"We had frequent talks, and always this communication was very productive, very useful to both our countries. Strong, warm, allied relations have been established between Russia and Uzbekistan. The first president of Uzbekistan sought it, and it happened…. I am confident that we will continue this course developing partnership and cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan and embodying the precepts of the first president of the country," Medvedev said at the memorial service for Karimov in his native city of Samarkand.
Karimov was hospitalized early on Saturday after suffering a stroke. On Sunday, the Uzbek Cabinet said in a statement that Karimov's treatment would "take some time." Karimov's daughter Lola confirmed later on her Facebook page that her father had suffered a brain hemorrhage.
