Putin and Mirziyoyev Strengthen Bilateral Ties with Key Agreements in Tashkent

On May 27, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to solidify their countries' bilateral relations. The meeting, highlighted by a joint photo opportunity, saw the two leaders sign several significant agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in various sectors.

A central outcome of the meeting was the accord for Russia to build a small nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan. This project, which envisions six reactors with a total capacity of 330 megawatts, marks the first nuclear power plant in Central Asia. President Mirziyoyev emphasized the project's importance, noting Uzbekistan's substantial uranium reserves. Putin vowed to work effectively on Uzbekistan's nuclear energy market.

In addition to the nuclear agreement, the two leaders signed a total of 27 documents to expand cooperation across various fields. These included agreements on technical assistance in metrology, joint film production, sanitary and epidemiological well-being, and fisheries. A significant agreement was also made to establish a branch of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University in Uzbekistan.

Why this matters: The strengthening of bilateral ties between Russia and Uzbekistan has significant implications for regional politics and global energy markets. This cooperation could lead to increased economic influence and security cooperation in Central Asia, potentially altering the regional balance of power.

The meeting also focused on enhancing trade relations. A roadmap for increasing trade turnover and industrial cooperation was signed, with the goal of reaching a trade volume of $30 billion in the near future. The trade turnover between the two countries from January to April 2024 amounted to $3.8 billion, a 31% increase compared to the same period last year.

Energy cooperation was another key topic. Putin pledged to increase gas deliveries to Uzbekistan, reversing the historical trend where Russia imported hydrocarbons from Central Asia. This move is part of a broader strategy to shore up support amid ongoing tensions with the West over the conflict in Ukraine.

Cultural and humanitarian exchanges were also discussed, with plans to adopt a program of cultural cooperation. Over 30 events of the Russian Seasons project were held in Uzbekistan in 2023, including educational master classes, film screenings, theater performances, and exhibitions.

In the defense sector, the two leaders signed a statement emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation in defense and security matters. They agreed to focus on combating terrorism, extremism, illicit drug and arms trafficking, cross-border organized crime, human trafficking, and economic crimes.

The agreements and discussions during this meeting highlight the deepening ties between Russia and Uzbekistan. As President Mirziyoyev stated, "Uzbekistan-Russia cooperation has reached a historic high, encompassing all aspects of interstate interaction. "*

The series of agreements signed during this state visit highlights the commitment of both nations to strengthen their bilateral relations across multiple domains, paving the way for future cooperation and development.

Key Takeaways

• Russia to build a small nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan, the first in Central Asia.
• Russia and Uzbekistan sign 27 agreements to expand cooperation in various fields.
• Trade turnover between the two countries increases by 31% to $3.8 billion from Jan-Apr 2024.
• Russia to increase gas deliveries to Uzbekistan, reversing historical trend.
• Cooperation agreements signed in defense, culture, and education sectors.