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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Mirziyoyev,

Thank you very much for attending the opening of [the Games of the Future]. It is going to be a big event.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Very big, more than 100 countries.

Vladimir Putin: Yes, we have 104 countries here. Such wide representation. But I know that there are athletes from Uzbekistan as well, competing in five disciplines, I think.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Yes, there are 19 athletes; this is the first time.

Vladimir Putin: I think it will be really interesting for all fans of these unusual, frankly speaking, but very promising sports. In any case, young people around the world are increasingly interested in this type of sport today.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev: E-sports.

Vladimir Putin: Yes, a curious thing. It will be enjoyable to watch. This is the first point.

Second. Recently, a large Russian government delegation visited Uzbekistan, at our initiative. They met with their colleagues in Tashkent and I know that you have also taken the time to meet with some of our representatives. I think we should talk about this, and I would like to hear a few words about your assessment of what is happening. Our economic ties in the main areas are growing rapidly, and the prospects are good.

Actually, to be honest, I do not even see any issues that would require additional intervention on our part, at our level. The fund we talked about…

Shavkat Mirziyoyev: The discussion is underway.

Vladimir Putin: Yes, it is, and it can be a very good and effective tool, and a very substantive one.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev: We have a big goal.

Vladimir Putin: Yes, $500 million is a good financial foundation for implementing the plans that we have outlined.

I am delighted to see you.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Mr Putin, thank you once again for inviting me. It is always a pleasure for me to come to a wonderful historical city like Kazan, as I told you over the telephone.

And today, I am impressed by this surprising concept, your initiative, 300 teams from over 100 countries – 104 countries, to be exact. We have also established a federation [of cyber sports]. I think your initiative is likely to be carried out because we must stay ahead of the ideas of our youth and create more opportunities for them. Young people all go for cyber sport anyway. If they do both cyber sport and traditional sport…

Vladimir Putin: If they move a little.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Yes, yes. With this we are compelling them to move a little. I think our athletes are already making big progress.

Our minister of sport is in close contact with yours. What did Russia start with? You have gained experience over two years, as well as methods, methodology. Before coming here, I instructed my colleagues to analyse how we will introduce this at schools and universities. This is a big question. I believe if we cooperate with you and take your accumulated experience, we will be in a great shape.

Vladimir Putin: This is exactly what we will do.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev: So, I would like to thank you again for inviting me, for such a warm, hospitable reception and for these conditions. Kazan is a beautiful big city.

Vladimir Putin: Have another sightseeing tour of Kazan. I know that you like this city very much.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Yes, I do like it.

And our bilateral meetings. Thank you very much that you have formed such a big team, with Mr Manturov at the head, as we agreed. Transport Minister Savelyev was there as well. By the way, I also just learned that he is from Tashkent. He was born in Tashkent.

Vladimir Putin: Your people are everywhere. (Laughter.)

Shavkat Mirziyoyev: So, we have agreed on everything.

But the main point is that I have set a very serious goal for them, Mr Putin.

Russia will soon hold a big political event – the Presidential election. We are confident that the people of Russia have probably already voted. We in Uzbekistan are absolutely confident in your victory. As we agreed, one of your first visits will be to Uzbekistan. I have told my entire team that as always, this visit must be historical and intensive in all respects. I am preparing very seriously for it.

Our trade is over 10 billion [dollars] – we have never seen such figures.

We covered all issues with your team. This year, 2024, we want to spend five rather than ten billion. We have real projects, real performers, real regions, real areas and big projects. You have a big team on your side. They discussed every item with pencil in hand. I spoke with each of them in detail and we received real results.

The second important question is transport, the construction of a new railway via Afghanistan. Savelyev also was with us, and we came to terms with him. Both our own and our Russian colleagues are interested in taking part in this project and moving ahead.

I have a very good base of investment components. I must tell you that we do not have such a base with any other country. It is about $45 billion. We have many promising projects.

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