Prime Ministers of Russia and Uzbekistan advance strategic partnership with focus on trade, energy and industrial growth

Russia and Uzbekistan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership during the sixth meeting of the Joint Commission at the level of heads of government in Moscow. The session was led by Mikhail Mishustin and Abdulla Aripov, who reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and set out priorities for its further expansion in line with agreements reached by Vladimir Putin and Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Both sides noted that economic and investment cooperation continues to develop dynamically despite global uncertainty. Trade turnover has grown by around 12.5 per cent over the past year, with sustained positive momentum expected to support further expansion towards Uzbekistan’s goal of reaching US$30 billion in mutual trade by 2030. Over the past five years, bilateral trade has doubled.

Investment cooperation remains a key pillar of the relationship, with more than 3,200 enterprises with Russian participation operating in Uzbekistan and a joint project portfolio valued at nearly US$44 billion, reports the official website of the Russian Government.

Photo: The Russian Government

These projects span energy, mining, metallurgy, chemicals, agriculture, transport, telecommunications, logistics, digital technologies and artificial intelligence. Both governments highlighted the importance of expanding high value-added production and strengthening technological cooperation as a driver of future growth.

Energy cooperation was identified as a strategic priority, with particular attention given to the construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant. Initial construction works have already begun, marking a significant milestone in the project, which is expected to enhance long-term energy security and support industrial development.

The two sides also agreed to continue cooperation in the oil and gas sector, including increased supplies of hydrocarbons, joint drilling projects, and modernisation of refining and pipeline infrastructure.

Work is also underway to establish a railway engineering cluster focused on producing locomotives, passenger carriages and metro rolling stock. Industrial parks with Russian participation are contributing to job creation and regional development, while further expansion of such platforms is being encouraged to support joint manufacturing initiatives.

Transport and logistics cooperation continues to grow rapidly, with rising freight volumes and an unprecedented level of air connectivity, reaching 367 flights per week.