Astana, Kazakhstan, Nov.26
By Daniyar Mukhtarov - Trend:
"Protocol on amending the intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the field of industrial property protection from 2 June 1997" and "The program of cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan for 2015-2016" were signed in Astana Nov.26 following talks in the presence of the presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the press service of the president of Kazakhstan said.
Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, speaking at a joint briefing following the talks in an expanded format, said that the approaches of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan for many events in the world are the same.
He said that a wide range of issues was discussed within the framework of the talks.
"Among them is the further strengthening of political cooperation, trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation," said Nursultan Nazarbayev. "A thorough, open and candid exchange of views on the development of the situation in our region and the events, taking place around us, was held."
In particular, the countries have the same approaches to solving water problems in the region.
"Cooperation in this vital area is only possible on the basis of mutual trust," Nazarbayev said. "It is also necessary to ensure transparency and consideration of the interests of all countries of the region."
He said the key aspects of the international agenda were also discussed during the meeting.
"We discussed the situation in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan intend to further support each other on the international arena," Nazarbayev noted.
"We will actively participate in the implementation of joint initiatives within the UN, OSCE, CIS, SCO, Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), OIC and other structures," Nazarbayev said, adding that the joint fighting against the international terrorism and religious extremism remains relevant.
He also drew the attention to the sustainable development of the bilateral trade.
The head of state said the trade turnover between the two countries has increased fourfold and exceeded $2 million from 2005 to 2013, adding that this figure surpassed $1.5 billion in the first nine months of 2014.
"Such dynamics is the result of the sustainable economic development in both countries, as well as the strengthening of cooperation in the whole region," Nazarbayev said. "Holding of the fist meeting of the Business Council, which was created under our instruction, is of great importance."
President Nazarbayev expressed confidence that the outcome of President Karimov's visit will bring bilateral relations to a higher qualitative level of strategic partnership.
In his turn, President Karimov expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the conducted talks, held in the spirit of openness and trust.
"The meeting showed the closeness of the positions on almost all the discussed issues of bilateral relations and key areas of regional cooperation and international politics," President Karimov said.
President Karimov said that modern challenges directly affect the strategic interests of both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
"They require the closer cooperation to preserve the peace, stability and tranquility in our countries and the region as a whole, to ensure sustainable development of national economies and to improve the welfare of peoples," President Karimov noted. "The rapid stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan and the achievement of peace in this country are crucial to the safety and stability in Central Asia and beyond."
He also said that the rapid growth of trade turnover between the two countries is due to more effective interaction.
Karimov noted that the changes that took place during the period of independence in the structure of Kazakhstan's economy contributed to the emergence of new industries.
"The growth rate of your country's economy in the recent years has been no less than 5-6 percent," Karimov said, adding "it is a serious growth."
"Also taking into account the high rates of development of Uzbekistan's economy, we have tremendous opportunities to ensure both the increase in mutual trade turnover, and a sustainable economic growth in two countries," he stressed.
Uzbekistan's president said the heads of state confirmed a common stance on construction of new hydraulic structures in the upper reaches of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers.
"Today we confirmed a common stance on the construction of new hydraulic structures in the upper reaches of the rivers of Syr Darya and Amu Darya, which should be carried out strictly in line with universally recognized norms of international law and UN conventions, and obligatory coordination with all the countries located in the lower reaches of these rivers," Karimov said.
He stressed that the parties also agreed on further development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, which is an important factor in bringing peoples closer.