Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Agree to Expand Strategic Partnership in Key Sectors

Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan held a meeting in Bukhara to discuss the further development of bilateral relations.

The leaders reviewed the current state of strategic partnership and alliance between the two nations. President Mirziyoyev congratulated his counterpart on the successful constitutional referendum recently held in Kazakhstan.

The sides expressed satisfaction with the practical implementation of agreements reached during the Kazakh president's visit to Uzbekistan in November last year. They noted the active development of interstate contacts at all levels, including intergovernmental and inter-parliamentary formats.

A significant increase in mutual trade was highlighted, with turnover reaching $5 billion last year. Successful cooperation projects in automotive manufacturing, infrastructure, logistics, electrical engineering, and construction materials were also acknowledged.

The meeting considered new initiatives for collaboration in chemical industry, geology, energy, auto component production, and other sectors. Particular attention was paid to developing transport and logistics connectivity.

The presidents emphasized the need to modernize border infrastructure, eliminate bottlenecks, and form efficient transport corridors providing access to external markets. They discussed accelerating implementation of major regional projects including construction of Kambarata HPP and initiatives for exporting green energy.

Rational use of water resources and promotion of environmental initiatives in the region were also examined, including Clean Air projects in border areas. The leaders confirmed intentions to expand cooperation in innovative and high-tech spheres including space technologies, digitalization, e-commerce, and startup support.

An agreement was reached to intensify cultural and humanitarian exchanges through cultural days events and youth forums while developing cooperation in creative economy and tourism sectors. The heads of state also exchanged views on international and regional agenda issues.

During discussions vice prime ministers presented reports on measures to increase mutual trade turnover to $10 billion in the near future. Following negotiations both governments received instructions to develop a roadmap for implementing all agreements reached during this high-level meeting.