Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will make an official visit to Uzbekistan on September 9-10. According to the press service of the Russian prime minister, the trip will include the fifth meeting of the joint commission between the two countries at the level of heads of government, taking place in Tashkent.
The meeting will address current issues of bilateral trade, economic relations, investment, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Special focus will be given to advancing major projects in industry, energy, transportation, and agriculture, among other areas of mutual interest. These discussions will build on the agreements made during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Uzbekistan on May 26-28, 2024, which aimed to deepen cooperation in trade, economics, and cultural exchanges.
Following the commission meeting, a joint communiqué will be released, and intergovernmental and interdepartmental agreements will be signed.
Bilateral Relations
Russia remains Uzbekistan's key trade partner. In 2023, the mutual trade turnover rose by 11.5% compared to 2022, reaching $9.7 billion. In the first half of 2024, trade turnover increased by 8.7%, totaling $4.8 billion. Russian investments in Uzbekistan’s economy now exceed $13 billion.
Energy cooperation is a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. The expansion of partnerships in the gas sector is seen as vital for both nations and contributes to Central Asia’s energy security.
Educational ties between the two countries are also growing. Over 61,000 Uzbek students are pursuing higher education in Russia. For the 2024/25 academic year, the Russian government has allocated 800 state-funded spots for Uzbek students. Uzbekistan is home to 14 branches of Russian universities, including Lomonosov Moscow State University and Plekhanov Russian University of Economics. Joint projects such as “Klass!”, “Kid,” and “Power of Mind” are ongoing, aimed at enhancing access to high-quality Russian-language education. Cultural collaboration also plays a significant role in bilateral relations, with plans for Uzbekistan to host Days of Russian Cinema and Russia to hold Days of Uzbek Culture in 2024.
Broader Cooperation
Uzbekistan is an active observer country in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). It has established a productive dialogue with the Eurasian Economic Commission, allowing for important initiatives to strengthen its cooperation with the EAEU.
The two countries also collaborate through the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Uzbekistan plays a significant role in fostering cultural and humanitarian integration within the CIS.
Russia and Uzbekistan are committed to working together within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Both nations are keen on implementing SCO projects in high technology, transportation, food and energy security, and addressing climate change.
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Photo: official website of the Rais RT
Based on materials from TASS