The 21st meeting of the joint Intergovernmental Commission on Bilateral Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan took place in Almaty. Prime Ministers Olzhas Bektenov and Abdulla Aripov discussed current issues on the bilateral agenda and the implementation of the agreements of the heads of state. The focus was on projects aimed at strengthening trade, economic, investment and water-energy ties, as well as cooperation in the transport, industrial and agricultural spheres.
Particular attention was paid to increasing cargo turnover. The prime ministers noted that measures to develop transport infrastructure and eliminate bottlenecks contribute to the growth of cargo transportation. The parties expressed interest in the implementation of the Darbaza-Maktaaral, Almaty ring road and Dostyk station projects. Joint steps towards digitalization and automation of water distribution systems were also discussed.
Olzhas Bektenov emphasized that Uzbekistan is one of the largest trading partners of Kazakhstan, and expressed interest in increasing mutual trade to $10 billion in the medium term. Abdulla Aripov noted the rapid development of relations between the countries and their great potential for further strengthening. The result of the meeting was the signing of the Protocol of the commission meeting.