In the presence of Uzbek Prime Minister Shantak Mirziyayev and Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov both parties signed agreements on cooperation in aircraft building, the oil and gas sector, as well as customs interaction.

In particular, Ivanov and Mirziyayev signed a protocol in the course of the 10th session of the inter-governmental commission on economic cooperation.

Earlier in the day, Ivanov met Uzbek President Islam Karimov to discuss a wide range of issues, including trade and economic interaction between the two countries.

A member of the Russian delegation told Itar-Tass that Karimov had thanked Ivanov for Moscow’s attention to bilateral contacts within the inter-governmental commission on economic cooperation. The Russian official also confirmed that Uzbekistan sought to develop partnership with Russia and hoped for Russia’s readiness for this.

The Uzbek president supported the Russian leadership’s drive for developing the country’s economy. In his view, Russia and its neighbours, including Uzbekistan, will benefit from this, the Russian official stressed.

Ivanov and Karimov also discussed interaction in other fields, as well as the situation in the region.

Karimov said he is satisfied with the development of Uzbek-Russian economic cooperation. "We are satisfied with the efficient development of Uzbek-Russian cooperation."

Alongside good bilateral relations the president noted "untapped reserves of cooperation in such sectors as transport, energy and agriculture."

Karimov said he is sure that Ivanov’s visit will intensify cooperation precisely in these sectors of the economy.

Ivanov said he is convinced that Russia will be able to occupy more than 50% of Uzbekistan’s investment market. "Russia is Uzbekistan’s key investor. It accounts for 40% of the Central Asian republic’s total foreign investments."

"But I would not make illusions and would raise the issue that Russia should overcome a 50% mark," he said.

Ivanov reiterated that Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov spoke about Russia’ s opportunity to reach the investment volume of US$2 billion.

"This objective seems quite achievable already in the near future. Our commission will take efforts to reach this goal, too," Ivanov said.