Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  On 22 October, the fourth interregional cooperation forum between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan took place in Samarkand.

The forum, led by the Prime Ministers of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, Abdulla Aripov and Olzhas Bektenov, saw participation from representatives of all regions of both countries and about 200 entrepreneurs during a roundtable discussion.

The forum aimed to create favorable conditions for developing direct connections between regional leaders and entrepreneurs, emphasizing that strategic partnerships based on centuries-old friendship, good neighborliness, and mutual respect have rapidly developed, with positive growth observed in all sectors.

A key factor in these robust mutual relations is the friendly and trusting connection between the heads of state.

Over the past seven years, mutual trade between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan has increased nearly 2.5 times, reaching $4.4 billion last year.

Currently, there are over 1,000 enterprises in Uzbekistan with Kazakh capital, while Kazakhstan hosts more than 3,600 enterprises with Uzbek capital.

The forum facilitated a comprehensive exchange of views on increasing mutual trade volume to $10 billion in the coming years by effectively utilizing available resources.

The importance of developing interregional cooperation in this process was emphasized.

Interregional ties are seen as a driving force in expanding long-term partnerships between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. In particular, border regions such as the Republic of Karakalpakstan with the Mangystau region, Tashkent region with Turkestan region, and Navoi region with Kyzylorda region have established direct and close connections.

Moreover, regions without a common border are also actively strengthening mutual ties and steadily developing trade, economic, and industrial cooperation.

The forum highlighted the significant untapped potential in regional relations and the high interest in developing direct connections and implementing mutually beneficial projects.

Additionally, the importance of developing cultural and humanitarian ties between the brotherly nations was reiterated.

Following the fourth interregional forum, several documents were signed to enhance cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.