An international seminar on December 27 with the title Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan focused on President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state visit to Uzbekistan last week. The Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KAZISS) published Prospects for the Development of Strategic Partnership and Alliance, Astana Times reported.
Following Tokayev’s visit to Tashkent on December 21 and 22, and his meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, experts addressed political discussion and new strategic potential for cooperation in economy, transport, energy, and water resources. Along with their annual meetings, Tokayev also welcomed Mirziyoyev to Astana for his state visit precisely a year ago as part of the Consultative Meeting of Central Asian leaders in Cholpon-Ata and the Commonwealth of Independent States summit.
The visit of President Tokayev to Uzbekistan was notable in a number of respects. Increased commerce, industrial collaboration, and linkages in the cultural and humanitarian domains were the main topics of discussion between Tokayev and Mirziyoyev.
After signing the treaty on allied relations, the first of its kind in Central Asia, Tokayev and Mirziyoyev both demonstrated a persistent dedication to strengthening bilateral relationships.
The two presidents agreed that improved collaboration between the two nations is a significant element for Central Asia’s stability and prosperity. All Tokayev and Mirziyoyev frequently discussed fostering regional reconciliation, enhancing regional peace, and assisting the Central Asian governments in finding answers to regional issues that would be acceptable to both parties.
More than 2,300 kilometers separate the two nations. The two largest economies in Central Asia are of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Data from Kazakhstan’s Bureau of National Statistics show that bilateral commerce has increased significantly over time, rising from $2.1 billion in 2014 to $3.8 billion in 2021.
Bilateral commerce increased by 35% to $4.1 billion over the first 10 months of 2022. Exports of Kazakhstani goods account for two-thirds of total revenue and rose 36.3 percent from $2.2 to $3 billion. The two nations pledged to increase bilateral trade turnover to $5 billion and subsequently to $10 billion.
