Tokayev Hails 'Unprecedented' Partnership with Uzbekistan During Bukhara Visit

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan held an informal meeting with his Uzbek counterpart, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in the historic city of Bukhara. The Kazakh leader expressed gratitude for the traditionally warm reception and the high level of organization for the visit.

Tokayev emphasized that the visit holds special significance given the current unstable geopolitical situation. He described Uzbekistan as a reliable strategic partner for Kazakhstan and stated that during the visit, they would exchange views on pressing issues and discuss the bilateral agenda.

"There are no contradictions or disagreements between our countries," Tokayev affirmed. "Signed agreements and arrangements are being consistently implemented. The Government of Kazakhstan clearly understands the need for unconditional fulfillment of mutual obligations. Relevant work is being carried out under my control."

The President also spoke about Bukhara's deep historical significance, noting its 2,500-year history as an integral part of world heritage. He highlighted the city's role as a spiritual and intellectual center of the medieval East.

"This ancient city is connected to the Kazakh people by many visible and invisible threads," Tokayev said. He mentioned that Mashkhur Zhusip studied there and that for centuries, representatives of the Kazakh elite received knowledge in Bukhara's madrasas. He praised the large-scale reconstruction work in modern Bukhara as a result of significant state care for this majestic historical legacy.

Tokayev stated that these historically close ties serve as an unshakable foundation for genuine strategic partnership and alliance between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

"The fact that bilateral relations have reached such an unprecedentedly high level is largely your great merit, dear Shavkat Miromonovich," he addressed Mirziyoyev. "Kazakhstan, as your closest ally, fully supports the large-scale political and economic transformations being carried out under your wise leadership."

The Kazakh President expressed confidence that Mirziyoyev's consistent policy would contribute to further sustainable development in Uzbekistan and the entire region.

Tokayev also thanked Mirziyoyev for his congratulations on Kazakhstan's adoption of a new Constitution, noting that he was among the first foreign leaders to do so.