Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hold talks in a narrow circle

At the outset of the meeting, the Uzbek leader extended sincere congratulations to his Kazakh colleague and the multi-ethnic people of Kazakhstan on the Independence Day, celebrated in the country on December 16.

The leaders have expressed confidence that the talks at the highest level will undoubtedly give a new powerful impetus to the development of multifaceted Uzbek-Kazakh relations of strategic partnership and alliance.

The head of our state noted that Kazakhstan is the closest and most reliable partner of Uzbekistan.

"Uzbeks and Kazakhs are not merely close neighbours, but also brothers bound with a common historical heritage, cultural
and spiritual values.

This is our priceless wealth, and we cherish it and will continue to do so. I am convinced we have a common fate and a common future," stressed Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The issues of cardinal extension of relations in political, trade and economic, energy, transport and logistics, agricultural, water and other spheres have become the key topics of talks.

It has been noted that substantial progress in all areas of cooperation has been achieved in the last six years. Regular contacts have been established between the governments, ministries and agencies, as well as regions of the two countries.

The heads of state noted with satisfaction the dynamically increasing volume of mutual trade, which has almost approached 5 billion US dollars. Major cooperation projects are being successfully implemented.