Uzbekistan and the OSCE have conducted fruitful cooperation in such fields as strengthening regional stability, boosting environmental protection and promoting economic and cultural exchanges among OSCE members, Karimov said while meeting with the OSCE rotating chairman, Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb.

The two sides also exchanged views on further development of their constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Regarding cooperation between Uzbekistan and Finland, Karimov said his country regards Finland as a partner and the two sides have long forged friendly and mutually beneficial relations.

Finland has showed understanding for Uzbekistan over many issues, he added.

Stubb, who is on a working tour of central Asia, arrived in Uzbekistan after wrapping up a visit to Tajikistan. He will also visit Turkmenistan.