Mishustin, who spoke at the Russian-Uzbek Business Forum on Friday, said that his government possesses everything necessary to establish diversified trading, also in economic spheres, project and investment cooperation with its closest neighbors, and Uzbekistan is one of them.

We build relations founded on the principles of equality, mutual respect and consideration of each other’s interests,’ Mishustin stressed.

Russia is one of Uzbekistan’s major trading partners, and last year’s results indicate that it ranks first in foreign trade turnover, ahead of China, with a share of about 18 percent, he added.

This year there is also good dynamics, and it is important to maintain the positive trends, the Russian prime minister asserted.

The senior official considers as necessary the launching of direct industrial cooperation projects, including mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, transport infrastructure and agriculture.

The expansion of logistics schemes and the formation and improvement of transport corridors will significantly contribute to the modernization of economic sectors and the increase of enterprises competitors, Mishustin concluded.

jrr/arm/mem/gfa