Uzbek, Kazakh presidents discuss prospects for cooperation

TASHKENT. May 17 (Interfax) - The presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, have discussed by telephone prospects for the further expansion of cooperation between the two countries and implementation of the agreements they recently at a meeting in Khiva, Uzbekistan.

"The presidents discussed the most important issues relating to further expansion of Uzbek-Kazakh multifaceted cooperation, as well as the implementation of the agreements they had reached during their meeting in the city of Khiva and the schedule of upcoming events at the high level," the press service of the Uzbek leader said in a Friday press release.

Mirziyoyev and Tokayev considered the possibility of creating a new portfolio of trade and economic cooperation projects, promoting cooperation in industrial production, transport and logistics, energy, agriculture, including the involvement of businesses and regions. They also stressed the importance of continuing cultural and humanitarian exchange, according to the press release.

Mirziyoyev extended congratulated Tokayev on his birthday and wished him good health, prosperity and success, as well as peace and prosperity to the people of Kazakhstan.

The Uzbek president commended Tokayev's efforts to strengthen friendship and good neighborliness between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, and to bring the relations between the two countries to a level of alliance, the press release says.