Mirziyoyev and Belousov discussed strengthening the strategic partnership of the two countries

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov discussed the development and strengthening of the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership at a meeting in Tashkent on Wednesday, January 22.

"Issues of further development and strengthening of Uzbek-Russian relations of comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance in the context of practical implementation of the agreements reached during the state visit of the President of the Russian Federation [Vladimir Putin] to the Republic of Uzbekistan in May 2024 were considered," the Uzbek president's website said.

During the conversation, the two sides also stressed the importance of expanding cooperation between the defense agencies of the two countries in accordance with previously adopted program and planning documents.

On the same day, Russia and Uzbekistan signed a plan of cooperation between the countries' defense ministries for 2025 and a program of strategic partnership in the military sphere for 2026-2030. Belousov noted that Moscow and Tashkent are strategic partners and friends, their cooperation is constantly growing, which is important for security in Central Asia.

Prior to that, Putin and Mirziyoyev had a telephone conversation on December 19, 2024, and agreed to continue close cooperation between the special services of the two states in countering terrorism.