The discussions focused on enhancing trade, economic ties, and cooperation in key areas such as transport, logistics, industry, water resources, and energy.
The leaders noted stable growth in bilateral relations, with trade turnover between the two countries reaching over $1.2 billion in the first nine months of 2024—a 1.6% increase compared to the previous year.
Key Initiatives and Projects
The meeting highlighted several strategic projects:
- Industrial Trade and Logistics Complex: Construction near the Karasu and Ak-Tilek checkpoints aims to increase mutual trade to $3 billion by 2030 and boost regional economic integration.
- Modernizing Border Checkpoints: Plans were discussed to upgrade seven automobile checkpoints using modern automated systems.
- Almaty-Bishkek Economic Corridor (ABEC): This initiative continues to advance projects in transport, tourism, healthcare, agribusiness, and climate response.
- Almaty-Issyk-Kul Highway: A feasibility study for a new 280 km route will be developed with support from the Asian Development Bank, enhancing regional connectivity.
Water and Energy Cooperation
The successful 2024 irrigation season underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in water and energy management, with both sides committing to continued systematic cooperation.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Olzhas Bektenov emphasized the importance of fostering ties based on friendship and good neighborliness, highlighting that relations have reached a new level following the signing of a treaty to deepen allied relations earlier this year. Kyrgyz official Akylbek Japarov echoed these sentiments, calling the treaty a historic milestone in bilateral cooperation.
Signed Agreements
The meeting concluded with the signing of several key documents, including:
- A protocol from the 12th Intergovernmental Council meeting.
- A roadmap to boost agricultural trade.
- A memorandum on tourism development.
- An agreement regulating Kazakhstan’s property rights for resort facilities in the Issyk-Kul region.
The council reaffirmed the mutual commitment to enhancing trade and fostering deeper ties between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
