Priority areas for the development of the Uzbek-Kyrgyz multifaceted partnership were discussed

At the Rukh Ordo Cultural Center in Cholpon-Ata, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks with President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, both in a restricted format and with members of official delegations, the press service of the head of our state reports.

Prospects for the further development of Uzbek-Kyrgyz relations, including a comprehensive strategic partnership and the expansion of practical cooperation in priority areas, were discussed in detail.

The head of state emphasized that Uzbek-Kyrgyz relations are currently at a historic peak.

In recent years, trade turnover has increased almost tenfold, reaching $1.2 billion last year. 450 joint ventures have been established, and a Development Fund is successfully operating to support cooperation projects.

15 flights and five bus routes have been launched between the cities.

In the lead-up to the current visit, productive meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission, the Business Council, a business forum, meetings of rectors and analysts, Uzbekistan Culture Days, and a number of other events were held.

During the talks, the parties agreed to continue intensive contacts at the parliamentary, government, ministry, agency, and regional levels, as well as business and expert circles. A decision was made to establish an Interstate Council.

The need for continued close cooperation within international and regional structures, including the UN, the SCO, the Organization of Turkic States, the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, and other multilateral forums, was noted.

As part of the goal of increasing mutual trade to $3 billion in the near future, measures will be taken to increase mutual supplies through active import substitution, and trading houses and representative offices will be opened in the capitals of the two countries.

Particular attention will be paid to deepening industrial cooperation in priority areas. The parties discussed joint projects in energy, geology, critical minerals, logistics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and other sectors.

A new package of trade contracts and investment agreements was adopted at the business forum held the day before.

Cooperation in the energy sector was identified as a strategic focus. The importance of quickly signing the agreement and commencing the practical phase of the Kambarata-1 Hydroelectric Power Station (HPP) construction project was emphasized.

An exchange of views took place on the progress of the large-scale China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project.

To strengthen transport connectivity, an agreement was reached to develop border and trade-logistics infrastructure along the railway, digitalize permitting procedures, and create favorable conditions for road carriers.

It was noted that the regions of the two countries are the true drivers of trade and economic cooperation.

In this context, a decision was made to hold the first Forum of Regions by the end of the year, with the participation of all regions, and to approve a schedule of mutual visits.

Active exchanges in culture, youth, tourism, education, science, and sports will continue.

During the talks, reports were heard from the Deputy Prime Ministers, presenting specific proposals on the trade and economic agenda.

In conclusion, Shavkat Mirziyoyev invited Sadyr Japarov to visit Uzbekistan at a convenient time.