13-02-12 - President of Uzbekistan meets Foreign Minister of Ukraine

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met with Konstantin Grishenko Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, at Oqsaroy on 6 February. Welcoming the guest, the head of the state noted that the meeting provides a good opportunity to exchange views on a wide range of issues of Uzbek-Ukrainian relations. Ukraine and Uzbekistan have accumulated an extensive experience of fruitful cooperation in political, economic, trade and investment, cultural and humanitarian fields. Relations between our countries based on a solid legal base, which creates favorable conditions for cooperation across a whole range of mutually beneficial ways. The next round of ministries consultations held on regular basis took place during the visit of Foreign Minister of Ukraine to Uzbekistan.

These negotiations have once again confirmed the proximity and similarity of views and approaches of Uzbekistan and Ukraine on many issues of bilateral cooperation, regional and international affairs.

The two countries are actively cooperating in the framework of such international bodies as the UN and the CIS.

Political and geopolitical significance and economic potential, as well as geographical location give Ukraine and Uzbekistan important role in enhancing inter-regional trade relations, development of transport and communications links in the Commonwealth and outside it.

At the meeting, issues on cooperation in economic sphere and expanding the range of bilateral trade were also considered.

The volume of mutual trade turnover in 2011 amounted to USD 665.9 million. 48 enterprises with participation of Ukrainian capital are active in Uzbekistan.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister expressed his sincere gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan for the reception, confirming the readiness of the Ukrainian leadership to the conclusion of bilateral relations to a higher level, corresponding to the long-term interests of our countries and peoples.

Prospects of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Ukraine, regional and international issues of mutual interest have been thoroughly discussed during the talks, UzA informs.