Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Strengthen Strategic Partnership
Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu met with his Uzbek counterpart, Bakhtiyor Saidov, on March 20 in Khiva during the first meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers. The discussions focused on deepening bilateral cooperation across trade, energy, infrastructure, and education, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry reported.
Boosting Trade and Economic Ties
Kazakhstan remains one of Uzbekistan’s top three trading partners, with annual trade exceeding $4 billion. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to increasing trade turnover to $10 billion by 2030, following a previously signed agreement. They also discussed accelerating the launch of the Central Asia International Industrial Cooperation Center, a key project aimed at boosting regional trade and industrial collaboration.
Additionally, the opening of the Kazakhstan Trade Pavilion in the Airitom free economic zone in Termez was welcomed as a step toward enhancing trade with Afghanistan.
Water and Energy Collaboration
The ministers reviewed progress on joint energy projects, particularly the Kambar-Ata-1 hydroelectric power plant, a trilateral initiative involving Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The project is expected to improve regional energy security and water resource management.
Education and Cultural Exchange
Education was another focal point, with both ministers highlighting the success of Kazakh and Uzbek university branches. Notable examples include Auezov South Kazakhstan State University in Chirchik and the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers in Almaty, which are fostering academic and scientific cooperation.
Strengthening Connectivity and Tourism
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan also discussed enhancing transport and logistics through the Middle Corridor, a key trade route linking Central Asia with Europe and China. Expanding cultural and humanitarian cooperation, including joint tourism initiatives, was also emphasized.
