Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- President of Russia Dmitriy Medvedev received his Uzbek counterpart Islam Karimov in Kremlin on Tuesday, 20 April 2010. Dmitriy Medvedev, welcoming the guest, said Uzbekistan is strategic partner for Russia. He said Russia developed and will develop relations with friendly state in every possible way. “We want to develop these relations, especially in context of various processes, which took place in the world and our regions. These processes are not simple,” he said. “If speak on economic situation, international financial crisis affected all countries and our relations, Unfortunately, even trade turnover fell. Although, it did not decreased radically and we have all chances to fill up. If we adopt for these steps, if we realize corresponding programmes, projects and contracts.” “In other hand, besides financial crisis (it seems our planet is overcoming it), there are large number of difficulties, threats, which are typical for our region. This is situation around Afghanistan, which require sensible solution, and large number of internal problems,” the Russian leader said. Speaking about situation in Kyrgyzstan, Medvedev said: “It is clear that both Russia and Uzbekistan are interested in strong government in Kyrgyzstan and well-being of people of Kyrgyzstan.” In his turn, President Islam Karimov said Uzbekistan considers the visit of the Uzbek President as good opportunity to critically review current relations between Uzbekistan and Russia. “I believe our relations are great, but, unfortunately, these opportunities remain unclaimed (obviously, due to crisis).” Uzbek leader Islam Karimov said the sides should fill with substance such agreements on strategic partnership and allied relations. “We in Uzbekistan pay great attention to turning these documents into linking unit of our relations with Russia.” He said there are topics to discuss and determine priorities, which can be realized already now. “Current situation gives us enough optimism to think about those opportunities, which we can enable in relations with Russia and Uzbekistan”, the leader underlined. Uzbek head said Uzbekistan sees in Russia as reliable and tried partner, which showed and proved that Russia is decisive link in ensuring security in the world and in the region, including Central Asia. Dmitry Medvedev and President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov discussed the prospects of trade and economic cooperation between their two countries and pressing problems in Central Asia, as well as the situation in Kyrgyzstan. The presidents of Russia and Uzbekistan issued a Joint Statement on the results of their consultations reflecting their mutual desire to expand high-level contacts and deepen cooperation in various fields by implementing concrete projects in machine and aircraft manufacturing, space exploration, transportation infrastructure and other promising sectors. The presidents called for the further development of cooperation within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation and noted with satisfaction that the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has become a significant factor of the international politics. The state leaders discussed the difficult situation in Afghanistan and the degree of threats emanating from its territory, including expansion of drug-trafficking, and reiterated the importance of swiftly establishing peace and stability in the country. Both Russia and Uzbekistan support increasing cooperation to combat the production and supply of drugs. The Statement notes that the Russian party considers adopting a common approach to the issues of water and energy supply in Central Asia, especially by the countries of the region, a priority, and would welcome agreements to this effect. In light of the upcoming 65th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the presidents of Russia and Uzbekistan congratulated war veterans and home front workers on this significant date. Officials of Uzbekistan and Russia signed a package of documents at the presence of the Presidents of two states, including: • Programme of cooperation between the Government of Russia and the Government of Uzbekistan in cultural-humanitarian sphere for 2010-2012 • Memorandum of understanding between the Government of Russia and the Government of Uzbekistan on assisting realization of the list of events in military-technical cooperation for 2010-2012 • Protocol between Federal Customs Service (Russia) and the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan on organization of experiment on preliminary informing