"As far as the EurAsEC is concerned, President Medvedev’s visit is bilateral. Each country has absolutely every right to decide which international associations to join or not. It will be a bilateral visit. It has nothing to do with the functioning of the EurAsEC, which is to hold its own summit soon," Lavrov said.

The Russian minister also welcomed Uzbekistan’s improved relationship with the European Union.

"Why should we be concerned about it? Like Russia, Uzbekistan has been pursuing a multi-vector foreign policy. We are interested in Uzbekistan being treated normally. We want this policy of sanctions, which should disappear from international relations altogether, to stop," he said.

"We would only be happy if the EU begins building normal, transparent, mutually beneficial and mutually respectful relations with Uzbekistan," he added.