“We are allies”: Mirziyoyev and Tokayev hold informal meeting

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held an informal meeting today, March 29, in Almaty. The press services of both heads of state reported the meeting.  

Delegations from both countries comprehensively discussed ways to further strengthen Uzbek-Kazakh good-neighborly relations, strategic partnership, and allied ties. At the start of the conversation, the presidents exchanged warm congratulations on the spring holiday of Navruz and the upcoming Ramadan holiday.  

President Tokayev expressed his gratitude to President Mirziyoyev for his visit and noted that such informal meetings have become a valuable tradition.  

“This is a great opportunity to exchange views on how we can achieve significant progress in a businesslike environment—to enhance cooperation between our fraternal and friendly states. We are allies, and the stability of the entire Central Asian region largely depends on the development of relations between our countries,” said Tokayev.  

The Kazakh leader also highly praised Mirziyoyev’s personal contribution to strengthening ties between the two nations and ensuring sustainable regional development.  

In turn, President Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of the meeting in further deepening bilateral relations.  

“I sincerely appreciate your warm welcome here in Almaty, your hometown. On behalf of myself and my people, I thank you. In recent years, our relations have taken on a new dynamic. We are allies. Thanks to our personal rapport, many issues are resolved smoothly, and all our agreements are being implemented. The results are tangible. I sincerely congratulate you on Kazakhstan’s achievements—economic growth is strong, with a 5.4% increase in the first quarter. I have come with a large delegation. While this is an informal meeting, each such gathering gives a powerful boost to our relations and all our agreements,” said Mirziyoyev.  

Both sides noted with satisfaction that Uzbek-Kazakh cooperation has reached new heights. Active dialogue is being conducted at all levels, trade turnover has increased by 14% since the start of the year, and a portfolio of investment projects worth over $4 billion has been formed. Interregional ties, as well as cultural and humanitarian exchanges, continue to expand.  

The heads of state listened to reports from the deputy prime ministers of both countries on measures to boost mutual trade and advance cooperation projects in key sectors such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, oil and gas, textiles, and agriculture.  

The presidents instructed officials to develop a long-term industrial cooperation program and accelerate regional infrastructure projects.  

They also stressed the importance of launching the International Industrial Cooperation Center this year and expanding the activities of the joint foreign trade company.  

The regional agenda was discussed, including preparations for upcoming Central Asian summits to be hosted in Uzbekistan in the coming months. Plans for future bilateral and multilateral events were also reviewed.  

It should be noted that President Mirziyoyev arrived in Kazakhstan today, March 29, for a working visit. He was welcomed at Almaty International Airport by President Tokayev. The two leaders later visited the Medeu ski complex, where Mirziyoyev was briefed on the history and architectural features of the Medeu dam, which was built at an altitude of 1,750 meters to protect against mudflows.