Mirziyoyev and Tokayev discuss strategic Partnership at first Uzbek-Kazakh Interstate Council Meeting

According to the press service of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed gratitude to the leader and people of Kazakhstan for their warm reception, emphasizing that today is a special day in the history of Uzbek-Kazakh relations.

"Today, we are holding the first meeting of the High-Level Interstate Council, which is a historic event in the development of strategic partnership and alliance relations between our countries," stated President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

It was particularly noted that Uzbek-Kazakh relations have gained significant momentum in recent years.

In preparation for the visit, successful meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council, a business forum, political consultations, a forum of analytical centers, and intellectual games were held. Additionally, there have been film days, exhibitions, concerts, and many other events.

The leaders of the two countries welcomed the adoption of the historic Strategic Partnership and Alliance Program for 2024-2034, marking the beginning of a new qualitative stage in Uzbek-Kazakh relations of friendship and good neighborliness.

During the meeting, President Mirziyoyev outlined a number of priority tasks.

First and foremost, the importance of coordinating positions and effectively promoting common interests within international structures was emphasized.

An agreement was reached to increase the effectiveness of contacts, establish an Inter-Parliamentary Forum, and continue close cooperation with the Expert Council.

Opportunities to increase the volume of bilateral trade to $10 billion in the coming years were thoroughly discussed. To this end, a separate program will be adopted by the end of the month, with special attention given to mutual market formation and the removal of existing restrictions.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted the need for a new strategy for industrial cooperation.

The parties welcomed the signing of a substantial package of agreements worth $7 billion following the business forum and meetings held the previous day.

These agreements pertain to cooperation in the fields of energy, logistics, construction, chemical industry, electrical engineering, textiles, agriculture, and other sectors.

An agreement was reached to accelerate the launch of the International Center for Industrial Cooperation and to explore the creation of a Joint Fund for the financial support of promising projects.

Regional cooperation, seen as a real driver of economic partnership, was identified as one of the key directions of strategic partnership.

It was decided to transform the Forum into a Council of Regions, involving all regions and central cities, with the first meeting to be held in Samarkand in the fall. The governments were instructed to approve a schedule of reciprocal regional visits to achieve concrete agreements.

Both sides expressed readiness to jointly implement projects for the construction of energy facilities and infrastructure, and the development of alternative energy sources. The preparation of major regional projects, particularly the construction of the Kambarata Hydroelectric Power Station, will be expedited.

In the field of transport and transit, the parties agreed to work on projects for the construction of new transport corridors between the two countries, involving the business community. The importance of enhancing efforts to create modern logistics infrastructure was also emphasized.

A unified approach to water usage issues in the region was noted. Work will continue on forming a reliable legal framework, automation, and digitization of water management facilities.

Special attention was given to developing exchanges in culture, education, youth, and tourism.

"These days in Astana, we are holding Uzbek film days, exhibitions, festivals, and concerts. The intellectual game 'Zakovat' was successfully held. Such events bring our youth closer together and familiarize them with our shared history and values," the head of our state emphasized.

This will also be supported by the adoption of a Cultural and Humanitarian Cooperation Plan for 2024-2025.

In the field of education, the activities of branches of leading universities in both countries will be launched today—specifically, the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers in Almaty and the South Kazakhstan University named after Mukhtar Auezov in Chirchik.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev also expressed gratitude to the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, for the initiative to create a monument in Astana to the great son of the Uzbek people, poet and thinker Alisher Navoi.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening integration and cooperation in Central Asia. It was noted that the Consultative Meeting has become an effective mechanism for jointly addressing regional challenges and developing a long-term regional agenda.

They expressed readiness to maintain close and open dialogue within the framework of the UN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Organization of Turkic States, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, and other structures.

In conclusion, Shavkat Mirziyoyev invited Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to visit Uzbekistan for the second meeting of the High-Level Interstate Council.