Moscow/Bishkek, September 1, 2026: Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of the Sixth World Nomad Games in Bishkek, according to the latest update published by the official Kremlin website.

The meeting comes during Putin’s visit to Kyrgyzstan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The Kremlin had announced that the Russian president would be in Kyrgyzstan from August 31 to September 1 for the SCO gathering and related engagements.

Focus on Russia-Uzbekistan Relations

The talks with Mirziyoyev form part of a series of high-level meetings Putin has held during his Kyrgyzstan visit. The Russian president has been using the SCO-related meetings to engage with leaders from across the region.

The Kremlin’s latest schedule also lists Putin’s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his talks with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and other diplomatic engagements.

SCO Summit Adds Regional Significance

Putin’s meetings are taking place against the backdrop of the SCO’s growing role as a platform for political and economic dialogue across Eurasia. Russia and Uzbekistan are both members of the organisation, while India and several other major regional powers are also part of the grouping.

The Russian president also attended the opening ceremony of the Sixth World Nomad Games at Bishkek Arena, adding a cultural and regional dimension to his visit.

Russia Signals Continued Engagement

The latest diplomatic activity demonstrates Moscow’s continued focus on relations with Central Asian states and other major partners. Putin also extended Independence Day greetings to Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, with the Kremlin publishing the message on September 1.

With several high-level meetings taking place around the SCO summit, Bishkek has become an important centre of diplomatic activity involving Russia and its regional partners.