At the 10th meeting of the joint intergovernmental commission on bilateral cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in Cholpon-Ata, it was noted that in the first half of 2023, more than 50 mutual visits at different levels took place, which demonstrates the positive growth of bilateral relations.
“The past mutual visits of the heads of our states have given a strong impetus and raised the level of bilateral relations to the status of a comprehensive strategic partnership. And now we are faced with the task of implementing all the agreements reached in a timely and high-quality manner,” said one of those chairing the meeting, head of the government of Kyrgyzstan Akylbek Zhaparov.
It was also noted at the meeting that there is a positive trend in trade and economic relations between the two countries. The volume of mutual trade is growing every year. For 5 months of the current year, the volume of trade increased by 13.3%, amounting to $215.8 million.
An important role in deepening trade ties is played by the business sector, the chambers of commerce and industry of the two countries, the Kyrgyz-Uzbek Business Council, Zhaparov said. Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have a positive experience of bilateral cooperation in the water-energy, transport and communication spheres. The parties agreed that this should not be limited. During the meeting, the need to build up cultural, humanitarian, scientific and educational ties was noted.
In this context, issues of upcoming joint cultural events were discussed. In particular, within the framework of the Days of Culture of Kyrgyzstan in Uzbekistan in November of this year, it is planned to widely celebrate the 95th anniversary of the outstanding writer Chingiz Aitmatov.
In the field of education and science, as the First Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of Uzbekistan Komiljon Karimov said, the parties agreed:
- work out the issue of concluding an agreement on the recognition of documents on higher education and postgraduate education;
- allocate a quota of 100 places for Kyrgyz students to study at universities in Uzbekistan;
- hold a forum of rectors of universities in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
The delegation of Uzbekistan was headed by Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
August 17, 2023