According to Alexander Yakovenko, an official foreign ministry spokesman, Russia and Uzbekistan were discussing ways to step up efforts against terrorism and drug traffic on a bilateral basis and within the CIS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and other international and regional organizations.
The two countries are also discussing "prospects for bilateral cooperation as part of the global community's efforts under the UN's aegis to help rebuild Afghanistan and to counter the drug threat emanating from the country," Yakovenko said.
Economic contacts are also central on the bilateral agenda as Russia and Uzbekistan are pursuing major projects in the fuel and energy sector, developing hydrocarbon fields and transporting hydrocarbon resources from Uzbek territory. The two countries are also emphasizing investment cooperation and the development of water facilities, Yakovenko said.
"The two countries are also discussing developments in Uzbekistan and Central Asia as a whole in the wake of the May 13 unrests in Andijan," he said.
Gunmen raided a prison and several government buildings in Andijan, Uzbekistan's fourth largest city. The authorities responded by deploying troops to the city. According to their estimates, 170 were killed in the clashes. However, journalists and human rights organizations say the death toll reached hundreds of people.
