"We see your visit as a very good opportunity to exchange opinions on important issues of bilateral and multilateral relations," Karimov said during his meeting with Putin in Tashkent. "Above all this has to do with topical and urgent problems we have been observing and on which we have our own opinion" Karimov said. "We are ready not only to discuss them with you, but also to clearly express our stance on all these issues," the Uzbek president told the Russian prime minister.

The Uzbek president said that Russia "was and remains a priority partner" of his country. He said that agreements on strategic and allied relations between the two countries, which were signed several years ago, "are opening a vast field for work".

Islam Karimov thanked Vladimir Putin for "keeping his promises strictly", including his promise to visit Uzbekistan.

He described the meeting with the head of the Russian government as "a meeting of old friends". "My attitude towards Vladimir Putin has developed over many years. I said back in 2000 that one can share a foxhole with this man. I have not changed my mind since then," the Uzbek president said.

Islam Karimov said: "I would like Russia’s and Uzbekistan’s opinions to coincide" on prospects of their cooperation.