President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received Prime Minister of Ukraine Victor Yanukovich at the presidential residence Oqsaroy on 26 April.

As earlier reported, Ukrainian Prime Minister arrived in Uzbekistan on 25 April and had to shorten his visit’s programme due to political crisis in Ukraine. However, he meet his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyayev and Uzbek President Islam Karimov.

Uzbek President Islam Karimov said the visit of Ukrainian delegation, including members of government and businesses, Uzbekistan evaluates as evidence for interest of Ukraine in cooperation with Uzbekistan.

He said interaction between Uzbekistan and Ukraine, based on mutual trust and interest, are effective for both sides.

Yanukovich said Ukraine is interested in development of multilateral cooperation with Uzbekistan. He expressed gratitude to Uzbek President for frank receipt.

The sides exchanged opinion on further strengthening of wide-scale cooperation, lift relations to new opportunity and potential of two states.

Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Ukraine made up US$615.3 million in 2006 against US$330.8 million in 2005. Over 40 Uzbek-Ukrainian joint ventures operate in Uzbekistan and 12 offices of firms and companies of Ukraine. Some 26 joint ventures with Uzbek capital work in Ukraine.