Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Zakhar Prilepin’s statements are his personal opinion, which does not even remotely reflect the official position of the Russian Federation. This was stated by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova.

She noted that Russia and Uzbekistan are linked by relations of comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance.

“And this is not just a nice phrase. They are really on the rise, as evidenced by the impressive results of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to our country in October, and the warm atmosphere that reigned at the meeting of the leaders of the two states,” she noted.

The representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry added that Russia and Central Asia are united by a common history, close human and cultural ties, trade, economic and direct economic relations.

“The heads of our states and governments set ministries, departments, and regional leaders the task of progressive development of privileged ties. In addition, we are always ready to help each other, which has been repeatedly confirmed by deeds (mutual support during the coronavirus pandemic, humanitarian assistance to residents of the affected regions, supplies of Russian energy resources during periods of abnormal cold in Central Asia, and more),” she said.

“As for the migration issue, the Russian side has repeatedly emphasized that attracting labor resources from abroad, primarily from friendly countries, meets the interests of both Russia and the states that export such services. Currently, work is underway on a whole range of regulatory, organizational, information and other measures in order to make migration cooperation more orderly and mutually beneficial,” noted Maria Zakharova.

“In connection with the above, it is quite obvious that Zakhar Prilepin’s statements are his personal opinion, which does not even remotely reflect the official position of the Russian Federation,” said a representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The Uzbek Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian Ambassador to Tashkent in connection with the words of Zakhar Prilepin. During this meeting, deep concern was expressed in connection with the statement of Zakhar Prilepin, co-chairman of the A Just Russia - For Truth party, about the possible annexation of the territory of Uzbekistan to Russia, which he made at a conference at the Rossiya Segodnya press center.