The issues of provision of South Kazakhstan oblast with gas, water resources and creation of a free trade zone were on the agenda, Kazinform reported.

The Kazakh delegation consists of Chairman of the Agency for Regulation of Natural Monopolies Nurlan Aldabergenov, Chairman of the Agriculture Ministry’s Water Resources Committee Anatoly Ryabtsev, Vice Minister of Industry and Trade Zhanar Aitzhanova, President of KazMunaiGaz JSC Serik Burkitbayev, akim (governor) of South Kazakshtan region Nurgali Ashimov, Ambassador to Uzbekistan Zauytbek Turysbekov.

The Uzbek side is represented by the heads of the ministries of foreign economic relations, industry and trade, agriculture, State Customs Committee and others.

"Central Asian region, its stability depends on our cooperation," U. Shukeyev said.

As reported earlier, the volume of commodity circulation between the two states increased by 63.3% in 2007. Thus it amounts to US%1.4 million. Kazakhstan is the second trade partner of Uzbekistan following Russia.