Vladimir Putin visited Uzbekistan. The Russian leader arrived in Samarkand on a private visit, to honor the memory of President Islam Karimov. He died on Saturday at 79 years old. Putin laid flowers at the tomb of Karimov.

The President then met with Karimov's family - his widow and daughter, and expressed his deepest condolences. Earlier, Putin noted that Karimov for all the years of Dating - has developed a good personal relationship. According to the Russian President, Karimov's contribution to the reconstruction of Uzbekistan as an independent state is invaluable. And his departure is a big loss.

Later Putin met with Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirzieev. The Russian leader expressed hope that the country's new leadership will maintain stability in the country and that the friendly relations between Russia and Uzbekistan will continue to develop.

Putin "we have established very good relations with Mr Karimov. We have laid a good basis for close relations between our countries. Built our relationship as strategic. We very much value and expect that everything that was established by President Islam Karimov, will continue. And we shall make it".

Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, "Islam Karimov said always that with Russia we have a relationship absolutely strategic, strategic partnership. And we, Vladimir Vladimirovich, will continue to develop, and the bridge that You with Mr Karimov built, will strengthen".
sections: Politics, World News