Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan aim to double bilateral trade to $2 billion
The International Institute of Central Asia (IICA) recently hosted a scientific and practical conference titled “Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan: Synergy of Strategic Partnership.” This conference was organized in line with the “Plan of Joint Activities for 2024-2025” signed between the leaders of IICA and the National Institute of Strategic Initiatives under the President of Kyrgyzstan (NISI) in Bishkek on June 11.
Participants at the forum included representatives from NISI, leading analytical centers, parliament, ministries, and departments of Uzbekistan. The event saw the presence of key bodies such as the Oliy Majlis, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan, and many others.
Opening the conference, IICA Director Javlon Vakhabov spoke about the significant progress achieved in bilateral relations since March 2021. The resolution of past issues and the signing of the Border Treaty have laid the foundation for enhanced cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and the Kambar-Ata-1 Hydropower Plant were highlighted as flagship projects that will transform the region’s transport and energy landscape.
NISI Director Sanjar Mukanbetov emphasized the importance of institutional mechanisms and economic forms of interaction between the two countries. He expressed confidence that these initiatives will lead to a significant increase in bilateral trade.
The Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan, Musa Dzhumanbayev, underlined the role of analytical centers in strengthening the region’s image and authority. He also expressed hope for the elevation of the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan to the level of allied relations.
Overall, the conference shed light on the positive trajectory of Uzbek-Kyrgyz relations and the potential for further cooperation and mutual benefit between the two nations.
