TASHKENT, January 22. /TASS/. The plan for military cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan for 2025, along with the strategic partnership program in the military sector for 2026-2030, will be signed in Tashkent on Wednesday, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov stated.
"In addition to discussing key issues related to military and defense cooperation and the current regional situation, we have prepared several critical documents for signing. These include the cooperation plan for 2025 and the strategic partnership program for 2026-2030," Belousov said during talks with his Uzbek counterpart Shukhrat Khamukhamedov.
The Russian defense minister emphasized that "Russia and Uzbekistan are strategic partners and long-time friends." In his view, cooperation between Moscow and Tashkent "has reached an advanced level of mutual understanding and is expanding." "This is particularly crucial in today’s global environment. The leaders of Russia and Uzbekistan are devoted to strengthening ties between the security agencies of both countries. Our joint efforts have significantly contributed to security in Central Asia, and we place great importance on today’s meeting," Belousov explained.
At the start of the talks, he expressed his pleasure at meeting and personally getting acquainted with his counterpart, thanking him for the invitation to visit Tashkent and the warm reception. "Once again, I would like to congratulate you on your appointment as defense minister of Uzbekistan and wish you success in this vital role," the senior Russian military official said.
He added that the Russian delegation in Tashkent includes heads of organizations involved in military and defense cooperation. Belousov expressed confidence that the meeting would mark a new phase of collaboration between the two countries in defense matters. "Let’s begin by addressing the pressing issues on our agenda," Belousov suggested. The talks proceeded behind closed doors.