On 24 July 2026, the 23rd Meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Bilateral Cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Uzbekistan

On 24 July 2026, the 23rd Meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Bilateral Cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, co-chaired by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan O. Bektenov and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan A. Aripov, as well as the 1st Meeting of the Council of Regional Leaders of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, established at the initiative of Presidents K. Tokayev and Sh. Mirziyoyev, were held in Aktau.

During the meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission, the parties reviewed the implementation of the agreements reached at the highest level and discussed priority areas for further development of bilateral cooperation. Particular attention was paid to expanding bilateral trade and investment cooperation, industrial cooperation, transport and logistics connectivity, water resources management, and cultural and humanitarian ties. The importance of the effective implementation of the US$7.8 billion Roadmap on Investment and Trade, as well as the further development of joint industrial projects and transport corridors, was reaffirmed. Following the meeting, the Heads of Government signed the Protocol of the 23rd Meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission.

The inaugural meeting of the Council of Regional Leaders marked the launch of a new mechanism for strengthening interregional cooperation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. During the discussions, the parties emphasized the crucial role of direct regional ties in expanding trade and investment cooperation and achieving the goal set by the Heads of State to increase bilateral trade turnover to US$10 billion. Particular attention was also devoted to the launch of the Central Asia International Center for Industrial Cooperation, the development of transport and logistics infrastructure, including the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), and the expansion of cooperation in the tourism sector.

The events brought together the heads of border regions of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, representatives of relevant ministries and government agencies, as well as more than 300 business representatives from both countries. Following the meetings, a number of interregional memoranda and commercial agreements worth over US$170 million were signed, aimed at promoting industrial cooperation, strengthening cross-border collaboration, and implementing joint investment projects. The agreements reached are expected to provide additional momentum for the further development of the strategic partnership and allied relations between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.