Priority directions of development of Uzbek-Kyrgyz cooperation were discussed

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov continued negotiations in an expanded format with the participation of members of official delegations, heads of a number of ministries and regions of the two countries.

The Head of our state, once again expressing deep gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality, emphasized that Uzbekistan sincerely welcomes the successful socio-economic reforms carried out in Kyrgyzstan under the leadership of President Sadyr Japarov.

It was noted with satisfaction that bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are developing dynamically. Contacts at the highest level have become systematic and intensive, which has allowed us to significantly strengthen cooperation, identify new growth points and expand practical cooperation.

The sides expressed their firm commitment and readiness to work together to deepen the bilateral strategic partnership. It was emphasized that the historic Agreement on the border was received with great enthusiasm by our fraternal peoples.

During the negotiations, special attention was paid to the development of trade and economic cooperation. It was noted that by the end of last year, the mutual trade turnover reached $ 1.3 billion, more than 300 joint ventures were created. Industrial cooperation projects are being implemented in various sectors of the economy. The Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund has started financing real projects.

A solid package of contracts worth $1.6 billion was signed within the framework of the business forum held yesterday.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined the main priorities of mutually beneficial cooperation. First of all, this is an increase in the volume and expansion of the nomenclature of mutual trade.

To this end, the parties agreed to work out issues of substitution of imports from third countries with affordable products of our manufacturers, as well as the creation of shopping centers in the capitals of the two countries.

Within the framework of industrial cooperation, it was proposed to work out new investment projects worth about $ 500 million. These are the production of cars, modern household appliances, building materials, joint mining and processing of minerals.

The leader of our country highlighted the strengthening of cooperation in the field of agriculture as another important area of cooperation in the context of food security.

This will be served by the implementation of the agro-cooperation program, which provides for the launch of joint projects for the development of intensive gardens and greenhouses, the supply of potatoes, fruit and vegetable and livestock products, the cultivation of agricultural goods and others.

The President of Uzbekistan also noted the importance of expanding partnership and direct contacts between the regions of the two countries.

Interaction in the field of transport and logistics is strategically significant. An agreement was reached to intensify work on the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, maximize the potential of the Andijan–Osh–Irkeshtam highway, and create a joint transport and logistics company for this purpose.

Special attention at the talks was paid to cooperation in the energy sector. The necessity of intensifying joint efforts to implement projects in the hydropower sector, including the construction of the Kambaratinskaya HPP-1, was emphasized.

The Head of our state also noted the importance of expanding cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere. A number of specific initiatives have been put forward aimed at strengthening the bonds of friendship between our peoples, who are united by common history and religion, language and culture.

Among them are the wide celebration of the 95th anniversary of the outstanding Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov, the staging of a joint performance at the opening of the Uzbek Musical and Drama Theater named after Babur in Osh, the creation of a new format – a Dialogue of generations with the active involvement of intellectuals and youth, the holding of student Spartakiad, joint festivals and concerts, creative events.