On September 19, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he reassured the global community of his personal commitment to ongoing economic reforms in Uzbekistan.

These reforms have the ambitious goal of doubling the size of the country’s economy by 2030. Mirziyoyev also held first-ever talks with US President Joe Biden, during which the two leaders discussed the prospects of cooperation between Tashkent and Washington, as well as regional cooperation in Central Asia.

The top-level meetings between the leaders in the United States were designed to strengthen Uzbekistan’s global position and convey the message that Uzbekistan is not only a post-Soviet Central Asian nation, but a promising player on the global trade, investment and political map.

Uzbekistan has been undergoing significant transformation since Mirziyoyev took office as president in 2016. In just a few years, this former Soviet republic and home to about 36 million people has improved its business climate, attracted foreign investors, and strengthened its economic and diplomatic relationships with the global community.

With Mirziyoyev recently re-elected for a new seven-year term, experts anticipate that the country will continue its reform efforts and further strengthen its ties with major economies, including the United States.

Embracing independence

At the first-ever C5+1 summit in New York on September 19, which brought together leaders from the Central Asian nations Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, Mirziyoyev held substantive talks with Biden regarding cooperation.

The Central Asian nations are now gradually emerging as increasingly independent players on the global political stage, attracting interest from the largest economic powers. As the president of the region’s most populous country, Shavkat Mirziyoyev plays a key role in forming the foreign policy of the C5 countries, which is shaped based upon fundamental issues.

Since he became a president seven years ago, relations among the C5 countries have also largely returned to normal.

Source: Asia Times

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Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 19th June 2023 – Today, The President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser and H.E. Mr. Sadyr Japarov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic, held a highly productive meeting on the sideline of the GCC-Central Asia Summit. The esteemed leaders engaged in fruitful discussions, expressing their unwavering commitment to strengthening the bilateral partnership between the IsDB Group and the Kyrgyz Republic, with a shared vision of fostering mutual development and growth in the region.

At the meeting, Dr. Al Jasser expressed sincere gratitude to the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic for its steadfast support to the IsDB Group over the years.

Dr. Al Jasser emphasized the potential for fruitful cooperation between the IsDB and the Kyrgyz Republic, particularly in light of the priority projects identified during the last ACG roundtable meeting. These projects, amounting to US$ 1.9 billion, offer significant opportunities for sustainable growth and development.

Furthermore, Dr. Al Jasser highlighted the ongoing efforts of the IsDB in preparing the Member Country Partnership Strategy (MCPS) for the Kyrgyz Republic. This strategy aims to align projects coherently with the IsDB’s new strategic direction and the national development agenda of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Dr. Al Jasser conveyed his congratulations to President Japarov on the signing of the financing agreement and Technical Assistance (TA) for the reconstruction of the Suusamyr-Talas-Taraz Road, Phase IV (km 104.6-197.6). The IsDB eagerly anticipates the commencement of this crucial project, which will undoubtedly contribute to the country’s infrastructure development.

Both leaders expressed great optimism about the future of the IsDB-Kyrgyz Republic partnership, reinforcing their commitment to working together for the collective prosperity and well-being of the project beneficiaries.

Source: Islamic Development Bank

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President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Luxembourg’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Jean Asselborn, noting that his official visit opens up good prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation.

Tokayev warmly recalled a dialogue with Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Xavier Bettel on the sidelines of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly about the long-term prospects for deepening the partnership between the countries.

“Kazakhstan treats your country and people with great respect. We are optimistic about the future of our co-operation,” the President said.

Speaking about the positive dynamics of interaction, Asselborn mentioned the agreement on increasing the number of flights to 21 per week. The Kazakh Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry signed a second memorandum of understanding in this regard.

The parties also reviewed the prospects for cooperation in transport and logistics, digitalization, green energy, and within the Astana International Financial Centre.

Following the meeting, Asselborn held talks with Murat Nurtleu, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, stating that Luxembourg will do its utmost to facilitate a visa regime for Kazakh citizens.

Asselborn noted Kazakhstan will soon become one of Luxembourg’s key energy, transport, and trade partners. His visit, which coincided with the 31st anniversary of diplomatic relations, shows that the European Union and Kazakhstan can build a sustainable partnership.

With an increasing interest in strengthening and expanding their partnership with Kazakhstan, Asselborn mentioned bilateral memorandums of understanding signed on cooperation in aviation, exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.

Nurtleu described trade and economic cooperation as effective driver for developing bilateral relations. He said the trade turnover grew nearly 2.5 times in 2022, increasing by 4.5 times this year. The inflow of foreign direct investment from Luxembourg in 2022 totaled $202.5 million.

“Kazakhstan and Luxembourg fully support territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful conflict resolution, good neighborliness, and cooperation,” said Nurtleu.

After exchanging views on pressing issues of the regional and international agenda, the parties agreed to continue inter-ministerial consultations. The next round of talks will take place in Astana in 2024.

“We highly appreciate the reform process launched by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The EU will continue to support Kazakhstan on its path of democratization and political reform,” Asselborn said.

Source: EU Reporter

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