Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Uzbekistan.

“The partnership between Russia and Uzbekistan has developed to a heightened level of strategic alliance in the recent years, with the bilateral cooperation growing in the spheres of politics, trade and economy,” said Putin on Monday.

“Hopefully both countries will continue on strengthening their relations for the sake of their nations and the regional peace and security in Central Asia,” the president added.

“During the recent years, Russian-Uzbek ties grew to the level of strategic cooperation. A substantial political dialogue is developing, as well as a productive cooperation in the sphere of trade and economy, science and technologies, humanitarian and other spheres. Our countries are effectively cooperating in settling issues of regional and international agenda,” Putin said.

Currently Russian and Uzbek foreign ministries are planning for Mirziyoyev to visit Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Saturday.

During the visit both sides are likely to ratify a military-technical cooperation agreement, according to the documents made public by the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia.