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Russian President Vladimir Putin and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held the inaugural meeting of the Council of the Regions between their two countries. The council aims to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership and allied relations between Russia and Uzbekistan through enhanced regional cooperation.
Both leaders emphasized the critical role that the regions of the two countries play in expanding and strengthening bilateral ties across a wide range of areas. The agenda for the council meeting covered key topics such as deepening industrial cooperation, agricultural collaboration, and the introduction of innovations and digital technologies.
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It was noted that an impressive 78 out of 89 regions in Russia are engaged in mutually beneficial partnerships with Uzbekistan’s regions. The legal framework for these interregional ties is continuously being expanded, with dozens of agreements already in place between the governments of the two countries’ regions.
To further boost joint projects, the leaders announced the establishment of a $500 million investment fund, with Russia contributing $400 million. This fund will support promising initiatives implemented through regional cooperation.
The two countries also maintain vibrant cultural and humanitarian exchanges at the regional level, with regular festivals, concerts, theater performances, film screenings, and museum exhibitions. Additionally, the growth in regional tourism has been significant, with the number of Russian visitors to Uzbekistan’s historic sites like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva doubling last year to reach 1.2 million trips.
Overall, the inaugural Council of the Regions meeting underscores the instrumental role that subnational cooperation plays in strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and allied relations between Russia and Uzbekistan.
