Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

Uzbekistan and Spain have signed a memorandum of cooperation program between the foreign ministries of the two countries for 2014-2016.

The document was unedrsigned by Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Jose Manuel Garcia-Margalit, who paid an official visit to Tashkent, and Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov on April 21.

The document primarily envisages holding of the regular political consultations between Uzbekistan and Spain.

During the talks the sides exchanged views on a whole range of bilateral relations, as well as on issues of international and regional security, including the situation in Afghanistan.

They discussed the cooperation in political and economic fields, the prospects for expanding inter-parliamentary relations, paid attention to cultural and humanitarian contacts.

Garcia-Margalit said the program of cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries for 2014-2016 will strengthen the political dialogue between the parties.

He further Spain is interested in intensifying trade and economic relations with Uzbekistan, which demonstrates significant economic progress.

"The indices of economic and trade relations between Spain and Uzbekistan do not correspond to the sides' potential," Garcia-Margalit added. "High economic growth rates are observed in Uzbekistan. There are great opportunities for foreign, including Spanish companies."

He also noted a document on the establishment of a joint intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation is planned to be signed.

Moreover, he praised the role of Uzbekistan in stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan and hoped for Uzbek colleagues' help in assessing the situation in the country.

The Spanish minister thanked Uzbekistan for the support of Spain as a non-permanent member of UN Security Council and said Spain will support the candidacy of Samarqand for holding the 99th meeting of the Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization of the UN.