14:43, 27 января 2023, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Tatyana KUDRYAVTSEVA
«I consider it important to raise the status of interstate relations by signing the Treaty on Allied Relations and create a Supreme Interstate Council at the level of heads of state,» President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov said at a meeting with the leader of Uzbekistan in an expanded format.
He recalled that February 16, 2023 will mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. To expand cooperation in the jubilee year, Sadyr Japarov suggested creating the Interstate Council and instructing the Foreign Ministries of the two countries to prepare relevant documents.
«We aim to continue our joint work to intensify trade and economic partnership and increase bilateral trade. In recent years, there has been a positive trend in mutual trade. It should be recognized that we still have significant unused potential in this area. As part of the previously reached agreements, bilateral documents will be signed today, providing for the launch of large joint investment projects,» he said.
The Vice Prime Ministers of the two states worked out joint projects in the mining industry, in the areas of industrial cooperation, processing of agricultural products, energy, construction, and infrastructure for a total amount of more than $1.5 billion.
«The project amounts are impressive. I am sure that they will be implemented in the near future and in full. Funding is, of course, needed for the practical implementation of investment projects. In this vein, we can use the potential of the Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund,» the head of state said.
He stressed the importance of financing within the framework of the Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund of a joint venture for processing of cotton in Jalal-Abad region, textile production, creation of trade and logistics centers, including in Kyzyl-Kiya, as well as the construction of a number of small hydropower plants.
We expect the fund to become an effective platform for promoting bilateral cooperation between our countries.
Sadyr Japarov
«I am sure that joint projects will meet the needs of the population and industry of the border regions of our republics, give a new impetus to bilateral partnership, simultaneously developing the logistics chain and unlocking the development potential of other industries. We also encourage direct business contacts between entrepreneurs and regions of our countries. Kyrgyzstan is always open to Uzbek entrepreneurs and is ready to fully support their initiatives and projects, provide maximum assistance in their implementation and protect investments,» he concluded.