TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 19. Kazakhstan has started construction of the Darbaza-Maktaraal railway line with subsequent access to the border with Uzbekistan, Kazakh president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at a meeting with Uzbek minister of foreign affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov, Trend reports.
The Darbaza-Maktaraal railroad line will contribute to increasing the volume of cargo transportation between the two countries.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the high dynamics of Kazakh-Uzbek cooperation across the entire spectrum of interaction. In his words, Kazakhstan attaches high priority to further strengthening of relations with Uzbekistan.
Emphasizing Uzbek president Shavkat Mirziyoyev's significant contribution to the deepening of bilateral relations, the head of state expressed Kazakhstan's readiness to continue supporting Uzbekistan's initiatives for the well-being and prosperity of the nations of the region.
The meeting focused on expanding trade and economic cooperation, emphasizing the importance of finding new points of growth and increasing the volume of trade turnover between the two countries.
President of Kazakhstan said it was important to strengthen cooperation in the transit and transportation sector.
He also drew attention to the mutually beneficial nature of Uzbekistan’s participation in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR or Middle Corridor).
According to Bakhtiyor Saidov, the heads of state have set a high bar for strengthening allied relations between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. In this regard, he shared plans for joint work to ensure quality implementation of previously reached agreements at the highest level.
During the conversation, the sides also discussed matters of cooperation in the water sector and maintaining regional security in Central Asia.
In addition, the parties reviewed the schedule of upcoming meetings and events of bilateral and multilateral nature.