Khiva, March 21, 2025 – The Europe Today: On Friday, the inaugural meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan took place in Khiva, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the two Central Asian nations. The event was attended by Kazakh Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu and Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, following the initiative of the leaders of both countries.
In his address, Minister Nurtleu highlighted that the relations between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have reached their highest level in all areas, reflecting the strong partnership between the two nations. The relationship saw substantial developments during the December 2022 state visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Tashkent, where both countries signed treaties on allied relations and state border demarcation. Additionally, during Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s state visit to Astana in 2024, the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council was held, and the Partnership and Alliance Program for the next decade was signed.
Minister Nurtleu also pointed out that trade between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan reached four billion dollars last year, with both countries aiming to increase that figure to 10 billion dollars. The ministers discussed various areas of cooperation, including trade, investment, water management, energy, industry, and transportation.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are jointly developing 78 industrial projects, with 12, valued at approximately 220 million US dollars, already operational. The remaining projects are expected to be completed by 2030. Furthermore, both nations are working on establishing a transport-logistics hub at their border to enhance transit potential, improve shipping routes from China to Europe via Uzbekistan, and provide a more efficient shipping route to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the foreign ministers signed a protocol outlining all agreements reached and the specific tasks for future collaboration. The next meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers is scheduled for August 2025 in Burabay, Kazakhstan.
