Sergei Ivanov is visiting Uzbekistan to participate next session of intergovernmental commission on cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan, conference on cooperation between two states. It is expected that he will attend the launch of the Hauzak gas deposit in southwestern Bukhara region, a joint Uzbek-Russian project which was planned to start this year.

Welcoming the guest, the Uzbek leader said the cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia is developing in line with agreement on allied relations, which was signed in 2005.

Sergei Ivanov expressed gratitude to the Uzbek President for warm reception. He said Russia highly values cooperation with Uzbekistan, partnership relations, developing in all spheres.

The sides exchanged opinions on existing problems in development of cooperation between two states and other issues of mutual interest.

Russia is the largest trade partner of Uzbekistan and its share in Uzbekistan’ foreign trade makes up 30%. Trade turnover between states comprised US$3 billion in 2006.