Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan agree to deepen strategic partnership

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have agreed to expand their strategic partnership during talks between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held in Bukhara.

The two leaders reviewed key issues of further development of Uzbek–Kazakh relations based on friendship, strategic partnership, and alliance.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mirziyoyev congratulated Tokayev on the successful referendum on Kazakhstan’s new Constitution.

The sides noted that regular informal meetings at the regional level have become a stable practice, contributing to open and constructive discussions on bilateral and regional agendas.

They expressed satisfaction with the implementation of agreements reached during the Kazakh president’s visit to Uzbekistan in November last year. Both sides emphasized the active development of interstate contacts at all levels, including intergovernmental and parliamentary formats.

It was noted that bilateral trade reached US$5 billion last year, alongside successful implementation of cooperation projects in automotive manufacturing, infrastructure, logistics, electrical engineering, and construction materials.

The parties also reviewed new initiatives in chemical industry, geology, energy, production of automotive components, and other sectors.

Special attention was given to transport and logistics connectivity, including the modernization of border infrastructure, removal of bottlenecks, and the development of efficient transport corridors for access to external markets.

The leaders discussed accelerating major regional projects, including the construction of the Kambarata Hydroelectric Power Plant, as well as initiatives for exporting green energy.

Water resource management and environmental cooperation were also addressed, including “Clean Air” projects in border areas.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in innovation and high-tech sectors, including space technologies, digitalization, e-commerce, and startup support.

Agreements were reached to enhance cultural and humanitarian exchanges, including the organization of cultural days and youth forums, as well as cooperation in the creative economy and tourism.

The leaders also exchanged views on international and regional issues. Deputy prime ministers briefed them on measures to increase bilateral trade to US$10 billion in the near future.

At the conclusion of the talks, the governments were instructed to develop and approve a roadmap for implementing the agreements reached.