The current
stage of Uzbek-Kyrgyz relations is characterized by a high level of political
trust, active interstate dialogue and consistent expansion of cooperation in
all key areas. Thanks to the firm political will of the leaders of the two
countries, cooperation has acquired a qualitatively new character based on the
principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect and consideration of common
interests.
Diplomatic
relations between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan were established on February 16,
1993. Over the past years, a solid legal framework has been formed and an
effective system of bilateral cooperation has been established.
A new stage
in Uzbek-Kyrgyz cooperation began with the intensification of mutual visits in
2017. The Declaration on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was signed in
January 2023.
Interparliamentary
cooperation is carried out on the basis of the Memorandum on Interparliamentary
Cooperation signed in 2017. Since 2020, the Interparliamentary Commission on
Cooperation between the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan and the Jogorku Kenesh of
Kyrgyzstan has been functioning. In May 2026, the first Forum of Young
Parliamentarians of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan was held in Tashkent.
Economic
cooperation remains one of the most dynamically developing areas of the
Uzbek-Kyrgyz partnership. By the end of 2025, the trade turnover between the
two countries amounted to 1.2 billion US dollars, an increase of 37 percent
compared to 2024. In the period from January to June 2026, the volume of mutual
trade reached $ 624.6 million, exceeding the figure for the same period in 2025
by 45 percent.
The
structure of Uzbekistan's exports to Kyrgyzstan includes finished industrial
products, foodstuffs, chemical products, machinery and equipment. The structure
of imports from Kyrgyzstan includes mineral fuels, foodstuffs, industrial
products and transport equipment.
The
Uzbek-Kyrgyz Business Council has been operating since 2018. Its activities
contribute to the expansion of contacts between business circles, the
implementation of joint investment initiatives and the search for new areas of
economic cooperation.
Transport
and logistics cooperation occupies a priority place on the agenda of
Uzbek-Kyrgyz relations. Cooperation in the field of road, rail and air
transportation is consistently developing, the transport infrastructure is
being improved and modern digital solutions aimed at simplifying cross-border
transportation are being introduced.
In the
period from January to June 2026, the volume of cargo transportation between
the states increased by 32 percent. Since 2026, the electronic system for the
exchange of permits "E-Permit" has been introduced.
Passenger
traffic is consistently expanding. There are regular bus routes between the
cities of the two countries, as well as flights to Tashkent - Bishkek and
Tashkent - Osh.
The
construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan international railway is of
particular importance for further deepening regional interconnection. The
implementation of this large-scale infrastructure project will significantly
reduce the delivery time between East Asia, the Middle East and Southern
Europe, increase the transit potential of Central Asia and create new
opportunities for the development of trade, investment and international
logistics.
Cultural
and humanitarian cooperation occupies a special place in Uzbek-Kyrgyz
relations. Cultural Days, joint concerts, theatrical productions, festivals,
exhibitions and other events aimed at popularizing the cultural heritage of the
two peoples are regularly held. Representatives of Kyrgyzstan actively
participate in major international cultural forums and festivals held in
Uzbekistan, including the International Makoma Art Festival, the Lazgi Festival
and other significant events.
On July
27-28, 2026, Days of Culture of Uzbekistan were held in Cholpon Ata. A
representative creative delegation led by the Minister of Culture of
Uzbekistan; People's Artist Ozodbek Nazarbekov arrived from Tashkent to
participate in the events.
Cooperation
in the field of tourism is developing dynamically. Kyrgyzstan is one of the
largest suppliers of tourists to Uzbekistan, and the number of mutual trips is
increasing annually, which indicates the growing interest of citizens of the
two countries in the cultural and tourist potential of each other.
An
important stage in further strengthening regional cooperation involving
Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan will be the upcoming informal Consultative meeting of
the heads of state of Central Asia and Azerbaijan in Cholpon Ata.
Holding the
meeting in this format reflects the growing role of Central Asia as a space of
trust and good-neighborliness, as well as the desire of the States of the
region to jointly promote interconnectedness, sustainable development and
constructive dialogue.
On the eve
of the summit, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, speaking at the IV Shusha
Global Media Forum, emphasized the priority nature of relations with Uzbekistan
and emphasized the contribution of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the
development of a new format of Azerbaijan–Central Asia cooperation. According
to the head of Azerbaijan, it was the foresight and strategic vision of the
leader of Uzbekistan that played an important role in the establishment of this
mechanism, which today contributes to strengthening political, economic and
transport connectivity in Central Asia and the South Caucasus. In this regard,
the upcoming meeting in Cholpon Ata is intended to give a new impetus to the
development of regional cooperation and confirm the commitment of States to a
common course for peace, good-neighborliness and shared prosperity.
News agency "Dunyo".