Uzbek leader heads to Russia for economic forum, high-level talks with Putin

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is set to visit St. Petersburg this week for high-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, participation in a major international economic forum, and the launch of a landmark nuclear energy project aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.

As Caliber.Az reports, citing Uzbek media, during the visit, Mirziyoyev is scheduled to take part in the plenary session of the 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and deliver a keynote address. This year's forum is being held under the theme “Pragmatic Dialogue: the Path to a Stable Future.”

The Uzbek leader is expected to share his views on current trends in the global economy, outline prospects for expanding economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia, and present the country's key development priorities.

The agenda of the visit also includes bilateral talks between Mirziyoyev and Putin, during which the two leaders are expected to discuss issues of mutual interest and the further development of strategic cooperation.

In addition, Mirziyoyev will participate in a ceremony marking the start of construction of Uzbekistan’s first integrated nuclear power plant, a landmark project in the country’s energy sector.

Earlier reports suggested that the small-scale nuclear power plant project in Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh region could generate contracts worth up to 2 trillion rubles (approximately $24.7 billion) for Russian companies involved in its implementation.

By Vafa Guliyeva