"Of course, we hope that everything Islam Abduganiyevich (Karimov) had started will be continued," Russia's Rossiya-24 channel showed Putin telling Uzbek Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev during a visit to Uzbekistan. "On our part, we will do everything to support this path of mutual development and the people and leadership of Uzbekistan. Putin's meeting was seen as a further strong hint that Mirziyoyev, 59, is likely to succeed Karimov as head of state. Mirziyoyev, in turn, told Putin his visit "says a lot". At least 2 million Uzbeks are estimated to work abroad, mostly in Russia, to provide for their families.

Source: dna September 06, 2016 10:07 UTC