"In conditions of the dramatically-changing and complicated geopolitical situation in the world, Uzbekistan attaches great significance to forming an effective mechanism of consultations and exchange of information with the Egyptian side," Uzbek President Islam Karimov said during a meeting with Egyptian President Muhammad Husni Mubarak in Cairo, a Regnum news agency correspondent was told at the Uzbek Foreign Ministry on 20 April.

The president noted that "we are very much interested in further intensifying cooperation with Egypt within the frameworks of the UN, the Organization of Islamic Conference and other organizations, and in developing a common position on the most important strategic directions that are of equal interest for both sides".

Karimov described "the implementation of existing opportunities to expand trade and economic relations between our countries on a larger scale as a priority". "Uzbekistan is interested in establishing investment cooperation with members of Egyptian business circles in various spheres of the economy, including pharmaceutics, light industry, the manufacture of electrotechnical equipment, construction materials, and consumer goods, as well as in the sphere of developing tourism," the Uzbek leader said.

The president also called cooperation in the spheres of culture, science and education an important direction of Uzbek-Egyptian relations. "Joint studies of the cultural and historical heritage and intensifying relations in science and education will serve to strengthen the friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries," he noted.

Karimov noted the centuries-old friendship, and said the two peoples had many things in common regarding religion and culture.