Some external forces do not want Uzbekistan to join the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Russian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Oleg Malginov said during a broadcast on the "Russia-24" TV channel.

"Currently, there is restructuring ongoing in international relations, including international economic relations. There are external players who would not want such a step that Uzbekistan is taking," the diplomat noted.

He emphasized that work on joining the EAEU is being conducted vigorously. The country has had observer status in the union for three years and actively participates in all its events; however, it is still unknown how long the process (of Uzbekistan joining the EAEU — ed. note) will take.

"Recently, a working group has been active between the EAEU structures and Uzbekistan, which deals with the development of draft reform legislation, procedures, and other aspects, to join fully, taking into account all the specifics that exist today in Uzbekistan," added Oleg Malginov.