On March 3, First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzhaparova met with Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Ukraine Alisher Kurmanov.

The parties pointed out mutual intention to intensify bilateral dialogue on a wide range of issues, specifically, in the area of trade, interaction within international organizations, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

The First Deputy Minister drew attention to Ukraine’s aspiration to obtain observer status in the Turkic Council, which is an organization that unites the Turkic world (Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan are among the members).

"Obtaining the observer status will not only provide additional opportunities to develop relations with member states of the Council but will also allow Ukraine to demonstrate its special ties with the Turkic world," Emine Dzhaparova said.

The First Deputy Minister also emphasized the importance of Ukraine obtaining observer status in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in the near future, which will ensure closer cooperation with the Muslim world and deepen bilateral relations with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states.

Emine Dzhaparova confirmed that Ukraine was looking forward to welcoming the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan during the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the Independence of Ukraine and at the events within the framework of the inaugural Summit of the Crimea Platform.