Mr Putin welcomed Islam Karimov and his decision to pay his first official visit to Moscow, Russia, after elections and inauguration.

He said this is the sign that our relations will develop as previous years. Russian president noted that bilateral relations grew successfully and added the bilateral trade turnover increased by 37% to nearly US$3 billion. At the same time, he said the political part of cooperation is stable and confident.

Vladimir Putin expressed hope that the relations will develop further.

In his turn, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov also noted the current visit displays unique relations between two states. He said Uzbekistan respects Russia and noted sustainable growth of relations between the countries.

Uzbek leader said there is powerful legal base for cooperation of relations and agreement on strategic and allied relations serve as good ground for further sustainable development.

Islam Karimov quoting Uzbek statistics said the bilateral trade turnover increases by 40% for last several years. He said the trade turnover between countries in 2007 made up US$4.03 billion.

Uzbek head said the aim of the visit is to review our cooperation and determine priorities for short-term and long-term perspectives.

After face-to-face negotiations, the sides continued discussion in expanded structure. On the results of the talks, Vladimir Putin and Islam Karimov signed a joint statement.

The countries also inked several other joint documents, including economic cooperation programme and action plan for 2008-2012, agreement on integration of Tashkent Aircraft Production Plant named after Chkalov (TAPOiCh) to United Aircraft Construction Corporation.

Afterwards, the leaders of two states made statements for mass media.