Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Nov.3 / Trend, D. Azizov.
Estonia is developing rapidly in terms of infrastructure and transit and transport opportunities, Uzbek President Islam Karimov said during a meeting with Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip this week.
Karimov received Ansip on Nov. 2.
"We have all of the necessary grounds to use our existing opportunities to establish strong bilateral relations on a mutual beneficial base," he said.
Meanwhile, Ansip expressed his gratitude to the Uzbek leader for the warm reception and Estonia's interest expanding political and economic cooperation with Uzbekistan.
According to the PM, the visit aims to improve relations with Uzbekistan, which will facilitate interaction between the EU and Central Asia.
During the talks, the sides noted that thanks to their developed transport infrastructure and favorable geographical location, Uzbekistan and Estonia may closely work in the transport sector, specifically through the Navoi FIEZ's logistic and investment potential.
According to the PM, closer cooperation could also mean using Tallinn's port to transit Uzbek goods to Europe, and applying Estonia's experience in fuel-shale processing.
During his visit which started Oct. 31, Ansip has met with Legislative Chamber Speaker Dilorom Tashmukhamedova and Senate Chairperson Ilgizar Sobirov. During the talks, the sides exchanged their opinions on current affairs and the development of ties between Uzbekistan's and Estonia's legislative bodies.
During the first half of 2010, bilateral trade amounted to $7.3 million between the two countries. Six companies with Estonian capital operate in Uzbekistan.