Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan Launch Council of Regional Leaders

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbek Prime Minister Abdullah Aripov and Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov took part in the inaugural meeting of the Council of Regional Leaders of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in Aktau. The new mechanism for interregional cooperation was established by decision of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the press service of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan said.

Opening the meeting, Bektenov said the establishment of the Council was a logical continuation of the active political dialogue between the leaders of the two countries and would create additional opportunities for regional cooperation. He said stronger direct ties between regions would help expand trade and investment cooperation and support the presidents' goal of increasing bilateral trade to US$10 billion.

Aripov described the choice of Aktau for the inaugural meeting as symbolic, calling the city an important regional transport and logistics hub. He said Kazakhstan is a reliable strategic partner and ally for Uzbekistan and that the Council of Regional Leaders would give fresh impetus to bilateral relations by expanding direct contacts between the regions of the two countries.

During the meeting, participants noted that Kazakhstan's Mangystau, Aktobe, Kyzylorda and Turkistan regions share borders with Uzbekistan's Republic of Karakalpakstan and the Jizzakh, Navoi, Syrdarya and Tashkent regions. The common state border stretches for about 2,300 kilometres.

The participants discussed plans to establish the Central Asia International Centre for Industrial Cooperation, which is expected to serve as a platform for implementing mutually beneficial joint projects.

Special attention was given to transport and logistics infrastructure. The two sides highlighted the importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, linked to the North-South route and the Trans-Afghan Corridor.

Cargo transshipment through the Kazakh ports of Aktau and Kuryk reached 8 million tonnes in 2025. In the first half of 2026, container traffic through Kazakhstan's ports increased by 5% to more than 50,000 TEUs.

The participants also noted the potential to expand cooperation in tourism, highlighting growing interest among citizens of both countries in the historical and cultural sites of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Regional leaders from both countries addressed the plenary session, which was also attended by more than 300 business representatives.

Following the meeting, the parties signed memorandums of cooperation between the regions of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as well as commercial agreements worth more than 80 billion tenge.

The parties said the agreements reached would strengthen cross-border and interregional cooperation, promote joint projects and support sustainable economic development in Central Asia.