"Our task now is to expedite our work to strengthen bilateral ties. This applies not only to the now traditional collaboration in the fuel and energy sector but also to joint work in such areas as aircraft building, space exploration and military-technical cooperation," Ivanov said at the session, as quoted by RIA Novosti. "But I believe that right now the most relevant issue is to prepare for the forthcoming visit by the Russian Federation president to the Republic of Uzbekistan, and that means in particular the state of readiness of the documents that are due to be signed and discussed in Tashkent on 22-23 January."

The two countries’ trade amounted to US$2.842 billion in the first 10 months of 2008, up 9% on the same period of 2007, Ivanov said in a separate RIA Novosti report, adding that this growth was set to continue. He pointed to "significant potential" in science and research and humanitarian work.

After detailed discussions the commission issued orders "to find a form for a joint enterprise to efficiently organize production of the Il-114 in Uzbekistan", according to Ivanov in a report by ITAR-TASS. Russia’s "Amalgamated Aircraft-Building Corporation and the Tashkent Aircraft Factory are continuing to work together on making Il-76 aircraft and also making upgraded Il-76s at Ulyanovsk from 2010", he was quoted as saying.