The Council of the Heads of Border Areas is being held today in Fergana (Uzbekistan) behind closed for the press doors. After a mutual greeting from the heads of government, journalists were asked to leave the hall.
Correspondent of 24.kg news agency talked to members of two delegations.
Heads of six regions from two republics (Namangan, Andijan, Fergana regions of Uzbekistan and Osh, Jalal-Abad and Batken regions of Kyrgyzstan) noted the obvious intensification of the Kyrgyz-Uzbek cooperation. As an example, officials talked about increase in the volume of trade, tourism, cultural exchange, including among students of the two countries, resolution of water issues and the work of border checkpoints.
Khokim of Andijan region Shukhrat Abdurakhmanov calculated the growth of exports in the region he heads: If in 2016, the amount of exports was only $ 10 million, then last year it has grown and amounted to $60 million. He believes that these figures will only grow.
Andijan region of Uzbekistan exports textile, building materials. It imports potatoes from Osh region of Kyrgyzstan. Now it is planned to arrange the import of coal and cement, as well as rent out the remote lands of Alai districts of Osh region for pastures.
All the heads of the regions outlined the centuries-old common history, the similarity of customs and traditions, the common basis of language.
Khokim of Namangan region Khairullo Bazarov expressed interest in promoting tourism, as the bordering with their region — Jalal-Abad region — has many beautiful and historically interesting places to visit.
Kiyanbek Satybaldiev, plenipotentiary representative of the Kyrgyz government in Jalal-Abad region, added that thanks to such meetings many cross-border issues that have been accumulating for years are being resolved.
Kiyanbek Satybaldiev recalled that Jalal-Abad region is famous for honey, prunes, and they are interested in exporting these products.
