Presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan reiterate commitment to strategic partnership and alliance

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Bukhara.

At the meeting, the parties discussed current issues related to further strengthening Uzbek-Kazakh relations of friendship, strategic partnership, and alliance.

At the beginning of the talks, the President of Uzbekistan congratulated the President of Kazakhstan on the successful conduct of the referendum on the new Constitution.

The leaders noted that regular informal regional meetings have become a good tradition, enabling open and constructive dialogue on the bilateral and regional agenda.

The parties expressed satisfaction with the implementation of agreements reached during the President of Kazakhstan’s visit to Uzbekistan last November.

Contacts at all levels have intensified, including intergovernmental and interparliamentary cooperation.

Bilateral trade continues to grow steadily, reaching $5 billion last year. Joint projects are being successfully implemented in the automotive industry, infrastructure, logistics, electrical engineering, building materials, and other sectors.

A number of new initiatives were also considered in areas such as chemistry, geology, energy, and the production of automotive components.

Special attention was paid to enhancing transport and logistics connectivity. The importance of implementing joint measures to modernize border infrastructure, eliminate bottlenecks, and develop efficient transport corridors providing access to external markets was emphasized.

The parties also discussed accelerating major regional projects, including the construction of the Kambarata hydropower plant and the promotion of green energy export initiatives.

The importance of joint efforts in the rational use of water resources and the advancement of regional environmental initiatives, including Clean Air projects in border areas, was stressed.

The leaders reiterated their commitment to expanding cooperation in innovative and high-tech sectors, including space technologies, digitalization, e-commerce, and startup support.

An agreement was reached to intensify cultural and humanitarian exchanges, including through the organization of Days of Culture, youth forums, and stronger partnerships in the creative economy and tourism.

The heads of state also exchanged views on international and regional issues.

During the meeting, the deputy prime ministers reported on current aspects of the trade and economic agenda, including measures aimed at increasing bilateral trade to $10 billion in the near term.

Following the talks, the governments were instructed to adopt a roadmap for implementing the agreements reached.