Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov met with a delegation from Karelia led by the region’s head Artur Parfenchikov.

During the meeting, significant agreements were reached to strengthen bilateral relations across various sectors, including the economy, culture, humanitarian projects, and scientific-educational initiatives.

Aripov highlighted that the foundation for new relations between Uzbekistan and Russia was laid during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent state visit to Uzbekistan. He noted that the inaugural Regional Council held in Tashkent established key directions for interregional cooperation.

The Prime Minister expressed Uzbekistan’s interest in supplying Karelia with textile and knitwear products, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. He also emphasized that the country has created a cluster for producing household appliances, which may be of interest to Karelian partners. In turn, Uzbek businesses have shown interest in imports of lumber and fish products from Karelia.

Artur Parfenchikov underlined the importance of the interregional level for fostering economic and humanitarian ties. He mentioned existing agreements, such as the supply of pumps for Uzbekistan’s mining and metallurgical industry and a contract for supplying Karelian cellulose for road construction.

The visit also included discussions on expanding cultural and educational links. The parties agreed on student and faculty exchanges between the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan and the Petrozavodsk State Glazunov Conservatory.

Additionally, they plan to cooperate in the study of petroglyphs, recognized as UNESCO cultural heritage sites in both countries.