Greeting the guest, the Uzbek leader noted that the candid and intensive Uzbek-Kazakh dialogue and the bilateral multifaceted cooperation are in line with longer-run interests of our two nations and are traditionally built on the profound historical roots. President Karimov stressed also that currently the interaction has been steadily advancing on practically all key fronts.

Kazakhstan’s foreign affairs minister conveyed President Nursultan Nazarbaev’s warm complimentary words of deep respect for the President and the people of Uzbekistan.

It was stated during the meeting that our two countries – close neighbors and partners tested by time – are equally interested in bolstering the security and stability, sustainable development and prosperity of each other and the region in general.

The regular interstate contacts and the exchange of views across a wide range of bilateral and international issues have been facilitating the further expansion of mutually advantageous and eventful cooperation that has been stepping up to the level of strategic partnership.

The two sides have been actively and fruitfully interacting in the frameworks of global and regional institutions like the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and others.

Last year, the mutual trade turnover exceeded US$2.75 billion. The major trade partners in the region, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan say they are willing to enhance the interaction in this critical area.

The parties to today’s meeting also exchanged views on pressing international and regional issues.