Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 29 March, an informal meeting took place in Almaty between the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

During the meeting, attended by delegations from both countries, the leaders held in-depth discussions on further strengthening Uzbek-Kazakh relations, focusing on good neighborliness, strategic partnership, and alliance.

At the beginning of the talks, the heads of state warmly congratulated each other and the people of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan on Navruz and the upcoming Eid al-Fitr.

The presidents expressed satisfaction with the high level of multifaceted cooperation between the two nations. Active engagements are maintained at all levels, bilateral trade has increased by 14% since the beginning of the year, and the investment project portfolio has reached $4 billion. Interregional ties and cultural-humanitarian exchanges continue to expand dynamically.

Deputy prime ministers from both sides reported on measures to boost mutual trade and advance joint projects in industries such as engineering, electrical equipment, oil and gas, textiles, and agriculture. The leaders instructed the development of a long-term industrial cooperation program and the acceleration of regional infrastructure projects.

The importance of launching the International Industrial Cooperation Center this year and expanding the operations of the joint foreign trade company was also emphasized.

The two presidents exchanged views on regional matters, including preparations for upcoming Central Asian summits set to take place in Uzbekistan in the coming months.

Additionally, they reviewed the schedule of forthcoming bilateral and multilateral events.

The meeting was held in a traditionally friendly and constructive atmosphere.