Top Russian diplomat visits Uzbekistan to deepen strategic alliance, celebrate World War II anniversary

ISTANBUL

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited the Uzbek city of Samarkand from April 22–23, where he met with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and held talks with his counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov to reinforce bilateral ties and regional cooperation, according to a Russian Foreign Ministry press release Wednesday.

The officials discussed preparations for the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, and Lavrov laid flowers at the Grieving Mother monument, symbolizing their shared historical memory.

Talks focused on implementing key agreements from President Vladimir Putin’s 2024 visit to Uzbekistan, hailed as a turning point in bilateral relations.

“We welcome the steady development of the strategic partnership and alliance between our countries,” the statement said.

The ministers noted the growing collaboration in politics, economy, science and culture.

More than 115 joint investment projects worth 3.2 trillion rubles are active in Uzbekistan alongside $13 billion in Russian capital.

Nearly 80 Russian regions cooperate with Uzbekistan and 3,000 joint companies operate in the country.

Lavrov praised Uzbekistan’s engagement with the Eurasian Economic Union and its recent BRICS partner status, suggesting deeper integration into major global platforms.

The two sides exchanged views on the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), UN and broader regional concerns, including Afghanistan and the Middle East. The Central Asia Plus Russia format was highlighted as a platform for future cooperation.

• Bakhtiyor Saidov
• Russia
• Samarkand
• Sergey Lavrov
• Shavkat Mirziyoyev
• UZBEKISTAN
• Victory in the Great Patriotic War