Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 6 December, an official welcoming ceremony for the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan was held at the Akorda residence.

A guard of honor was lined up in honor of the distinguished guest. The national anthems of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan were played.

Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made a round of the guard of honor and introduced members of the official delegations to each other.

Then the talks of the heads of state in a narrow format took place.

During the meeting, which took place in a warm and confidential atmosphere, the heads of state discussed a wide range of issues of the multifaceted Uzbek-Kazakh partnership, including in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, and also exchanged views on the international and regional agenda.

The President of Kazakhstan, welcoming the leader of Uzbekistan, once again congratulated him on his convincing victory in the last presidential election and wished him success in his future activities, and also noted the significance of this visit.

- It is with great pleasure that we receive you in Kazakhstan on a state visit. It is very important for taking cooperation to a new level. The package of documents to be signed today will give an additional impetus to partnership. We agreed to instruct the governments of our countries to take the most energetic measures to achieve the tasks set. We believe that the relationship between our countries is a serious factor in ensuring stability and security in the entire Central Asian region.

The President of Uzbekistan, thanking for the invitation, stressed that this meeting is taking place on the eve of the 30th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence, and on behalf of the people of Uzbekistan, he cordially congratulated the fraternal people on this significant event, wishing peace, prosperity and new victories.

It was noted that under the leadership of Kasym-Jomart Tokayev, today Kazakhstan continues the great creative work begun by the First President - Elbasy Nursultan Nazarbayev and is confidently moving along the path of sustainable development.

The leader of Uzbekistan noted with satisfaction the high dynamics of friendship and good-neighborliness between the two brotherly states.

- In recent years, we have practically "reset" cooperation and today we are witnessing the first significant results of joint work. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are natural economic partners. Our economies do not compete, but complement each other. Mutual trade is growing. Trade is expected to hit a record US$$4 billion this year. The volume of road and rail freight traffic is increasing. Air traffic has been fully restored, new routes are being opened. Our leading companies are successfully deepening cooperation. In recent years, the number of joint ventures and projects has increased six times in almost all sectors of the economy, said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The development of trade and economic cooperation was especially noted, where direct contacts between regions and business circles of both countries play an important role.

On the eve of the visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan, a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Forum of Regions were held in Turkestan under the leadership of the Prime Ministers. The day before, a business forum was successfully held in the capital of Kazakhstan. As a result of these events, agreements and contracts were signed for $ 6 billion.

The production of cars, buses and agricultural machinery has been established in Kostanay. Modern textile enterprises and the production of household appliances were launched in Turkestan and Shymkent. In Uzbekistan, together with Kazakhstani partners, projects are being implemented in the energy, industry, chemical, food industries, and the construction sector.

During the pandemic, our countries rendered fraternal support to each other.

Cooperation in the humanitarian sphere is actively building up. Within the framework of the revived Tashkent International Film Festival, the Days of Kazakh Cinema were successfully held. And this week the Days of Uzbek Cinema will be held in the capital of Kazakhstan.

Regular Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of the region have shown their effectiveness. A unique platform for an open and trusting dialogue has been formed.

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are also actively cooperating within the UN, CIS, SCO, ECO, Organization of Turkic States and other structures.

- Today we will make a historic decision to bring the bilateral strategic partnership to the level of allied relations. This will be of great importance for ensuring sustainable development, stability and prosperity not only for our countries, but for the entire region as a whole. We are committed to strengthening relations of friendship and good-neighborliness with brotherly Kazakhstan, the President of Uzbekistan said.

The leaders also exchanged views on topical regional and international issues of mutual interest.

During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening relations of friendship and good-neighborliness between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.