“One of the focal topics of negotiations will be security and stability in Central Asia, expanded interaction of both countries in neutralizing the most dangerous challenges - international terrorism and organized crime, and in coordinated actions in the fight against illegal drugs,” a Kremlin official told Itar-Tass.

“Military-technical cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan plays a major role in promoting stability in Central Asia. It is based on the Treaty on the development of cooperation in the military sphere. In 2001 the countries concluded an agreement on joint deployment of air force and air defense to secure the airspace,” the official said.

“Other issues on the international agenda of the meeting include problems of the global financial crisis and cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan in the framework of the efforts of the international community to promote the settlement in Afghanistan and economic revival of that country,” he added.

The two presidents will pay major attention to bilateral economic cooperation, specifically in the fuel and energy complex, aircraft construction, transport, and mining industry.

The bilateral trade turnover comprised US$3.877 billion in January-November 2008, which is a 5.6% increase against the same period in 2007.

“The summit in Uzbekistan will be a continuation of the actively developing contacts and trustful dialogue at the top level that are based on the principles of strategic partnership and allied relations,” the official said.