AKIPRESS.COM - Russia and Uzbekistan have similar or identical positions on many issues of international and regional agenda, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on April 5 during the joint press conference with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

"Our countries are working together to strengthen stability and security in Central Asia and assist national reconciliation in Afghanistan. They call on the international community to join forces against terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and organised cross-border crime, coordinate their actions at the UN and successfully cooperate within the CIS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation," Putin said.

"I would like to thank the President and all our Uzbek friends for the meaningful and productive talks and for the thorough preparation of your President’s first state visit to Russia. Mr President, I am convinced that your visit will help strengthen the truly friendly and allied relations between the people of Russia and Uzbekistan," said Putin addressing to Mirziyoyev.