Vladimir Putin and Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Photo courtesy of president.uz
On the evening of December 19, Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and Vladimir Putin of Russia held a phone conversation to discuss enhancing cooperation between their countries' intelligence agencies in addressing security threats. They also reviewed ongoing collaborations within regional organizations, according to the press service of the Uzbek leader.
The call was initiated by Uzbekistan, the Kremlin emphasized.
During the conversation, Mirziyoyev expressed condolences over the deaths of Igor Kirillov, head of the Russian Armed Forces’ Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense Troops, and his assistant, Ilya Polikarpov.
«Uzbekistan strongly condemns this heinous terrorist act. The intention to continue close collaboration between the intelligence services of both countries in counter-terrorism efforts was emphasized,» the Kremlin's statement read.
Mirziyoyev also congratulated Putin on the successful hosting of his annual direct-line Q&A and the end-of-year press conference. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening mutually beneficial ties across all sectors.
Background:
Kirillov and Polikarpov were killed on December 17 in an explosion classified as a terrorist attack. The primary suspect, Ahmad Kurbanov, a 29-year-old Uzbek citizen, was apprehended. During interrogation, Kurbanov claimed he had been recruited by Ukrainian intelligence services. He has been placed under arrest until February 17, 2025.
