During talks with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Khiva, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed the belief that the Kazakh-Uzbek tandem is a vital necessity, as quoted by his press service.
“Only through joint efforts is it possible to ensure the sustainable development of our countries,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev mentioned.️ In this regard, the leader of Kazakhstan reportedly supported the adoption of the Program of Strategic Partnership and Alliance between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan until 2034.
️During the meeting, the presidents exchanged views on economic cooperation, including increasing mutual trade, collaboration in energy, transportation, water management and the IT sectors.
According to Akorda, bilateral trade between the countries reached $4.4 billion last year. Joint ventures are actively implemented across industries such as energy, transportation and logistics, and agriculture. Presently, the portfolio includes 60 joint projects with investments exceeding $2.5 billion.
“Particular attention during the conversation was paid to the development of cultural and humanitarian ties and revealing the unique tourist potential of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan,” Akorda’s statement read.
During the meeting, both sides emphasized the need for acceleration of cooperation projects, implementation of investment agreements and trade contracts in line with previously established agreements at the highest level, the press service of the president of Uzbekistan has reported earlier.
The heads of state were briefed by deputy prime ministers and co-chairpersons of working groups under the intergovernmental commission on the advancement of joint projects across various sectors, including machine building, energy, transportation and logistics, mining, textile and food industries, among others.
The presidents directed to increase trade turnover, devise a long-term program for industrial cooperation, and execute infrastructure projects in transportation and energy sectors.
They noted the significance of initiating efforts towards establishing the International Center for Industrial Cooperation this year and expanding the scope of activities of the joint foreign trade company.
In addition, the presidents extensively discussed the development of humanitarian and tourism ties, along with organizing joint cultural, educational, and sports events involving youth participation.
Furthermore, the heads of state exchanged insights on regional matters, particularly emphasizing the utilization of water resources, strengthening cooperation through consultative meetings among Central Asian heads of state, and monitoring the situation in Afghanistan.
