Presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Highlight Success of Recent Talks

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Following the productive state visit of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Uzbekistan, Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev issued joint statements to the media.

President Mirziyoyev emphasized that the visit marked a historic milestone, opening a new chapter in the development of Uzbek-Kazakh strategic partnership and alliance. During the visit, the second session of the Supreme Intergovernmental Council took place, addressing key directions of bilateral cooperation.

Economic cooperation was a central focus. Kazakhstan reaffirmed its status as one of Uzbekistan’s most important trading partners. Since the beginning of the year, bilateral trade has grown by 15 percent, reaching nearly four billion dollars. Systematic efforts are underway to achieve a target of ten billion dollars by 2030.

A notable outcome of the visit was the opening of the International Center for Industrial Cooperation “Central Asia,” aimed at strengthening production links and developing modern value chains. Concurrently, new priority projects with a total value of 1.3 billion dollars were launched.

The discussions also covered the development of transport connectivity. The sides agreed to jointly expand modern transport corridors, enhance cross-border infrastructure efficiency, and boost freight transportation, including through the ports of Aktau and Kuryk. Joint initiatives in energy, environmental protection, and sustainable water management in Central Asia were also prioritized.

Cultural and humanitarian ties received special attention. This year, events in Almaty and Astana, including the ballet “Lazgi,” art exhibitions, a writers’ forum, and a youth festival, were successfully held. The Kazakhstan Medical Days in Uzbekistan also drew wide interest. Agreements were reached to expand exchanges between academic and educational institutions, creative and youth organizations, and to develop joint tourism programs.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and highlighted the importance of the format of Consultative Meetings of Central Asian Heads of State. They noted that the upcoming seventh Consultative Meeting, scheduled for November 15 in Tashkent, will give new momentum to regional integration and unity. The importance of continuing mutual support on multilateral platforms, including the UN, SCO, CIS, the Organization of Turkic States, and “Central Asia Plus” formats, was also emphasized.

President Mirziyoyev concluded that President Tokayev’s visit vividly demonstrated the high level of allied relations between the two countries. He expressed confidence that the agreements reached and documents signed will give concrete substance to bilateral partnership, open new horizons for joint projects, and provide a strong foundation for sustainable development of the fraternal states.