Mr Putin congratulated Mr Karimov on his 75th birthday and confirmed his invitation to visit Russia.

Both leaders made a high assessment of the diverse and mutually advantageous cooperation that is developing between Russia and Uzbekistan.

Mr Putin also sent Mr Karimov a telegram of congratulations on his birthday and wished him happiness, prosperity, good health and success in his important work for the benefit of Uzbekistan’s people.

Mr Putin noted that Mr Karimov’s name is associated with a whole era in Uzbekistan’s development, a period that has been accompanied by impressive economic, social and cultural achievements and major successes on the international stage. The President noted too Mr Karimov’s great influence at home and abroad and his personal contribution to developing Russian-Uzbekistani relations.

Mr Putin concluded by expressing his confidence that the two countries will continue their constructive work together.