Uzbekistan and Russia discuss strengthening inter-parliamentary and interregional ties

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The 10th meeting of the Commission on Cooperation between the Federation Council of Russia and the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan took place in Kazan, where parliamentarians from both countries discussed ways to strengthen inter-parliamentary relations, develop interregional interaction, and expand cooperation in the economic and humanitarian spheres.

The meeting was held at the State Council of Tatarstan and was attended by the co-chair of the commission, Russian senator Ilyas Umakhanov, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of Uzbekistan Sodiq Safoyev, and Chairman of the State Council of Tatarstan Farid Mukhametshin.

Opening the meeting, Umakhanov expressed gratitude to the leadership of Tatarstan for its active role in developing interregional contacts, highlighting the important role of the republic’s parliament. He emphasized that in the current complex geopolitical context, Russia attaches particular importance to strengthening its strategic partnership with Uzbekistan, describing it as “a long-standing friend and reliable ally.” According to him, the parliaments of both countries should facilitate the implementation of the agreements reached between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Farid Mukhametshin noted the symbolic significance of holding the anniversary session in Kazan — a city where Eastern and Western cultures meet. He stressed that Tatarstan views the development of ties with Uzbekistan as an important part of its external economic and cultural policy. The speaker added that the republic continues to demonstrate stable growth: in 2024, Tatarstan’s gross regional product reached 5.2 trillion rubles, and the region holds leading positions in industry, construction, and agriculture.

Mukhametshin also emphasized Tatarstan’s commitment to maintaining interethnic harmony. Representatives of 175 nationalities live in the republic, including nearly 15,000 Uzbeks, whose diaspora, he said, “makes a significant contribution to the region’s social and cultural life.”

Sodiq Safoyev, in turn, noted that relations between the peoples of Uzbekistan and Tatarstan “are based on historical and cultural affinity.” He described Kazan as “a unique city that unites cultures and civilizations,” adding that trade turnover between Tatarstan and Uzbekistan is approaching 400 million dollars.

During the meeting, the sides discussed prospects for expanding agricultural exports, developing joint educational projects, and increasing tourist exchanges. Mukhametshin reported that about 2,700 students from Uzbekistan are currently studying in Tatarstan, and the branch of Kazan Federal University in Jizzakh is successfully operating.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening inter-parliamentary and interregional cooperation, based on “people’s diplomacy” and cultural rapprochement. The delegations also visited the Bashir Rameev IT Park and the House of Friendship of the Peoples of Tatarstan, where they familiarized themselves with the region’s economic and innovation potential.