Kazakh and Uzbek Presidents Discuss Bilateral Cooperation at Media Briefing
Presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Strengthen Bilateral Relations
On August 8, Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan held bilateral talks and a meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council in the Kazakh capital of Astana. Following their discussions, the two leaders made a joint statement for the media.
Tokayev highlighted the significance of Mirziyoyev’s state visit in furthering the development of bilateral relations between the two countries. He emphasized the long history of close cooperation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, describing them as two fraternal peoples.
During the talks, the two Presidents reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral ties, adopting the Strategic Partnership and Alliance Program for the next decade. They also made important strategic decisions during the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are the largest trading partners in Central Asia, with plans to increase their trade turnover to $5 billion in the near future and eventually to $10 billion. The leaders discussed expanding the range of products and eliminating trade barriers to achieve this goal.
In addition to trade, the Presidents focused on new initiatives in the industrial sector, discussed cooperation in transportation and logistics, and coordinated efforts in the water and energy sector. They also emphasized the importance of enhancing cultural and humanitarian ties between the two nations.
Mirziyoyev praised the joint efforts of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in elevating their cooperation to the level of allied relations. Specific agreements were reached to deepen ties in various sectors including trade, industrial cooperation, energy, transportation, agriculture, and culture.
Both Tokayev and Mirziyoyev will participate in the sixth consultative meeting of the heads of state of Central Asia on August 9. The continued collaboration between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan holds promise for further strengthening the strategic partnership and mutual prosperity of the two nations.
