What common ground can there be between sunny Uzbekistan and the Far East? At first glance, not much.
However, the leadership of Uzbekistan has recognized the extensive work that Russia is undertaking in the Far East, believing that the future is being shaped here, and has extended an invitation to explore and find points of connection.
It turns out we had much to discuss. Both the President of Uzbekistan and the Prime Minister, along with other leaders we met over the past two days, responded enthusiastically to the topics raised:
1.On the export of fish products and reciprocal purchases of fruits and vegetables – this will ensure the utilization of refrigerated trains;
- On the education of students in Far Eastern universities. The opportunity to take the best from Russian education while learning to collaborate with China and other Asia-Pacific countries;
- On joint projects in the mining industry. Uzbekistan hosts several world-class enterprises, and we are interested in sharing experiences and technologies, as well as in joint investments in new projects;
- On tourism – both visiting each other and investing in new tourism businesses are appealing;
- On urban development: the experience of preparing 38 master plans for the Far East and the Arctic could be beneficial for rapidly growing Uzbekistan.
And, of course, I invited my Uzbek friends to the tenth anniversary Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).
From personal impressions: Tashkent is green and comfortable. Beautiful young people chat in Russian at cafes. I was touched by the Victory Park, where the history of the Uzbek people's contribution to Victory is presented with care and intelligence. Not only through soldiers and factories. The Uzbek SSR took in 250,000 war orphans – and instead of placing them in orphanages, they were taken in by Uzbek families.
We share a great common past, which means we have a responsibility not to lose but to nurture the warmth of our relationships for building a prosperous future.