Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Feb.29 / Trend, D. Azizov /
President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received a member of parliament, British Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond on Tuesday, who arrived in Tashkent on an official visit on Monday, Uzbekistan National News Agency (UzA) reported.
President Karimov stressed that this meeting provides a good opportunity for extensive exchange of views on the state of the Uzbek-British relations, further cooperation priorities and assessment of the situation in the region.
A pragmatic approach to building bilateral relations allows outlining broad prospects for deepening and enhancing dialogue, strengthening mutual understanding and thereby creating a safe environment and conditions for cooperation development.
During the conversation, the sides discussed issues of regional security and stability, settlement of the situation in Afghanistan, as well as opportunities for development of bilateral military and military-technical cooperation.
At present, Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom cooperate in the international arena, inter-parliamentary contacts, consultations of the foreign ministries, joint work at the level of ministries and departments became regular.
The UK is one of the most important economic partners of Uzbekistan in Europe. Some 419 enterprises with the participation of the British capital successfully operate in the country, also representatives of 95 companies are accredited to the country. Westminster International University in Tashkent plays an important role in strengthening the human resources of Uzbekistan. Together with the University of Cambridge work is carried out to create the Centre of High Technology in Tashkent.
According to official Uzbek media outlets, British Secretary of State for Defence held talks in Uzbek Defense Ministry, where the current state and prospects of bilateral military and military-technical cooperation were discussed. Both sides also exchanged views on the existing military-political situation in the region.
Hammond stressed the positive dynamics of development of bilateral relations with the Defense Ministry of Uzbekistan, as well as the British side's commitment to their gradual expansion on a wide range of issues.
During the visit, the UK delegation visited the Senate of Oliy Majlis (upper house of parliament) of Uzbekistan, where it held a meeting with members of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Visitors from the UK visited the Independence Square and laid flowers at the Monument of Independence and Humanism.