President Islam Karimov said that it is with sincere sympathy and compassion that the people of Uzbekistan take the situation with the natural disaster that has befallen Russia.

He expressed hope that the measures being taken by the President and the Government of Russia, which Mr Karimov sees as timely and necessary, will soon allow bringing the fires under firm control and launching disaster relief operations.

Dmitry Medvedev thanked the President of Uzbekistan for his kind words and wishes, as well as his offer to provide necessary aid and assistance.

During the conversation, the leaders also discussed the situation in the Central Asian region, first and foremost, in light of the situation developing in and around Kyrgyzstan. The presidents were pleased to note the close cooperation established and maintained between Tashkent and Moscow, including within the framework of international organisations, aimed at preventing recurrences of the dramatic events that have taken place, including those related to interethnic tensions.

The two leaders expressed their firm commitment to further coordinate joint actions in the interest of maintaining stability in the region. In this regard, contacts will be maintained at all levels of the two nations’ government.

The conversation was initiated by the Uzbekistani side, the press service of Kremlin said.