Uzbek and Kyrgyz people have been living shoulder to shoulder for centuries. The root of these nations is the same. They lived in peace by exchanging in marriages.
Two great writers and state figures Chingiz Aytmatov and Sharof Rashidov were close friends.
After acquiring independence, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan established diplomatic relations. In 1992 Kyrgyzstan opened its embassy, while Uzbekistan opened its embassy in Bishkek in 1998. In 1996 two countries signed “Agreement on Eternal Friendship” which became legal basis for the relationship for two countries. 181 official documents had been signed until 2005.
But the issue of using trans-border rivers has lately caused misunderstanding between two countries.
Nowadays these two countries which have missed previous ties are renovating their relationships now. Sooranbay Jeenbekov, President of Kyrgyzstan paid an official visit to Uzbekistan.
“Kyrgyzstan is our close neighbor. That’s why there should not be any border between us. We opened our hearts to each other and for this reason we need to solve any issue”, said President of Uzbekistan.
In its turn, Sooronbay Jeenbekov expressed deep gratitude to Shavkat for the invitation and on behalf of people conveyed deep respect. President of Kyrgyzstan highly evaluated the efforts of Shavkat Mirziyoyev by saying: “You have turned our borders into real friendship, good neighborhood and partnership borders.”
Uzbekistan’s foreign policy highlights the importance of development successful relationships with neighbors. It has lately been observed an active integration process among Central Asian countries. Particularly, relations with Kyrgyzstan are leveling up. Visits between governmental bodies are widening.
During the meeting President Jeenbekov stressed his support for the President Mirziyoyev’s initiative for organizing constant advisory meetings with Central Asian leaders.
It is meaningful here to mention the participation of Maksatbek Toktomeshov, Muftiy of Kyrgyzstan at the International Scientific-practical conference called “Islamic solidarity in the example of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan” which was hosted by Uzbekistan in Tashkent on October 18th of the current year. Muftiy of Kyrgyzstan Maksatbek Toktomeshov:
The visit of President of Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan will bring our relationships into new level. For this reason people of both countries are observing with great positive hopes.
Press service,
Muslim Board of Uzbekistan
Accepting the credentials of the permanent representative, the OIC Secretary General congratulated him on assuming the office and wished him success in carrying out his responsible mission.
The current state and prospects of cooperation between Uzbekistan and OIC were discussed during the meeting. The sides also expressed mutual interest in intensifying interaction in such important areas as education, support for youth and innovations.
The OIC Secretary General noted Uzbekistan's significant contribution to the development of Islamic civilization, science and culture, stressing that the country has historically been the center of scientific discoveries, philosophical thought and spiritual heritage of the Islamic world. It was also emphasized that today Uzbekistan continues to play an important role in strengthening the unity of the Islamic Ummah, promoting initiatives aimed at sustainable development, education and preservation of cultural heritage, which makes it one of the key partners in implementing the goals of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
It is worth recalling that Nodirjon Turgunov arrived in Riyadh in March 2024 as the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Saudi Arabia.
He served as Consul General in the city of Jeddah from 2021 to 2024.
He has been in the system of the MFA since 2016. He worked in various positions in the Consular and Legal Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 2019-2021 he served as Consul General of Uzbekistan in the city of Aktau (Kazakhstan), in 2021-2024 - in the city of Jeddah (Saudi Arabia).
He speaks Arabic and Russian.
Nodirjon Turgunov replaced Ulugbek Maksudov, who served from 2018-2024 as the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Saudi Arabia and permanent representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, headquartered in the city of Jeddah.