Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan: Strategic Partners and Reliable Allies, Says Tokayev

Following the second meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council, the Presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan held a joint briefing for the media.

In his remarks, Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his gratitude to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the entire Uzbek people for the warm welcome given to the Kazakh delegation, The Caspian Post reports citing Kazinform.

"Kazakhs and Uzbeks are brotherly peoples and friendly neighbors who have been united by common roots since ancient times. Our lifestyle, customs, culture, mentality and languages are very similar, and our historical paths are closely intertwined. Thanks to these sacred values, bilateral relations are developing at an unprecedented pace. The countries enjoy constructive and active political dialogue at the highest level, and trade and economic ties are strengthening every year. Investment projects with high potential are being implemented in the industrial sector. We attach great importance to expanding regional cooperation and ensuring security and stability. In addition, cultural and humanitarian contacts between the two countries are deepening. The main goal of this visit is to strengthen the bonds of friendship and good neighborly relations between the fraternal nations, open up new horizons for multifaceted cooperation and, ultimately, bring the Kazakh-Uzbek relations to a brand new level, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted.

According to the Head of State, the agreements reached fully meet the fundamental interests of the two nations and demonstrate the unshakeable nature of the Kazakh-Uzbek friendship, good neighborly relations, strategic partnership and alliance.

“As President of Kazakhstan, I consider it my duty to give top priority to the development of multifaceted cooperation with Uzbekistan. I would like to emphasize that, contrary to all sorts of speculations by so‑called ‘experts,’ Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are by no means rivals or even competitors, but rather strategic partners, reliable allies, walking together on the path of progress and development. Our peoples are true brothers, close friends who show sincere respect for each other,” the President stressed.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed the II meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council. The presidents took part via videoconference in a ceremony of launching joint projects of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev presented Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with Uzbekistan’s highest state award.