Mr Putin warmly congratulated Mr Karimov on his seventieth birthday.
The two leaders said they were happy with the way bilateral relations are developing in all of the various areas in which Russia and Uzbekistan work together. They also noted that Mr Karimov’s upcoming visit to Moscow will give additional impetus to developing bilateral cooperation.
The conversation took place on Russia’s initiative.
Mr Putin also sent Mr Karimov a message of congratulations on his seventieth birthday.
The President’s message reads, in particular:
“Your many years of work as President of Uzbekistan that have seen you harmoniously combine the wide-ranging experience of an energetic leader with faithfulness to the rich historical and cultural traditions of your people have earned you deserved authority in your country and abroad.
I value the frank and trusting dialogue that has enabled us to make steady progress in developing mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation and strengthening the strategic partnership and alliance between our countries.
I am sure that your upcoming visit to Moscow will give a powerful boost to developing our bilateral relations and will considerably increase the practical results of cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan.”