Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 9 July, the International Institute of Central Asia (MICA) hosted a scientific-practical conference titled "Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan: Synergy of Strategic Partnership."

The conference was organized in accordance with the "Plan of Joint Activities for 2024-2025," signed between the directors of MICA and the National Institute for Strategic Initiatives under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic (NISI) on 11 June in Bishkek.

The forum was attended by representatives from NISI and leading analytical centers, parliament, ministries, and departments of Uzbekistan, including the Oliy Majlis, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Center for Economic Research and Reforms under the Administration of the President, Institute of Forecasting and Macroeconomic Research, Ministry of Transport, Institute of Oriental Studies of the Academy of Sciences, Scientific-Information Center of the Interstate Coordination Water Commission of Central Asia, Committee on Interethnic Relations and Friendly Ties with Foreign Countries under the Cabinet of Ministers, Kyrgyz National Center, and hokimiyats of Andijan, Fergana, and Jizzakh regions.

Opening the conference, MICA Director Javlon Vakhobov emphasized that resetting bilateral relations and resolving a range of issues since March 2021, when the first state visit of President Sadyr Japarov to Uzbekistan took place, became possible due to the political will of the leaders of the two countries. They managed to overcome past stereotypes in relations, find mutually beneficial compromises, and ensure clear implementation of agreements reached.

It was noted that a result of these joint efforts was the resolution of border issues. The signing of the Border Treaty shortly after the leaders’ meeting in Tashkent in 2021 and its synchronous ratification by the parliaments in 2022 predetermined further development and deepening of Uzbek-Kyrgyz relations.

The importance of further promoting regional cooperation was emphasized, including enhancing the effectiveness of Consultative Meetings of Heads of State and interaction within the "CA + " formats.

It was emphasized that the implementation of the flagship project of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway construction could have a profound transformative impact on the entire transport system and geopolitics across the vast Eurasian space.

Another regional priority noted was the construction of the Kambaratinskaya HPP-1. As highlighted by Javlon Vakhobov, the implementation of this trilateral mega-project with Kazakhstan will lay a solid foundation for sustainable development in our countries and provide a powerful impetus for the development of bilateral cooperation, serving as an example of mutually beneficial and sustainable resolution of water and energy issues in the region.

NISI Director Sanjar Mukanbetov drew attention to the significant importance of unique bilateral institutional mechanisms and forms of economic interaction, including the Business Council, Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund, Council of Heads of Border Regions, and interregional business forums in border regions.

He confidently noted that thanks to these and other mechanisms, our countries will soon be able to increase bilateral trade turnover to $2 billion. According to the NISI Director, unhindered passage through established checkpoints at the border of the two countries, including using ID cards, increasing the number of flights between the cities of the two countries, contributed to the activation of tourist exchanges: in 2023 alone, 1.5 million citizens of Kyrgyzstan visited Uzbekistan, and 3 million citizens of Uzbekistan visited Kyrgyzstan.

Kyrgyz Ambassador to Uzbekistan Musa Jumanbaev emphasized the importance of analytical centers in Central Asia for strengthening the image and authority of the region.

He noted that joint construction of the Kambaratinskaya HPP-1 and the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway will create a solid foundation for sustainable development in our countries and give a powerful impetus to the development of bilateral cooperation, opening up opportunities for our countries to access global markets.

The Kyrgyz diplomat expressed hope that "the established comprehensive strategic partnership between our countries will soon elevate to the level of allied relations. We have all the necessary prerequisites for this."