Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan Khurshid Mirzahidov gave an interview to Vektor programme of Birinchi Radio under Kyrgyz National TV and Radio Broadcasting Corporation, Duno news agency reported.

In the interview, the diplomat spoke about the development and prospects of Uzbek-Kyrgyz cooperation during the past period, praised major achievements and outlined plans for the near future.

Particularly noteworthy has been the intensification of interaction between our two nations in the past few years. It is characterised by pragmatism and constructivism. A trusting dialogue has been established between the presidents of our two countries, and the political will at the highest level to comprehensively consolidate the ages-old bonds of friendship and good neighborliness and to build up Uzbek-Kyrgyz strategic partnership has been confirmed.

One of the key documents of important inter-state significance is the Declaration on Strategic Partnership, Strengthening Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Trust between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, signed in Tashkent in October 2017.

It has been noted that the parties have jointly created an entirely new political and friendly atmosphere, which contributes to the progressive and comprehensive development of relations, growth of mutual trust, as well as in the Central Asian region.

The main priorities and target tasks to date are to increase commodity turnover, cooperation between leading enterprises and businesses, efficient use and enhancement of transit potential, cooperation in water and energy sectors, interregional cooperation, as well as intensification of cultural and humanitarian exchanges to bring our brotherly peoples closer together.

Particular attention has been paid to the outcomes of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s state visit to Kyrgyzstan earlier this year. It has been stressed that the talks held at the highest level on the broad agenda and the importance of the agreements reached have become a significant event in the new stage of Uzbek-Kyrgyz relations. The major outcome of the visit has been the signing of the Declaration on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan which fully addresses the vital interests of the two fraternal nations and peoples. A solid package of documents in important areas of multifaceted cooperation has also been adopted.

"This year, it is planned to continue deepening relations between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in the framework of the roadmap adopted following the state visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Kyrgyzstan," the diplomat said. - In addition, a plan of events for a broad celebration of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries, which includes about 20 events, has been outlined, and together with Kyrgyz partners we have started the practical implementation of the tasks outlined".

It has been stressed that economic cooperation has been an undeniably important component of Uzbek-Kyrgyz relations along with political, cultural and humanitarian aspects of our relations. Trade and economic relations between the two countries have been developing consistently, with trade volumes showing an upward trend.

Priorities in the interaction between the parties in this area include bringing mutual trade turnover up to US$$2 billion, the attraction of mutual investments and building up industrial cooperation.

In his interview, the ambassador drew attention to cooperation in such areas as science, education, culture, arts, tourism and others. He noted the significant progress in bringing the two nations closer together, which has been facilitated by the practical implementation of initiatives put forward by Uzbekistan’s leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the joint implementation of agreements concluded by the two sides over the past few years.