President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Mirziyoyev, I am very pleased to see you on the eve of the celebration of the Great Victory – our common victory, the victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War.
Relations between our countries in recent years have developed in the best possible way, thanks in large part, and perhaps above all, to your personal efforts. Trade and economic ties continue to grow, and major projects are being implemented. Russia remains one of the leading investors in the Uzbek economy.
Under your leadership, Uzbekistan is developing at a significant and impressive pace, and I would like to congratulate you on this.
We fully understand that under current conditions, our meetings, including those held on the occasion of celebrations, are themselves a manifestation and sign of our special relationship. A relationship that goes beyond friendship; I would describe it as truly fraternal cooperation.
The fact that the President of Uzbekistan is here despite external pressure and threats, and that tomorrow you will join me and my colleagues at the military parade on Red Square, is a special gesture. We fully appreciate this and are grateful to you for this sign of friendship and attention to our shared commemorative events.
Welcome.
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Thank you very much, Mr Putin.
First of all, I would like to congratulate you personally and the multinational people of Russia on the 81st anniversary of Victory.
Of course, this Victory is our common history, our common Victory, which we must never forget and about which we must tell our young people. You understand that our Victory has a great role to play in the education of our young people.
Today, we are holding very good events in Uzbekistan. I would like to tell you that I have spoken with many people and visited a hospital. I told them that I was going to Moscow. And they asked me to convey their regard to Vladimir Putin. They did so with pleasure.
So actually, our bilateral relations are developing very dynamically. I have told you during a telephone conversation that the INNOPROM [international industrial exhibition] has been held at a very high level. First Deputy Prime Minister [Denis] Manturov and many other people have visited it, including six governors. It was attended by 500 companies, and had a very busy programme. I have met with all of them. The dynamics is very good. Compared to last year, our trade increased by 33 percent in the first quarter, which is a good indicator.
Actually, I believe that all nations must remember their history, and I have come here so that I can tell my grandchildren, my children and the next generation that their grandfathers were heroes. This is the most important thing which we must never forget. So, please accept my congratulations once again.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much. I am aware that you are paying much attention to these historical events. The museum you have opened in Tashkent not only conveys the spirit of that period and the unity of all peoples of the Soviet Union in the face of a common threat but also the attitude of the current Uzbek leadership to these events.
Thank you for coming here.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Yes, our Victory Park is the most popular site, which young people, university students, schoolchildren and other people, including from our regions, visit. It was a desire of our people, and we have opened the park, and I feel proud every time I go there. I believe that we are doing a great deal, but it is a matter of honour for all nations to remember and be worthy of their grandfathers, great grandfathers, their their country and their nation. All this is the embodiment of our mutual understanding and friendship throughout the world, including in Uzbekistan.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you.
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