Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Forge Stronger Ties in Strategic Partnership Talks
Astana witnessed a significant step forward in the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, embarked on an official visit at the invitation of the Kazakh authorities.
In discussions presided over by Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Murat Nurtleu, and Uzbekistan’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Bakhtiyor Saidov, the two sides delved into a wide array of bilateral cooperation issues. Their talks spanned critical areas such as political collaboration, economic ties, water-energy management, transit and transportation networks, as well as cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
Minister Nurtleu underscored the deep-rooted fraternal bond, equality, mutual respect, and trust characterizing the relationship between the two nations, expressing Kazakhstan’s profound appreciation for Uzbekistan’s recent strides across various domains.
The meeting offered a platform to review the practical implementation of agreements stemming from mutual state visits by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan to Astana in December 2021 and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan to Tashkent in December 2022. Both parties acknowledged the solid legal framework and institutional groundwork laid down for a new phase of collaboration, particularly emphasizing the significance of agreements on allied relations and border demarcation signed in Tashkent in 2022.
Notable institutional developments include the establishment of the Supreme Interstate Council and the operationalization of the Council of Interparliamentary Cooperation, with plans underway for a Council of Foreign Ministers.
Economic cooperation took center stage, with Kazakhstan standing out as one of Uzbekistan’s top three trading partners. Both ministers pledged to deepen economic ties, aiming to elevate mutual trade to $10 billion and foster closer business links. They also highlighted the upcoming construction of the International Center for Industrial Cooperation “Central Asia” on the Kazakh-Uzbek border, which promises to catalyze trade, economic, and investment connections.
The ministers lauded progress in industrial collaboration, citing the successful implementation of 12 joint projects worth $156 million, with an additional 21 projects valued at approximately $1 billion in the pipeline.
Transport and logistics, energy, and water resources emerged as crucial areas for mutually beneficial cooperation, while cultural and humanitarian exchanges were identified as foundational pillars for enduring bilateral relations. Plans to establish university branches aim to strengthen ties among younger generations, alongside joint research initiatives to promote shared cultural heritage.
The meeting also served as a platform to synchronize efforts on regional and international issues, affirming a commitment to close cooperation within multilateral frameworks and mutual support for each other’s international initiatives.
Minister Saidov also had the honor of a meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan during his official visit, further solidifying the bonds between the two nations.
