At the Rukh Ordo Cultural Center in Cholpon-Ata, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov held talks in both a narrow format and with the participation of the official delegations of the two countries.
The two leaders discussed the prospects for further advancing the Uzbek-Kyrgyz comprehensive strategic partnership and expanding practical cooperation across priority areas.
The President of Uzbekistan emphasized that relations between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have reached a historic high.
In recent years, bilateral trade has increased almost tenfold, reaching $1.2 billion by the end of last year. A total of 450 joint ventures have been established, and the Development Fund continues to successfully support cooperation projects.
Fifteen flights have been launched between cities, and five bus routes are in operation.
On the eve of the current visit, meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission, the Business Council, a business forum, meetings of rectors and analysts, the Days of Uzbek Culture, and a number of other events were held.
During the talks, the two sides agreed to continue intensive contacts at the level of parliaments, governments, ministries, agencies, and regions, as well as business and expert circles. They also agreed to establish an Interstate Council.
The parties noted the need to continue close interaction within international and regional organizations, including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Organization of Turkic States, the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, and other multilateral platforms.
As part of the objective of increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion in the near future, measures will be taken to increase mutual supplies through active import substitution, and trade houses and representative offices will be opened in the capitals of the two countries.
Special attention was paid to deepening industrial cooperation in priority areas.
This includes joint projects in the fields of energy, geology, critical minerals, logistics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and other industries.
A new package of trade contracts and investment agreements was adopted at the business forum held the previous day.
Cooperation in the energy sector was identified as a strategic direction. The need for the earliest possible signing of the agreement and the launch of the practical phase of the Kambarata HPP-1 construction project was noted.
The leaders exchanged views on the progress of the large-scale China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway construction project.
To strengthen transport connectivity, an agreement was reached to develop border and trade-logistics infrastructure along the railway, digitalize permit procedures, and create favorable conditions for road carriers.
It was noted that the regions of the two countries are the real drivers of trade and economic cooperation.
In this context, a decision was made to hold the first Forum of Regions with the participation of all provinces by the end of the year, as well as to approve a schedule of mutual visits.
Active exchanges in the fields of culture, youth, tourism, education, science, and sports will continue.
During the talks, the Deputy Prime Ministers presented reports outlining specific proposals on the trade and economic agenda.
In conclusion, Shavkat Mirziyoyev invited Sadyr Japarov to visit Uzbekistan at a convenient time.