Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 23 April 2021, the International Institute of Central Asia (IICA) hosted a meeting with Timofei Bodachev, Program Director of the Valdai International Discussion Club.

During the event, the participants exchanged views on promising areas of Uzbek-Russian cooperation, positive trends in regional partnership in Central Asia.

The Russian expert was informed about the goals and objectives of the International Institute of Central Asia, as well as the International Conference “Central and South Asia: Regional Interconnectedness. Challenges and Opportunities” scheduled for July 2021 in Tashkent.

Opening the meeting, Director of the International Institute of Central Asia A. Nasirov stressed that Uzbekistan traditionally considers Russia as a reliable partner in all spheres of bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Thanks to the efforts of the Leaders of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh. Mirziyoyev and the Russian Federation V. Putin, the strategic partnership and alliance of the two countries has been brought to a new level and ensures the progressive dynamics of interaction in the fields of politics, security, economics, education, healthcare and culture.

Investment cooperation is actively developing. The volume of attracted Russian investments reached about US$10 billion. As of the beginning of 2021, 2,093 enterprises with the participation of the Russian side are operating in Uzbekistan. Interregional and humanitarian exchanges are actively expanding.

T.Bordachev noted that Uzbekistan is a time-tested partner of Russia, being a reference example of reliability and predictability. The successful regional policy of the country, carried out under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, aimed at ensuring stability and sustainable development in Central Asia, was especially emphasized.

In addition, a positive assessment was given to the initiative of Uzbekistan to enhance interregional interaction between Central and South Asia.

An exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest also took place. An agreement was reached to establish a regular dialogue in order to exchange views on the regional situation.

The Valdai International Discussion Club was founded in 2004. The club owes its name to the venue of the first conference, which took place in Veliky Novgorod, near Lake Valdai.

The intellectual potential of the Valdai Club is highly appreciated in Russia and abroad. Over the years of the Club’s existence, more than 1000 representatives of the international scientific community from 71 countries of the world have taken part in its work.