The meeting took place during the 2022 Asian Karate Federation (AKF) Championships in Tashkent.

"Uzbekistan is a very special country for all the members of the Karate family, for many reasons, but mainly for the strength of their National Federation and the high level of major Karate events in the country," Espinós said.

"It was a great pleasure to meet the Minister of Sports Development and discuss how we can take Karate in Uzbekistan to new heights.

"The WKF celebrates the success of the Uzbekistan Karate Federation under the leadership of President Rashid Talipov and Chairman Allam Mulljaev and we are ready to see how much Uzbekistan Karate can contribute to the progress of our sport in the region and around the world."

Espinós and Ikramov were joined by the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan general secretary Oybek Kasimov, AKF President and WKF vice-president Nasser Alrazooqi and WKF general secretary Toshihisa Nagura.

Japan finished the Asian Karate Championships in Tashkent at the top of the medals table, with eight gold medals.

Uzbekistan's Sadriddin Saymatov, the 2019 Asian champion and two-time Islamic Solidarity Games gold medallist, settled for bronze in the 67 kilograms kumite event and in the team kumite event.

Gofurjon Zokhidov also made the podium for the hosts, winning bronze in the kumite 84kg.

Uzbekistan last held the Asian Karate Championships in 2019.