NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUED IN AN EXPANDED FORMAT

As reported on the official website of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Sooronbay Jeenbekov continued negotiations in an expanded format with participation of official delegations.

The main attention was paid to further development of political, trade-economic, transport-communication, banking-financial, scientific-technical, cultural-humanitarian and interregional cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, strengthening relations in the sphere of industry, agriculture and water resources, tourism and other areas.

An important role in development of trade-economic relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic is played by the Intergovernmental commission on bilateral cooperation. The prime ministers of the two countries are co-chairmen of the commission, which indicates the high attention of the parties to mutual cooperation.

Recently, the trade turnover between our countries is growing rapidly. Only for the period fr om January to November this year, the indicators of mutual trade grew by more than 56 percent and reached over 235 million dollars.

However, as noted at the negotiations, this does not reflect the true economic opportunities of the two countries. The sides noted the great potential for diversifying the range of bilateral trade and bringing its volume to 500 million dollars in the coming years.

The need for active development of foreign trade infrastructure and mechanisms of supporting export-import operations, establishment of joint trading houses, as well as holding business forums and national exhibitions of industrial products on a mutual basis was emphasized.

During the official visit of the President of Kyrgyzstan, an exhibition of industrial products of Uzbekistan was organized and business negotiations were held, which were attended by many businessmen from bоth countries, contracts at the amount of about 140 million dollars were signed, which reflects the dynamic development of trade-economic relations.

The sides noted the importance of practical implementation of projects on organization of assembly production of Uzbek agricultural machinery, cars, buses, special trailers, household appliances on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic, and establishment of joint ventures in textile sphere and industry of construction materials.

At the same time, the sides agreed not to lim it themselves to these projects and jointly search for new promising areas of industrial cooperation.

Special attention will be further paid to the development and strengthening of cooperation between the regions of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan through the exchange of visits, conducting joint events in all spheres of cooperation, development of relations between the citizens of the two countries.

The Kyrgyz side supported the proposal of the Uzbek side on conducting the first meeting of the Council of khokims and heads of administrations of border regions in Uzbekistan under the patronage of the prime ministers of the two countries.

The presidents emphasized the strategic nature of bilateral cooperation in the sphere of transport and development of transit corridors, ensuring the shortest and most effective access to foreign markets.

The heads of states emphasized that the rapid construction of China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway, which would enhance the attractiveness and opening of the transit potential of Central Asia fully corresponds to the fundamental interests of the countries of the region.

A high assessment was given to the pilot international road race organized in the period from October 30 to November 3, 2017 along Tashkent – Andijan – Osh – Irkeshtam – Kashgar route, which will become another important factor in diversifying transport routes of the region.

Issues of development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in water and energy sphere were discussed. In this context, in order to achieve a constructive solution in these issues, the sides agreed to establish a Joint bilateral water commission and conduct its meeting in the near future.

When discussing issues of humanitarian cooperation, it was noted that traditions, culture and values of people of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are common. Our language, religion, history and heritage are same. This aspect plays an important role in development of cultural and humanitarian relations. Particular attention is paid to the study of the Kyrgyz language and culture in Uzbekistan, the Uzbek language and culture in Kyrgyzstan.

This year, a theater group from Kyrgyzstan visited Fergana valley, masters of art of Uzbekistan conducted a creative tour in Osh, Uzgen, Aravan, Nookat, Kara-Suu and Jalal-Abad. Days of Culture of Uzbekistan were held in Kyrgyzstan.

According to the agreement of the heads of states, Days of Culture of Kyrgyzstan will be held in Uzbekistan next year, which are eagerly awaited by our people. At the same time, people of the two countries will celebrate the anniversary of the outstanding Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov in 2018.

In this regard, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic expressed gratitude to the Head of our state for the decision on opening a permanent exhibition at the National University of Uzbekistan dedicated to the life and work of the great son of Kyrgyz people Chingiz Aitmatov.

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