Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have launched a new mechanism for interregional
cooperation. Following a decision by the presidents of the two countries, the
Council of Regional Leaders has begun its work, serving as a platform for
developing trade and economic, investment, and cross-border ties. The inaugural
meeting was held in Aktau with the participation of the Prime Ministers of the
two countries, Olzhas Bektenov and Abdulla Aripov. The sides placed particular
emphasis on industrial cooperation and the development of transport and
logistics infrastructure. The two countries have significant transit potential
due to their location at the crossroads of key Eurasian transport routes, including
the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which is linked to the
North-South corridor and the Trans-Afghan corridor. Last year alone, 8 million
tonnes of cargo were handled through the ports of Aktau and Kuryk. Following
the Council's first meeting, memorandums between regions and commercial
agreements worth over 80 billion tenge were signed.
«We attach particular importance to the comprehensive
development of our strategic partnership with brotherly Uzbekistan. The
establishment of the Council of Regional Leaders is a natural continuation of
the intensive dialogue between the leaders of our two countries and has opened
up new opportunities for deepening interregional cooperation. Strengthening
direct ties between regions plays an important role in further expanding trade
and investment cooperation. I am confident that the Council’s activities will
make a significant contribution to achieving the goal set by President
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of increasing bilateral trade
to $10 billion,» Bektenov said.
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