At the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan and his wife arrived for a state visit, on July 18.
The President Mirziyoyev, and the President Japarov, continued their negotiations in an expanded format with the participation of the official delegations of both countries.
In preparation for the summit, several key events were successfully held. These included the meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, a Business Forum, a Rectors' Forum, the Dialogue of Generations, and numerous cultural activities. These gatherings facilitated critical discussions and laid the groundwork for the negotiations.
Critical Analysis of Cooperation
The presidents critically analyzed the results of cooperation in various sectors, including trade, industrial cooperation, energy, transport, agriculture and water management, security, and culture. This comprehensive review aimed to identify achievements and areas requiring further attention.
The leaders agreed to maintain active contacts at multiple levels, including parliaments, governments, ministries, departments, regions, businessmen, experts, and the public. An interstate council will be formed to enhance coordination and collaboration.
Both presidents emphasized the importance of continued close cooperation within international and regional structures, including the UN, SCO, Organization of Turkic States, the Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Leaders, and other multilateral arenas.
Boosting Trade and Economic Ties
Specific measures to increase the volume of trade were discussed, focusing on supporting import substitution programs and cooperation projects. A program aimed at boosting mutual trade is being adopted during the visit.
To achieve a trade volume of $2bn in the coming years, trading houses will be established in the capitals, export-import agreements will be formed, export financing tools will be introduced, and a "green corridor" for the rapid transportation of agricultural and livestock products will be launched.
Industrial Cooperation and Investment
The portfolio of current projects within industrial cooperation has reached $300mn. A new set of trade and investment agreements in sectors such as energy, logistics, electrical engineering, textiles, and agro-industry was adopted during the business forum. To promote these projects, the authorized capital of the Uzbekistan-Kyrgyz Fund will be increased to $200mn.
Strategic Energy Cooperation
Energy cooperation was defined as a strategic direction. The importance of signing the agreement on the construction of Qambarota HPP-1 as soon as possible and starting the practical stage of the project was highlighted. A comprehensive cooperation program for the development of small hydropower will be prepared, leveraging the potential of both countries.
The need to strengthen transport connectivity in the region was emphasized. The signing of the tripartite agreement on the strategic project for constructing the "China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan" railway was recognized as a historic event. Prospective transport projects were also discussed.
The regions of both countries were identified as real drivers of trade and economic cooperation. It was agreed to continue active relations within the framework of the Council of Governors of Border Regions, chaired by the Prime Ministers. A schedule of mutual visits of regional delegations and updated joint "road maps" will be prepared.
Agriculture remains a crucial area of mutual cooperation. An agro-cooperation program will be implemented, focusing on the joint cultivation of agricultural crops, the establishment of intensive gardens, and agroclusters.
Active exchanges in culture, youth, tourism, education, science, and sports will continue. The successful second forum of rectors of higher education institutions of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in Samarkand highlighted the commitment to educational collaboration. A calendar of cultural events for the coming years will be prepared.
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