Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Denis Manturov, held a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Jamshid Khodjaev, the press service of the CIS Executive Committee reports.

During the session of the Russia-Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, the parties discussed key areas of bilateral interaction, including trade, investment, tourism, and education.

According to Denis Manturov, trade and economic relations between Russia and Uzbekistan continue to grow steadily. Preliminary data indicate that mutual trade turnover increased by 5.2% last year, surpassing US$10 billion. Both Russian exports and Uzbek imports have shown positive dynamics.

Jamshid Khodjaev presented an even more optimistic outlook, stating that trade volume reached $11.7 billion, highlighting significant potential for further expansion of cooperation.

Particular attention was given to the development of interregional ties. Manturov emphasized that the regions of both countries play a crucial role in strengthening economic and investment relations. In 2024, Presidents Vladimir Putin and Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a Regional Cooperation Council meeting, resulting in agreements worth over 220 billion rubles.

Active delegation exchanges also contribute to partnership growth. Over the past year, Russian regional leaders have made 39 visits to Uzbekistan, reflecting the mutual interest in fostering direct contacts.

Tourism is another area showing strong momentum. In 2024, Russian tourists made 515,000 trips to Uzbekistan, demonstrating a growing interest in the country’s cultural and historical heritage.

Education remains a vital aspect of cooperation. Uzbekistan currently hosts 14 branches of Russian universities—the highest number among Central Asian countries. In the near future, the All-Russian Academy of Foreign Trade is set to open a branch, expanding opportunities for training highly qualified specialists.

Both sides expressed confidence in further strengthening bilateral relations. "Russia and Uzbekistan demonstrate a high level of interaction across all key sectors. I am confident that our joint efforts will elevate cooperation to a new level," Manturov emphasized.

The meeting marked an important step in advancing the strategic partnership between the two nations, which continues to grow through collaborative efforts at all levels.