Ministers of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan meet in Khiva (video)

On March 20, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu arrived in Khiva on a working visit. As part of his trip, the first meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan was held with the participation of representatives from various state bodies of both countries, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.  

During the meeting, officials discussed a wide range of topics related to Kazakh-Uzbek cooperation, including political, trade, economic, investment, transit and transport, water and energy, and cultural and humanitarian relations.  

“Thanks to the political will and wisdom of our heads of state, our relations have reached an unprecedented level across all areas of bilateral cooperation,” Nurtleu said.  

He emphasized the importance of further strengthening political dialogue at the highest levels and enhancing inter-parliamentary ties.  

Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov reaffirmed that the presidents of both countries have set a long-term vision for expanding cooperation in bilateral and multilateral formats.  

Both sides agreed to take joint measures to boost trade and economic cooperation, including increasing bilateral trade volume and implementing joint investment projects in industry, agriculture, transport, logistics, and construction.  

Kazakhstan is currently one of Uzbekistan’s top three trading partners, with annual trade exceeding $4 billion. To achieve the goals set by the heads of state, officials emphasized the need to implement the previously signed program to increase mutual trade to $10 billion by 2030 and accelerate the launch of the Central Asia International Center for Industrial Cooperation.  

Additionally, the ministers welcomed the opening of Kazakhstan’s trade pavilion in the Airytom Free Economic Zone in Termez and discussed the potential for expanding trade relations with Afghanistan.  

The two sides also reviewed joint transport and logistics projects, particularly the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. This corridor will enable both countries to access markets in the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cargo transport volumes and modernizing transport infrastructure.  

Discussions also covered cooperation in the water and energy sectors, with both sides highlighting the importance of mutual interests. A key example of collaboration in this area is the trilateral project for constructing the Kambarata Hydropower Plant-1.  

Cultural and humanitarian ties were also a key focus. The ministers noted the positive reception of recent initiatives, including the unveiling of a monument to Uzbek poet Alisher Navoi in Astana and the successful Tashkent Days in Kazakhstan. More recently, Almaty hosted the play “Lazgi. Dance of Heart and Love” and an exhibition featuring works by renowned artist Ural Tansykbayev.  

Education was another area of discussion, with officials highlighting the activities of M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University’s branch in Chirchik and the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers’ branch in Almaty. Both sides expressed support for expanding cooperation in higher education and tourism, including joint projects to promote cultural heritage.  

At the meeting, representatives from both countries presented reports on strengthening trade and industrial cooperation, transport and logistics, water management, and cultural initiatives.  

The ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues, reaffirming their commitment to close cooperation within multilateral organizations and supporting each other’s initiatives.  

“We highly value the alliance, strategic partnership, and centuries-old friendship between our countries. Today, we signed the protocol of the first meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers. This marks another step toward strengthening our political dialogue, expanding trade and economic cooperation, and deepening people-to-people ties. Our discussions were constructive and fruitful, aimed at further enhancing our multifaceted cooperation,” Bakhtiyor Saidov wrote on social media.  

The ministers emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, stability, and sustainable development in Central Asia. They also reaffirmed their commitment to joint efforts within the framework of the Consultative Meetings of Central Asian Leaders, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, and the SA+ formats.  

Following the discussions, the protocol of the first meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan was signed.  

During the visit, the ministers toured cultural landmarks in Khiva, including the historical center of Ichankal'a, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Nurullaboy Palace, which reflects the traditional architecture of Khorezm.  

“Walking along the ancient streets of this magnificent open-air museum, we witness the rich cultural and historical heritage of our ancestors that unites our peoples. Khiva, with its unique architecture and vibrant spirit, is a symbol of our centuries-old shared history and friendship.  

Our joint excursion reflects not only diplomacy but also deepening cooperation in fostering mutual understanding and appreciation of our common heritage,” wrote Bakhtiyor Saidov.