MOSCOW, March 20. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a message of congratulations to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, expressing hope that the strategic partnership between them will continue to strengthen, according to a statement released on the Kremlin’s website on Sunday.

"I firmly believe that we will continue to strengthen Russia-Uzbekistan strategic partnership and allied relations in every possible way. This clearly meets the interests of our friendly nations and follows the course of ensuring peace and stability in Central Asia," the statement said.

"Russia and Uzbekistan have acquired considerable experience in beneficial cooperation in all areas, arranged constructive interaction within the CIS, SCO and other multilateral structures, and coordination of efforts in countering challenges and threats to regional security" in the past decades, Putin noted.