The President noted that the relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan were developing steadily, and the economic cooperation was expanding.

“This meeting is a good opportunity to exchange views on important issues representing mutual interest,” Islam Karimov said.

Karim Masimov said Kazakhstan was interested in development of cooperation with Uzbekistan in various directions.

The sides considered issues related to the current state and perspectives of development of Uzbek-Kazakh relations.

The cooperation between the two states is based on traditions of good neighborhood and friendship. The presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have common views on bilateral cooperation and problems of regional and international character.

The countries are developing multilateral relations within international and regional organizations like the UN, the CIS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

In March 2006, on the initiative of the two countries’ presidents, the Interstate coordination council was created, which held its first session in November that year.

Kazakhstan is one of the main trade partners of Uzbekistan in the region. Trade turnover in 2008 made up US$912.5 million, UzA reported.

167 joint ventures created in partnership with Kazakh investors operate in Uzbekistan. About 100 joint ventures with Uzbek capital work in Kazakhstan.