The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Karim Masimov in his Oksaroy residence on 26 July, UzA reported. Welcoming the guest, the President spoke of the development of Uzbek-Kazakh relations, particularly economic cooperation.
Relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are based on the traditions of friendship and brotherhood. Our nations have always live side by side, shared both happy and sad moments. The commonality of views and similarity of positions of the leaders of the two countries in relation to cooperation, international and regional problems play an important role in the development of Uzbek-Kazakh relations. Mutual understanding of the Presidents on many issues is an important factor in the establishment of mutual trust and respect in politics and economic spheres.
During the Uzbek-Kazakh summit held in March 2006 in Tashkent, Islam Karimov and Nursultan Nazarbaev agreed on the establishment of Interstate Coordination Council under the aegis of the Presidents. A unique mechanism was created for the implementation of the agreements, monitoring of the performance of the approved documents, and quick acting on the topical issues concerning bilateral relations.
The first meeting of the council was held within the frame of the informal meeting of the Presidents in November 2006 in Tashkent. Islam Karimov and Nursultan Nazarbaev discussed the issues concerning water use, energy, communication. An agreement was reached on the opening of trade points on the territories near the Uzbek-Kazakh border, improvement of the legal aspects of their activity and further development of trade. They also agreed on the appointment of military counselors (attaché) in the Embassies within the frame of the military-technical relations, and expansion of cooperation in preparation of military men.
During the visit of the Prime Minister Masimov to Tashkent, the office of the Kazakhstan Development Bank was opened, and the second meeting of the Interstate Coordination Council was held. At the meeting participants discussed the progress on the earlier achieved agreements, development of trade and economic cooperation.
The legal framework for the bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan is constituted by over 100 documents. They regulate cooperation in various spheres. Annually the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries rises by the average of 20-35%. In 2006, the bilateral trade volume comprised US8.6 million (up 40% compared to 2005). In the first half of this year bilateral trade further rose by 93.2% compared to 1H 2006 to US3.4 million. Experts suggest that by the end of the year the figure may reach USnewscat="%" number="50" billion, and if the current pace is kept this figure may even be exceeded.
Over 120 joint ventures established by the business representatives of the two countries operate in Uzbekistan, and about 100 – in Kazakhstan.
One of the important aspects of cooperation between the countries is cooperation in humanitarian sphere. Thus, partnerships are being established between educational institutions and scientific-research facilities. In 2006, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Khorezm Academy of Mamun and Kazakhstan Institute of Oriental Studies. The workers of culture and art of the two countries regularly participate in international forums organised in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
During the meeting in Oksaroy residence, Mr. Masimov said his visit to Uzbekistan was going fruitfully, and the agreements reached during the Interstate Coordination Council meeting would serve the interests of both countries. He thanked President Karimov for the warm reception.
In further talks parties shared their opinions about the current status and future prospects of bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Uzreport.com
