Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – On 27 December 2022, the International Institute of Central Asia hosted an international conference on the topic: “Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Prospects for the development of strategic partnership and alliance”.

The event was attended by more than 70 experts from the two countries, including the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Kazakhstan, representatives of the KazISS, the Institute for Foreign Policy Studies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, the Institute of World Economy and Politics under the Foundation of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The Uzbek side was attended by experts from MICA, ISMI, IACMO, CERR, UWED, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan.

Among the invitees were also heads and employees of diplomatic missions accredited in Uzbekistan.

During the conference, the main results of bilateral negotiations at the highest level in Tashkent, held in the framework of the state visit of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Uzbekistan.

In addition, issues of current global and regional trends, as well as new strategic prospects for cooperation in the fields of economy, industrial cooperation, transport, energy and water resources, as well as in the field of cultural and humanitarian interaction and regional cooperation, were considered.

In his speech, MICA Deputy Director F. Kadirov stressed that the fruitful relations that have developed over the years of independence, as well as an open and trusting dialogue between the Heads of our states - Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, should be considered as the basis for strengthening a multifaceted partnership.

“The growing mutual understanding between the countries has a positive effect on all areas and areas of bilateral cooperation.

From 2017 to 2022, the volume of mutual trade actually doubled to US$4 billion and continues to grow at a rapid pace. Trade is expected to rise to a record US$5 billion this year.

The volume of road and rail freight traffic is growing. The volume of air transportation and the number of air routes are increasing.

Our leading enterprises are successfully deepening cooperation. In recent years, the number of joint ventures and projects has increased sixfold in almost all sectors of the economy.

The production of cars, buses and agricultural machinery has been launched in Kostanay. Modern textile enterprises and the production of household appliances have been launched in Turkestan and Chimkent.

In Uzbekistan, together with Kazakh partners, projects are being implemented in the energy, industry, chemical, food industries, and the construction sector.

Our cultural and humanitarian ties are developing no less dynamically. A good tradition of holding mutual Days of Culture and Cinema, joint concerts, exhibitions and conferences has been revived. There is an active youth and tourist exchange.

Director of ISMI E. Aripov noted that in the context of limited opportunities for traditional transport and transit corridors and the transport isolation of the region, it became relevant to strengthen joint work to improve and diversify the transport systems of the two countries.

In this context, according to the expert, the agreements reached between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan can multiply the volume of transported goods, accelerate the implementation of both planned and new transport and logistics projects. He is sure that all this will create additional strategic opportunities for both countries.

As an example, the director of ISMI cited a project for the construction of a modern multimodal transport and logistics center in the Tashkent region. According to experts, it should bring great benefits, since the Center will increase the logistics potential for international cargo along the East-West and North-South routes.

At the same time, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan E. Konuspaev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan B. Atamkulov Director of KazISS E. Tukumov pointed out that the trusting dialogue formed in recent years between the Presidents of the two countries serves as an important factor in strengthening relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

According to B. Atamkulov, the political will of the two Presidents gives a powerful impetus to the development of bilateral relations.

“The signing of such historic and significant documents on allied relations and demarcation of borders is the crowning achievement of our cooperation, which is a great example for all our other neighbors on how to interact and how to build relations not only in the region, but also on the international platform.”

The Ambassador stressed that "the reforms initiated by the President of Uzbekistan are an important factor in strengthening Uzbek-Kazakh relations, as well as Central Asia as a whole."

Director of KazISS E. Tukumov noted that after the state visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan, there is an opportunity at an expert level to discuss its results, as well as the overall dynamics of bilateral relations at the present stage.

In his opinion, the strategic partnership over all these years has fully justified itself and naturally connects with fraternal interstate relations.

According to E. Tukumov, due to the openness that Tashkent demonstrates, the atmosphere in bilateral relations and in the region as a whole is seriously transforming in a positive direction.

Almost all speakers stated that Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan play an important role in ensuring the economic well-being and stability of the entire Central Asia.

As a result of the conference, representatives of Kazakhstan expressed their readiness to continue to actively participate in joint activities aimed at promoting strategic partnership and alliance.