Prime Ministers Alikhan Smailov of Kazakhstan and Abdulla Aripov of Uzbekistan convened Almaty discussion preceding the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council assembly. This meeting between Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan, as reported by Kazinform News Agency and highlighted by Prime Minister Kz, marks a pivotal moment in the bilateral relations of these Central Asian neighbors, focusing on enhancing their strategic partnership across various sectors.
The agenda, rich in scope, tackled critical areas such as trade, economic cooperation, agriculture, transit, transport, and gas sectors. Central to their dialogue was the evaluation of a roadmap aimed at augmenting bilateral trade turnover, complemented by an assessment of progress in cooperative industrial projects. This roadmap signifies both nations’ dedication to mutual growth and prosperity.
Discussions on interstate water relations took center stage, given the paramount importance of water resources in the region. Both parties underscored the robustness of their current partnership and reaffirmed commitments to the collaborative management and utilization of transboundary water facilities, reflecting a shared recognition of water’s pivotal role in sustainable development and population well-being.
Prime Minister Smailov articulated Kazakhstan’s unwavering commitment to elevating its strategic partnership with Uzbekistan, presenting it as a regional cooperation exemplar. He highlighted significant trade milestones, with trade turnover breaching the $5 billion target in 2022 and reaching $4.1 billion within the initial 11 months of that year. With ambitions to double this figure to $10 billion, Smailov advocated for systemic measures to deepen trade and economic connections, signaling Kazakhstan’s preparedness for active collaboration towards these goals.
From Uzbekistan’s perspective, Prime Minister Aripov reaffirmed the rapid ascension of the strategic partnership, rooted in friendship, good neighborliness, and mutual respect. He referenced specific tasks delineated by both states’ heads to enhance multifaceted relations, affirming Uzbekistan’s preparedness to execute all necessary measures to achieve these goals.
This Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan Prime Ministers’ meeting not only underscores the robust bilateral ties but also frames a forward-looking agenda for cooperation. With a focus on water management and industrial cooperation amid ambitious trade goals, this chapter in Central Asian diplomacy signals strategic partnerships aimed at not only bolstering economic ties but also addressing shared environmental and developmental challenges. As these nations advance, their collaboration emerges as a beacon of regional cooperation, offering insights into partnership and progress for the broader Eurasian landscape.
LATEST NEWS | Canada Ignites 2024 WTO Reform: Pioneering Sustainable Global Trade
