Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – At a meeting with media representatives, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev shared their assessments of the recent negotiations.

The President of Uzbekistan expressed deep satisfaction, noting that through joint systematic and practical efforts, the Uzbek-Kazakh cooperation has been elevated to the highest level of alliance relations.

- We have turned a new page in our multifaceted relations by holding the first meeting of the High Interstate Council. This format reflects the highest level of interstate interaction and vividly demonstrates the close ties between our countries and peoples, their firm commitment to strengthening cooperation in all areas.

During the talks, the establishment of an Interparliamentary Forum involving both chambers of parliament was discussed. A decision was made to create another new format of interaction – the Council of Foreign Ministers.

Concrete agreements were reached to further deepen cooperation in trade, industrial cooperation, energy, transport, agriculture, water management, and culture.

A Joint Statement was signed, and a Strategic Partnership and Alliance Program for 2024-2034 was adopted, aimed at further strengthening comprehensive cooperation.

Special attention was given to enhancing interregional connections. The leaders proposed transforming the Interregional Cooperation Forum into a Council of Regional Leaders involving all regions of both countries.

It was noted with satisfaction that contracts and agreements worth 7 billion dollars were signed during the recent business forum and meetings.

By the end of the month, a comprehensive program will be adopted to significantly increase trade volumes. The parties also decided to accelerate the construction of the International Center for Industrial Cooperation to develop and implement new investment projects.

Additionally, the issue of creating a Uzbek-Kazakh investment fund to finance joint projects in priority areas will be explored.

The agenda included expanding cooperation in transport and logistics. Specific measures were discussed to create the most favorable conditions for increasing cargo volumes and accelerating the construction and modernization of roads and railways.

Another strategic direction is ensuring food security. Concrete agreements were reached on the cultivation and supply of agricultural products within both countries.

Priority areas for cooperation in water management and environmental protection were identified.

An agreement was reached to continue close cooperation on the joint use of transboundary water resources.

Special attention was given to strengthening collaboration in culture, youth, tourism, science, education, and sports.

During the visit to Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, Uzbek Film Days, concerts, exhibitions, festivals, intellectual games, and other events were successfully held.

The parties expressed readiness to organize cross-cultural events, joint film festivals, and concerts of artists from both countries next year.

During the visit, the activities of branches of leading higher educational institutions in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan were launched.

The President of Uzbekistan expressed gratitude to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and, through him, to the entire fraternal people of Kazakhstan for establishing a monument to the great son of the Uzbek people, the poet and philosopher Alisher Navoi, in the center of Astana.

The parties will continue mutual support for initiatives within regional and international platforms, including the United Nations, SCO, CIS, Organization of Turkic States, Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, and the “Central Asia plus” formats.

It was particularly noted that the upcoming Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State in Astana will give a powerful impetus to economic integration and rapid development of the entire region.

In conclusion, Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that the results of the state visit and the agreements reached will contribute to the comprehensive strengthening of the friendship and good-neighborly relations, strategic partnership, and alliance between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.