The International Institute for Central Asia (IICA) hosted a Scientific and Practical Conference “Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan: Synergy of Strategic Partnership”.

The forum was attended by representatives of NISS and leading think tanks, parliament, ministries, and agencies of Uzbekistan, including the Oliy Majlis, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ISRS, the Center for Economic Research and Reforms under the Presidential Administration, IMRS, the Ministry of Transport, the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Academy of Sciences, the Scientific Information Center of Interstate Commission for Water Coordination, Committee on Interethnic Relations and Friendly Ties with Foreign Countries under the Cabinet of Ministers, Kyrgyz National Center, hokimiyats of Andijan, Fergana and Jizzakh regions.

Opening the conference, IICA Director Javlon Vakhabov emphasized that rebooting bilateral relations and resolving several contradictions in a short period since March 2021, when President Sadyr Zhaparov made his first state visit to Uzbekistan, became possible solely thanks to the political will of the leaders of the two countries, who managed to overcome the past stereotypes of relations, find mutually beneficial compromises and ensure transparent implementation of the agreements reached.

NISS Director Sanjar Mukanbetov drew attention to the great importance of unique bilateral institutional mechanisms and forms of economic interaction, including the Business Council, the Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan Development Fund, the Council of Heads of Border Regions, and interregional business forums in border areas.

He noted with confidence that thanks to these and other mechanisms, our countries will soon be able to increase bilateral trade turnover to $2 billion.

He noted that the joint construction of the Kambarata Hydroelectric Power Station-1 and the Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway will create a solid foundation for sustainable mutual development and allow our countries to enter world markets.

The Kyrgyz diplomat expressed hope that the established comprehensive strategic partnership between the countries will soon rise to allied relations. We have all the necessary prerequisites for this.

G. Khonnazarov, UzA