Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held an informal meeting with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Bukhara.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude to President Shavkat Mirziyev for the traditionally warm welcome and high level of organization of the meeting.
"Indeed, given the current unstable geopolitical situation, this visit takes on particular significance. Uzbekistan is a reliable strategic partner for Kazakhstan. During the visit, we will exchange views on the most pressing issues and discuss the bilateral relations agenda. There are no contradictions or disagreements between our countries. Signed agreements and understandings are being consistently implemented. The government of Kazakhstan clearly understands the need to unconditionally fulfill mutual obligations. This work is being carried out under my supervision," said the Head of State.
The President noted that sacred Bukhara, with a history spanning more than 2,500 years, is an integral part of the world's historical and cultural heritage.
"Bukhara is rightfully considered one of the spiritual and intellectual centers of the medieval East. This ancient city is connected to the Kazakh people by many visible and invisible ties. Mashkhur Zhusup studied here and received his education in Bukhara. For many centuries, members of the Kazakh nobility acquired knowledge in Bukhara, studying in local madrassas. Here, one can fully sense the breath of time and the grandeur of a civilization that had a profound influence on the progress of all humanity. Today, Bukhara seamlessly combines millennia-old traditions with the dynamic development of modern Uzbekistan. Today, we have, so to speak, seen modern Bukhara on the fly. A comprehensive, large-scale reconstruction of all buildings has been carried out. This is the result of a great deal of work and, most importantly, the state's commitment to such a magnificent historical heritage," stated Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
He emphasized that the historically close ties serve as an unshakable foundation for a genuine strategic partnership and alliance between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
"You, esteemed Shavkat Miromonovich, are greatly responsible for the fact that bilateral relations have reached such an unprecedented level. As our closest ally, Kazakhstan fully supports the large-scale political and economic reforms being carried out under your wise leadership. Thanks to your well-considered strategic course, the well-being of our people is steadily improving, large-scale infrastructure and social projects are being implemented, receiving positive reviews and ratings from leading financial institutions, and the country's international standing is strengthening. I am confident that your consistent policy, based on the priority of national interests, will contribute to the further sustainable development of Uzbekistan, as well as the entire region," the President noted.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev thanked the leader of Uzbekistan for his congratulations on the adoption of the new Constitution of Kazakhstan. He noted that Shavkat Mirziyoyev was the first foreign leader to congratulate Kazakhstan on this historic event. For his part, the head of state supported the President of Uzbekistan's "Clean Air" initiative, noting its relevance for Kazakhstan's major cities.
"I would like to express my support for your initiative regarding clean air. I share your concerns regarding the environmental situation in Tashkent. The situation in Almaty is very difficult. Unfortunately, Almaty is among the most polluted major cities in the world, and urgent action is needed. Therefore, if you don't mind, we could propose today the joint implementation of the Clean Air initiative, under the auspices of the presidents and implemented by the governments of both countries. I believe the public in our countries and the international community will respond positively. Indeed, much can be accomplished within the framework of this initiative. This will force both local authorities and businesses to act more responsibly in terms of protecting the environment and nature in general," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev also noted the importance of their meeting in Bukhara, which is of great significance for expanding multifaceted ties between the countries.
"Your visit is yet another clear demonstration of the centuries-old friendship and close brotherhood between our two peoples, the strategic partnership, and the ever-strengthening allied relations. I am confident that our frank and sincere meeting today will enrich our mutually beneficial cooperation with new content, achieve concrete practical results, and further expand regional cooperation," said the President of Uzbekistan.
He stated that the Uzbek people, as their closest neighbor and ally, have always sincerely welcomed Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's effective reforms to build a Just Kazakhstan.
"Despite the challenging global situation, the economy has exceeded $300 billion. The share of the non-resource sector in the GDP structure is growing, and the share of small and medium-sized businesses is approaching 40 percent. You are focusing on the digitalization of the state and have declared this year the year of digitalization and artificial intelligence. The country's international authority is strengthening. Under your leadership, a well-balanced multi-vector foreign policy is being implemented in the interests of the people of Kazakhstan. The international initiatives you put forward are finding broad support and underscore your role as a prominent political figure in solving regional and global problems. I read your article in the National Interest with great interest. I agree that the modern international environment demonstrates a growing demand for pragmatism, openness, and realism. I would like to separately emphasize the depth of your approach to issues of economic transformation. It is very important to me, I want to emphasize this, that the combination of reforms, investments, and sustainable development is a holistic strategy, and not a set of separate initiatives. We highly appreciate your efforts in strengthening good-neighborly relations, strategic partnership, and alliance between our fraternal peoples," Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized.
During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their strategic commitment to deepening their economic partnership. An agreement was reached to strengthen cooperation between the two governments to achieve specific trade and production targets. The importance of systemic support for businesses and stimulating their activity was emphasized.
The heads of state discussed in detail cooperation in the mining and processing of rare earth metals, transit and transport, water and energy, and the IT sector.
Particular attention was paid to strengthening cultural and humanitarian contacts and developing tourism.
Following the talks, the presidents agreed to adopt a roadmap between the governments of the two countries for the further development of trade and economic cooperation.
By the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
