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
During his visit to the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), Uzbekistan’s Ambassador invited representatives of the country’s textile companies to study the demand for high-quality products in Uzbekistan. He noted that Uzbekistan’s cheap energy and rich cotton reserves create attractive opportunities for Pakistani investors to develop trade and investment in the Uzbekistan market.
The Ambassador recalled that the two countries have signed several memoranda of understanding and agreements aimed at facilitating market access. Thanks to direct flights, the flight time was reduced by 90 minutes. Negotiations on a trilateral transit trade agreement involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan have entered a crucial phase. After reaching an agreement, trade flows will accelerate even more. Uzbekistan’s shopping malls have been opened in Karachi and Lahore. The next such center will be opened in Islamabad.
As A. Tukhtayev noted, Pakistan and Uzbekistan are “fraternal countries, not competitors”, so it is necessary to share resources, knowledge, and experience for mutual benefit. He invited the APTMA delegation to visit Uzbekistan, take part in exhibitions and conferences, and added that other trade delegations will visit this fraternal country in the coming months.
APTMA Chairman Kamran Arshad highlighted several existing problems in mutual trade, including the lack of official banking channels, delays in signing the free trade agreement, language barriers in labeling, issues with the Afghan transit route, and the slow construction pace of the Trans-Afghan Railway. He emphasized the importance of strengthening banking relations, concluding a free trade agreement as soon as possible, and establishing a regular exchange of trade delegations to realize the existing potential fully.
Another participant of the meeting, Asad Shafi, informed the delegation about the possibilities of Pakistan’s textile industry, noting that, despite centuries-old ties, the current volume of bilateral trade is only $125 million. He emphasized that his country aims to boost textile exports to $50 billion under the Sewing Revolution project and urged Uzbekistan to cooperate actively in this endeavor.
Muharrama Pirmatova, UzA