Uzbek Foreign Ministry comments statement of Kyrgyzstan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan published information on 31 July 2015 on negotiations in Tashkent on introduction of changes and amendments to the agreement between the Governments of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyz Republic on crossing points via state borders from 24 July 2014 were not held in connection of changes of the Uzbek side on conditions of meeting format was directed after approval of the structure of Kyrgyz delegation.

The Uzbek side, in this connection, wants to underline that proposals on format of negotiations were sent to Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan with the note of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan on 5 June 2015 and proposed to hold meeting of officials of border, customs and transport services, as well as foreign political and foreign economic departments of two states in the format of experts meeting.

Kyrgyz side presented the structure of its delegation only on 24 July and its status did not correspond to expert level. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan reiterated its request to take into account previously outline principle position of the Uzbek side on 26 July.

On 26 July, the Kyrgyz side sent a response, which did not take account the position of the Uzbek side. On the same day, the Uzbek ministry with official note informed that currently it is impossible to hold meeting in the structure, offered by the Kyrgyz side.

So, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan was notified in advance that the meeting will not take place.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Uzbek side reaffirms its willingness to strengthen relations between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, based on the principles of friendship and good neighborhood for the benefit of the two nations, as well as expects a constructive approach to the discussion of issues of bilateral cooperation from the Kyrgyz side.