This is Islam Karimov’s first trip abroad after his re-election to the post of president in December last year. The official part of the visit will start on Wednesday, 6 February.

In the run-up to Islam Karimov’s visit, Vladimir Putin said that "he values strategic partnership and allied relations with Uzbekistan". "I am sure that your forthcoming visit to Moscow will give a strong impetus to the further development of bilateral relations, and a significant improvement in the practical results of cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan," says a telegram Vladimir Putin sent to the Uzbek president on 30 January on the occasion of his 70th birthday.