President Vladimir Putin and his Uzbek counterpart Islam Karimov are expected to sign a particular agreement during the Russian leader’s official visit to Uzbekistan’s capital Tashkent on 10 December, Ushakov said.

The document envisages “a discount in the sum of Uzbekistan’s debt, clearing the debt in a single payment, and then all the issues can be finally considered as settled,” Ushakov said.

Uzbekistan’s debt comprises the primary amount of US$500 million and accrued interests - US$388 million, he said.

The decision will allow Russia and Uzbekistan to boost bilateral cooperation, including “opening new loans in particular in the sphere of arms trade,” Ushakov said.

During Putin’s visit, the parties are expected to discuss further development of the Russian-Uzbek strategic partnership, primarily in the trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Putin and the Uzbek leadership are due to exchange views on regional stability, including the situation in Afghanistan.