the two states exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues being of mutual importance.  

The statement, in particular, says that the fight against terrorism, separatism, extremism in all their manifestations, transnational organized crime, illegal production and trafficking of drugs, illegal trade of arms, ammunition and explosive devices, illegal migration will remain one of the priority tasks of cooperation between law enforcement agencies of the two countries.

Putin and Mirziyoyev also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the central coordinating role of the United Nations in international relations and noted that Russia and Uzbekistan intend to further adhere to the universally recognized principles and norms of international law, as well as the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, primarily those related to the maintenance of international peace, security, development of cooperation between states, mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, inviolability of borders, non-aggression and non-interference in internal affairs.

Russia and Uzbekistan will sign a $12-billion package of deals on the implementation of major investment projects and $3.8-billion trade projects, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said on April 5, according to the Russian Sputnik news agency.

The Uzbek leader noted his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the issue of oil refining.

“During this visit we are signing a package of agreements for the implementation of major investment projects worth $12 billion and trade contracts worth $3.8 billion,” Mirziyoyev said.

“We are interested in implementing promising investment projects, such as geological exploration, development of promising raw material deposits, creating enterprises for advanced gas processing,” Mirziyoyev stressed.

Gas supplies from Uzbekistan to Russia will be significantly expanded, Mirziyoyev added.