Defence minister's visit shows Russia still has role in Uzbekistan's security.

(From BBC Monitoring International Reports)

Talks held in Tashkent on 12 May between Russian Defence Minister Sergey Ivanov and top Uzbek officials are "regarded as extremely productive", an article published by the Russian newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta says. The talks resulted in more contracts for the supply of modern types of Russian weapons to Uzbekistan - intelligence systems, air defence systems, artillery, munitions, and firearms, it says. The following is the text of report by Vladimir Mukhin: "Tashkent Opposed to 'Free Privatization.' In Uzbekistan, Sergey Ivanov Discussed Prospects for Cooperation in Defence Sphere", published by Nezavisimaya Gazeta on 13 May; a subhead was inserted editorially:

Sergey Ivanov, acting Russian Federation defence minister, completed his visit to Uzbekistan yesterday. As a result, it proved to be a one-day visit although initially the plan was that the Russian delegation would work for two days in Tashkent. However, on Tuesday [11 May], Ivanov had to ensure the security of Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin, who unexpectedly flew to Chechnya, and then had to take part in the traditional meeting between the head of state and government members.

Nevertheless, yesterday's talks are regarded as extremely productive. Russian military sources say that while in Tashkent Sergey Ivanov discussed a broad range of problems relating to the situation in Central Asia and the fight against terrorism including the provision of practical assistance to the Uzbek side in strengthening its army and the effectiveness of the special services' work.

The talks resulted in more contracts for the supply of modern types of Russian weapons to Uzbekistan - intelligence systems, air defence systems, artillery, munitions, and firearms. The sides initialled the draft agreement on the creation of a joint venture in Uzbekistan for the repair of Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters. It is noted that the training of Uzbek military specialists in the servicing of air defence systems as well as training for airmen will continue in Russia. Russia will help Uzbekistan to modernize the Su-27 and MiG-29 aircraft and helicopter fleet used by the republic's air force.