CENTRAL ASIA MONITORING DESK ISLAMABAD
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are considering a joint Clean Air initiative alongside broader efforts to expand trade and strategic cooperation, following a meeting between Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Bukhara on April 11.
Key sectors discussed included the extraction and processing of rare earth metals, transport and transit connectivity, water and energy cooperation, and the development of the IT industry. Both countries are seeking to leverage their geographic positions and resource bases to enhance regional supply chains and industrial capacity.
The talks also focused on strengthening economic cooperation, with both sides agreeing to intensify coordination between their governments to achieve measurable outcomes in trade and industrial collaboration. The presidents highlighted the need for systematic support for business communities and increased economic activity.
The leaders also underlined the importance of expanding cultural and humanitarian ties and boosting tourism flows between the two countries.
Following the talks, the two leaders agreed to develop a joint roadmap outlining further steps to expand trade and economic cooperation.
Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held an informal meeting with H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan
H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude to H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev for the traditionally warm reception and the high level of organization of the meeting.
– Indeed, given the current unstable geopolitical situation, this visit takes on special significance. For Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan is a reliable strategic partner. During the visit, we will exchange views on the most pressing issues and discuss the bilateral agenda. There are no contradictions or disagreements between our countries. The agreements and understandings reached are being consistently implemented. The Government of Kazakhstan clearly understands the need for unconditional fulfillment of mutual obligations. The relevant work is being carried out under my supervision, – said the Head of State.
The President noted that the sacred Bukhara, with a history spanning more than 2,500 years, is an integral part of the world’s historical and cultural heritage.
– Bukhara is rightfully considered one of the spiritual and intellectual centers of the medieval East. This ancient city is connected with the Kazakh people by numerous visible and invisible ties. Mashhur Zhusup studied here and received his education in Bukhara. For many centuries, representatives of the Kazakh elite acquired knowledge in Bukhara, studying at local madrasas. Here one can fully feel the breath of time and the grandeur of a civilization that had a tremendous impact on the progress of all humanity. At the present stage, Bukhara organically combines millennia-old traditions and the dynamic development of New Uzbekistan. Today we briefly observed modern Bukhara. A comprehensive large-scale reconstruction of all buildings has been carried out. This is the result of tremendous work and, most importantly, state care for such magnificent historical heritage, – stated H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The Head of State emphasized that historically close ties serve as a solid foundation for genuine strategic partnership and alliance between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
– The fact that bilateral relations have reached such an unprecedentedly high level is largely your merit, dear Shavkat Miromonovich. Kazakhstan, as the closest ally, fully supports the large-scale political and economic reforms being carried out under your wise leadership. Thanks to your well-balanced strategic course, the well-being of the population is steadily improving, large-scale infrastructure and social projects are being implemented and receiving high assessments from leading financial institutions, and the country’s international standing is strengthening. I am confident that your consistent policy, based on the priority of national interests, will contribute to the further sustainable development of Uzbekistan, as well as the entire region, – noted H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev thanked the leader of Uzbekistan for congratulations on the adoption of the new Constitution of Kazakhstan. According to him, H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev was the first foreign leader to congratulate Kazakhstan on this historic event.
The Head of State supported the “Clean Air” initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, noting its relevance for major cities of Kazakhstan.
– I would like to separately express support for your initiative regarding clean air. I share your concern about the environmental situation in Tashkent. We have a very difficult situation in Almaty. Unfortunately, Almaty has entered the list of the most polluted major cities in the world, and urgent measures must be taken. Therefore, if you do not object, today we could propose the joint implementation of the “Clean Air” initiative under the patronage of the presidents and implemented by the governments of the two countries. I believe that the public of our states and the international community will respond positively. Indeed, within the framework of this initiative much can be done. This will encourage both local authorities and businesses to behave more responsibly in terms of environmental protection, – said H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that today’s meeting in Bukhara is of great importance for expanding multifaceted ties between the countries.
– Your visit is another vivid expression of the centuries-old friendship between our peoples; close brotherhood, strategic partnership, and allied relations continue to strengthen. I am confident that today’s open and sincere meeting will enrich mutually beneficial cooperation with new content, achieve concrete practical results, and further expand regional cooperation, – said H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
He stated that the Uzbek people, as the closest neighbor and ally, sincerely welcome the effective reforms of H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev aimed at building a Just Kazakhstan.
– Despite the challenging global situation, the size of the economy has exceeded 300 billion dollars. The share of the non-resource sector in GDP is growing, and the share of small and medium-sized businesses is approaching 40 percent. You are focusing on digitalization of the state and have declared this year the year of digitalization and artificial intelligence. The country’s international standing is strengthening. Under your leadership, a balanced multi-vector foreign policy is being pursued in the interests of the people of Kazakhstan.
Your international initiatives receive broad support and highlight your role as a prominent political figure in addressing regional and global challenges. I read your article in The National Interest with great interest. I agree that the modern international environment demonstrates a growing demand for pragmatism, openness, and realism. I would also like to emphasize the depth of your approach to economic transformation.
For me it is very important to note that the combination of reforms, investment, and sustainable development represents a comprehensive strategy rather than a set of separate initiatives. We highly appreciate your efforts in strengthening good-neighborly relations, strategic partnership, and alliance between our brotherly peoples, – emphasized H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
During the meeting, the interlocutors reaffirmed their strategic course toward deepening economic partnership.
An agreement was reached to enhance interaction between the governments of the two countries to achieve concrete indicators in trade and production. The importance of systematic support for business communities and stimulation of their activity was emphasized.
The heads of state thoroughly discussed cooperation in rare earth metals extraction and processing, transit and transport, water and energy sectors, as well as the IT sector.
Special attention was paid to strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties and developing tourism.
Following the talks, the presidents agreed to adopt a Roadmap between the governments of the two countries for further development of trade and economic cooperation.
The heads of state visited the Situation Center in Bukhara.
H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the work of the new Situation Center of the Bukhara region, which conducts round-the-clock real-time monitoring of the situation in the region, including infrastructure, housing and utilities, transport systems, security services, and natural processes.
The Situation Center will also coordinate emergency response actions and model scenarios to prevent risks.
The President of Uzbekistan presented historical documents to the President of Kazakhstan.
During the informal meeting in Bukhara, H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev handed over a number of archival materials to H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
In particular, the Kazakh side was provided with copies of valuable documents, drawings, and photographic materials from the 1920s–1950s discovered in Uzbekistan, related to the mausoleums of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and Rabia Sultan Begim in Turkestan.
These materials, many of which have not previously been introduced into scientific circulation, have significant cultural and historical value.
The presidents visited an artificial intelligence hackathon.
H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev jointly visited the nationwide artificial intelligence hackathon taking place in Bukhara.
The heads of state were informed that the event is aimed at identifying and supporting talented youth in IT and artificial intelligence.
The hackathon promotes cooperation between educational institutions, business, and government agencies. Participants in Bukhara are working on practical solutions in medical and educational technologies, as well as entrepreneurship.
More than 1,000 young specialists, students, and developers took part in the regional stages of the competition.
The presidents were also presented with the latest GovTech digital government developments of Uzbekistan, as well as digital solutions in transport, customs, taxation, energy, healthcare, social protection, construction, and industry.
