President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov held high-level talks at the Rukh Ordo Cultural Center in Cholpon-Ata, reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two neighboring countries.The discussions, held in both restricted and expanded formats with official delegations, focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, transport, infrastructure, and regional connectivity.
President Mirziyoyev said that relations between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have reached a historic high. Bilateral trade has increased nearly tenfold in recent years, reaching $1.2 billion last year, while around 450 joint ventures have been established. The two leaders also highlighted improved connectivity, with 15 air routes and five bus services now operating between the countries.The leaders agreed to maintain close engagement at the parliamentary, governmental, ministerial, regional, business, and expert levels and decided to establish an Interstate Council to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination within international and regional organizations, including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Organization of Turkic States, and other multilateral platforms.
To achieve the goal of increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion in the near future, the two countries agreed to expand mutual exports through import substitution, while opening trade houses and representative offices in each other’s capitals.Special emphasis was placed on industrial cooperation through joint projects in energy, geology, critical minerals, logistics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and other priority sectors. A new package of trade contracts and investment agreements was also adopted during the bilateral business forum held a day earlier.The energy sector was identified as a strategic area of cooperation, with both leaders stressing the importance of signing the necessary agreement and beginning the practical implementation of the Kambarata HPP-1 hydropower project.The presidents also reviewed progress on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway project and agreed to improve border and trade logistics, introduce digital permit procedures, and create favorable conditions for road transport operators.
Recognizing the important role of regional cooperation, the two sides decided to organize the first Forum of Regions by the end of the year, involving all provinces, and to approve a schedule of reciprocal regional visits.The leaders also pledged to continue expanding cooperation in culture, tourism, education, science, youth affairs, and sports.During the meeting, Deputy Prime Ministers of both countries presented proposals aimed at advancing the bilateral trade and economic agenda.At the conclusion of the talks, President Mirziyoyev invited President Japarov to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan at a mutually convenient time.
