In his speech, the head of state expressed confidence that today's visit will bring the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries to a new level.
- A number of agreements have been reached. We paid priority attention to strengthening trade and economic ties. Today, when the whole world is going through a difficult period, it is especially important to unite our efforts. Kazakhstan is one of the main trade and investment partners of the Kyrgyz Republic. Last year, the trade turnover between our countries reached $1 billion. Over the past 15 years, Kazakhstan has invested more than $1 billion in the economy of Kyrgyzstan, including in the implementation of socially significant projects. In general, we have the potential to further expand economic integration. We agreed to increase the volume of mutual trade up to $2 billion,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
The President of Kazakhstan pointed out that the industrial trade and logistics complex, the construction of which began today, will open up new opportunities for diversifying cooperation in industry and trade. According to the Head of State, there is potential for a significant increase in mutual trade in the short term. Kazakhstan can already offer Kyrgyzstan hundreds of types of imported goods.
– We are ready to export industrial products and other goods. There will be support from Kazexport. Kyrgyzstan also exports a number of goods to our country. In this regard, we agreed to make the most of the available opportunities. Particular attention was paid to measures to simplify the transition of citizens across the border. We also discussed the issues of improving cargo transportation. In recent years, a number of large-scale measures have been taken in this direction. In 2021, the Kordai border checkpoint was modernized, and high-quality passenger service was provided. Agreements were reached on the modernization of other border points as well. The main task is to reduce the number of checks and eliminate traffic congestion at the border, the President of Kazakhstan said.
To resolve these issues, the leaders of the two countries came to a mutual agreement on the need to introduce digital technologies.
The President of Kazakhstan noted that the state would continue to protect the interests of foreign investors, which would have a positive impact on the investments of Kazakh companies in Kyrgyzstan. In addition, with the participation of Kazakh capital, it is planned to build a solar power plant in the Issyk-Kul region. The cost of the project will be $300 million.
Further, the President of Kazakhstan focused on another priority area - coordination of relations in the water and energy sector.
– We reaffirmed that transboundary water resources are a common value for us. The problem of water shortage is getting worse every year. Such a forecast is made by authoritative international environmental organizations. There will be no increase in water - this is already clear. Therefore, the countries of Central Asia need to work together. Rivers, common to both countries, should always be a link between peoples. Kazakhstan is ready to fully fulfill all obligations and jointly implement important projects, the Head of State emphasized.
During the talks between the leaders of the two countries, special attention was paid to strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties. In recent years, a number of events have been held to intensify contacts in this area.
- Last year, during the visit of Sadyr Nurgozhovich to Kazakhstan, we reached a number of agreements that made it possible to bring together the youth of the two countries. Thanks to their implementation of these agreements, a branch of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University will be opened today in Bishkek. In addition, we have allocated grants for young scientists to support their scientific research. I proposed to hold an annual forum of the intelligentsia of the two countries in order to strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
As was said at the briefing, during the talks between the leaders of the two countries, an exchange of views took place on the global and regional agenda. The parties noted the similarity of their positions on international issues, including the prospects for deepening integration in Central Asia. In this regard, an agreement was reached to hold a consultative meeting of the heads of state of the region in the near future.
According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, interaction will continue in a bilateral and multilateral format. The Kazakh side supported the activities of Kyrgyzstan as the chairman of the Eurasian Economic Union.
– We thank the Kyrgyz brothers for supporting Kazakh initiatives within the framework of the CICA. Obviously, today's visit will further strengthen cooperation between the two countries. The agreements reached and signed are a vivid confirmation of this,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
The head of our state emphasized the importance of the referendum on amendments to the Constitution, which will be held on June 5 in Kazakhstan. According to him, this historic event will mark a new stage in the history of our country.
– New Kazakhstan, or the Second Republic, is a democratic society in the true sense. While maintaining the presidential system, the role and influence of the Parliament will be significantly strengthened. The opinions and voices of our citizens will be heard. After this legal reform, I, as President, will not be endowed with excessive powers and privileges.
My task is to carry out the necessary transformations in society, to open the way for our people to a brighter future, the President of Kazakhstan said.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev recalled that the democratization process will not end with these reforms, Kazakhstan still has a long way to go. According to the President, reforms and modernization of the entire social system will be continued.
