Uzbek President Islam Karimov has sent congratulations to Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev to mark the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Karimov said in a letter to Atambayev that the Uzbek and Kyrgyz people cherish their centuries-old ties of friendship and good neighborliness, Atambayev's press service said Thursday.
The common history and culture, and the proximity of languages, customs and traditions have always served as a sound basis for the consistent expansion and deepening of bilateral cooperation, and peace and stability in the region, Karimov said.
The Uzbek president believed that mutual respect and trust between the two countries would continue to develop to serve the interests of both peoples, according to the letter.
