Toqayev and Mirziyoyev Hold Talks in Tashkent, Launch $1.2 Billion in Joint Projects

President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev arrived in Tashkent on the evening of November 14 for a state visit, following his participation in the second Forum of Agricultural Workers, Orda.kz reports.

Toqayev and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held negotiations, discussing the further development of the Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan partnership and strengthening bilateral ties. The leaders talked in detail about cooperation in trade, industry, transport, energy, agriculture, as well as cultural and humanitarian initiatives.

The two presidents also exchanged views on key regional and international issues.

At the end of the meeting, Toqayev thanked Mirziyoyev for the invitation and the warm reception.

Later, the presidents held the second meeting of the High Interstate Council, where they discussed priority areas of cooperation.

In an expanded-format session, the delegations addressed trade, transit, energy, water management, and humanitarian relations. Toqayev again expressed appreciation for Mirziyoyev’s hospitality and emphasized the importance of strengthening friendship and partnership.

He noted that Uzbekistan is a “close, brotherly country and a reliable neighbor” for Kazakhstan, adding that the peoples of both countries are united by shared values and that cooperation continues to develop steadily.

Toqayev highlighted the need to expand cooperation in trade and agriculture:

It is important to develop cooperation in the extraction and processing of rare-earth metals and to improve transit and transport links.

Toqayev added that amid a challenging international environment, it is essential to intensify joint efforts and continue moving forward.

For his part, Mirziyoyev stated that the establishment of the High Interstate Council last year has proven its effectiveness, and that relations between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have reached a high level of partnership and friendship.

In difficult economic conditions, it is important to work together to minimize negative consequences for our countries and the region, the Uzbek leader said.

Original Author: Natalya Ovhchenikova