Uzbekistan holds the top position globally for hosting the largest number of Russian university branches, a success attributed to close ties with industry partners. This was highlighted by Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko during a meeting with Uzbekistan's Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov. Chernyshenko emphasized that the fruitful cooperation stems from the significant attention given by both nations’ presidents. He noted that Uzbekistan's educational initiatives, particularly under Russia’s “Priority-2030” and advanced engineering school programs, are thriving through partnerships with industrial stakeholders.
Despite global economic challenges and sanctions, Chernyshenko remarked on the continued growth in trade, economic, and investment relations between the two countries, backed by a well-established intergovernmental dialogue. Bilateral trade turnover between Russia and Uzbekistan saw an 11.5% increase in 2023, reaching 823 billion rubles. Additionally, Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development has put forth proposals for implementing 30 tourism investment projects across Russia to further investment cooperation.
Prime Minister Aripov reiterated that Uzbekistan’s relationship with Russia is based on a comprehensive strategic partnership, underpinned by the strong political will and trust between their leaders, Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Vladimir Putin. He acknowledged that President Putin’s state visit to Uzbekistan in May 2024 marked a new phase in their multifaceted cooperation.
Tourism Growth and Future Collaboration
In a separate meeting, Chernyshenko discussed tourism with Umid Shadiev, head of Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee. The tourism flow between the two countries doubled in 2023, driven by increased collaboration and additional regular flights. Shadiev proposed intensifying staff training and exchange programs in tourism to bolster sector expertise.
Russian Minister for the Development of the Far East and Arctic, Alexey Chekunkov, presented opportunities for travelers in the Far East. He extended an invitation to Uzbekistan to participate in the Eastern Economic Forum, emphasizing that the famous Uzbek hospitality and cuisine could create a unique tourism offer, fostering deeper connections between the two nations.
As part of the meeting, a cooperation memorandum was signed between the Russian State University of Tourism and Service and the Silk Road International University of Tourism. The agreement aims to develop joint educational programs in tourism, paving the way for enhanced educational collaboration.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: woweezowee/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS