They discussed bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries and ways to increase avenues of cooperation in all fields, with a focus on investment trade, tourism and culture. Shaikh Khalifa and Karimov exchanged views on a number of topics and regional and international issues.

President Karimov underscored his country’s keenness to bolster its ties with the UAE in different areas, especially in trade and investments.

The UAE, he said, has made unprecedented achievements in various fields, and is now ranked among the most developed countries in the world thanks to the wise leadership of Shaikh Khalifa.

Expressing his happiness at visiting the UAE and meeting Shaikh Khalifa, President Karimov noted that his visit clearly reflects the keenness of the leadership of both countries to extend bridges of joint cooperation and coordination.

Shaikh Khalifa held a banquet in honour of President Karimov and his accompanying delegation.

Present at the talks were General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, and other senior officials from both sides. Earlier, the Uzbek President was received on arrival by Shaikh Khalifa, Shaikh Mohammad, Shaikh Hamdan, and other shaikhs and senior officials. He was accorded an official reception with a 21-cannon salute, and later he inspected the guard of honour.

President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday received a report from the Federal National Council speaker Abul Aziz Al Ghurair on the outcome of the 13th conference of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU).

Al Ghurair led the UAE delegation to the said conference which was held in Erbil, in northern Iraq.