Putin and Mirziyoyev to Meet in China Ahead of SCO Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to hold talks with his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his upcoming visit to China, RIA News reports.

Yury Ushakov, aide to the Russian president, confirmed that the two leaders will focus on issues of bilateral cooperation. It has also been announced that President Mirziyoyev will attend the Victory Parade in Beijing, an event marking the 80th anniversary of China’s liberation from Japan. Xinhua reports that invitations have been extended to 21 heads of state.

President Putin will be in China from August 31 to September 3, while Mirziyoyev, speaking at Uzbekistan’s 34th Independence Day celebrations, stated he would depart for Beijing on August 30.

«We will take part in a major conference in China — the SCO summit, where we plan to hold numerous meetings and events,» the Uzbek leader said.

He added that the outcomes of the summit would further strengthen Uzbekistan’s role and standing on the international stage and contribute to advancing the country’s multi-vector foreign policy.