Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan to sign treaties on allied relations, border demarcation
ASTANA. Dec 22 (Interfax) - Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has described the solid, harmonious relations between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as a model of interstate partnership and has announced the signing of important treaties, the presidential press service said on Thursday.
"The signing of the treaty on allied relations will prove the exemplary nature of our interstate relations. I do not think it would be an exaggeration to call this treaty a historic document. This breakthrough document opens new vistas and fully reflects the mutual wish for further rapprochement between the two countries," Tokayev said at expanded talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent.
"In addition, a treaty on the demarcation of the Kazakh-Uzbek state border will be signed today. This historic agreement finalizes the international legal formalization of the southern parts of the Kazakh state border," Tokayev said.
The presidents also discussed the strengthening of trade and economic cooperation, including larger trade, investment and cooperation in manufacturing industries, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, construction, transit and logistics. Interaction in education and cultural and humanitarian affairs was addressed, as well.
The Kazakh president lauded the results of the narrow-format talks and reaffirmed his commitment to the comprehensive development of bilateral cooperation in the spirit of friendship, neighborliness and mutual support.
The joint efforts towards strengthening these allied relations make a weighty contribution to the sustainable growth, stability and security of all of Central Asia, he said.
The presidents agreed to set up the Supreme Interstate Council and the Inter-Parliamentary Council to bolster the political foundation of bilateral cooperation.
In the words of Tokayev, the sides are fruitfully cooperating in various international organizations and mechanisms. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have a common vision and share views on many regional and global affairs, he said.
In turn, Mirziyoyev noted the fruitful talks held in the narrow format, the growing trade turnover and the successful implementation of joint projects.
"Your state visit is yet additional proof of how solid our centuries-old bonds of friendship, neighborliness and mutual support are. The history and fates of our peoples are intertwined, our countries have common deep routes, and we are solving pressing problems together," Mirziyoyev said.
The treaties on allied relations and border demarcation are historic, he said.
"We are signing two historic documents today. [...] The treaty on state border demarcation is proof of our solid relations. It serves the cause of peace and security in the region. Our border has been and remains a border of friendship and neighborliness," the presidential press service quoted Mirziyoyev as saying.
The sides lauded the strengthening of cultural and humanitarian relations and the successful cross-days of culture of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan which have enriched their spiritual and cultural values. In addition, the sides discussed bilateral cooperation in education.
The border between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan is over 2,300 kilometers in length.