Kazakh and Uzbek leaders strengthen their strategic alliance through casual discussions in Almaty.
Uzbekistan's Mirziyoyev meets Kazakhstan's Tokayev in Almaty
A casual encounter between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan took place on March 29 in Almaty. This impromptu get-together was a continuation of their shared vision for enhanced cooperation in the region.
Two peas in a pod, Mirziyoyev and Tokayev held lengthy dialogues on civilization-shaping opportunities in political, trade, economic, transport, transit, investment, energy, and water realms. Traditionally, these talks would be formal in nature, but this time around, it was all about candid conversations, reported Akorda.
Boosting industrial partnerships and attracting tourists were hot topics on the agenda. The two heads of state even found time to discuss matters of cultural and humanitarian importance.
Tokayev was grateful for Mirziyoyev's visit, expressing his sentiments in a straightforward manner:
"This is an excellent opportunity to engage in lucid conversations about our ongoing efforts to foster cooperation between our two nations. We share a deep bond, serving as allies in this region's affairs. Our joint endeavors play a significant role in shaping the Central Asian landscape's future."
Tokayev commended Mirziyoyev for his personal involvement in forging these enlightened bonds between the two states.
Mirziyoyev recognized the importance of their meeting in reinforcing bilateral relations. He shared his thoughts candidly:
"Our relationship has fundamentally transformed over the past few years. Our personal bond makes it simpler to tackle challenges effectively, and, as a result, we consistently see tangible progress. I've arrived here with a large entourage - though this is an unofficial visit, it provides a powerful boost to our alliance and to our mutually agreed-upon endeavors."
Tokayev and Mirziyoyev take a tour of Almaty's landmarks
The amicable leaders delved into Almaty's captivating sites, including the ski cluster and the vast Medeu open-air skating rink, recognized as the world's grandest high-mountain complex for winter sports. There, they marveled at the skills of young ice skaters performing.
Almaty's mayor, Yerbolat Dossayev, guided the heads of state through the awe-inspiring peaks of Ile Alatau and shared the fascinating history of the Medeu dam, nestled within the city's picturesque valley. He even unveiled some of the area's most acclaimed climbing routes and tourist attractions, favored by both local and international travelers.
The Shymbulak ski resort, Almaty's pride and joy, is slated for expansion in the upcoming years. The plans include extending its existing slopes by an incredible 56 kilometers and constructing 65 kilometers of novel infrastructure to elevate the visitor experience.
Before the summit in Samarkand hosted by Uzbekistan, between EU leaders and Central Asian nations, this intimate encounter between Tokayev and Mirziyoyev took place.
A Closer Look
While there are no specific details about this meeting focusing exclusively on Central Asian cooperation, both Mirziyoyev and Tokayev have been actively participating in regional and international conferences recently, showcasing their dedication to advancing Central Asian ties.
In July 2024, President Tokayev headed the 24th SCO Heads of State Council meeting in Astana, a gathering involving discussions on regional security and economic collaboration.
In April 2025, both leaders attended the first EU-Central Asia Summit held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This event marked a notable leap forward in fostering economic and political relations between the EU and Central Asian countries.
Potential discussion topics between the two leaders could involve extending trade and investment ties across Central Asia, collaborating on regional infrastructure projects, and bolstering regional security through enhanced cooperation. Additionally, they may explore strategies for engaging with external partners like the EU and Russia to maximize resources and expertise.
- In an informal setting, President Tokayev expressed his gratitude to President Mirziyoyev for their candid discussions, noting that their relationship has been instrumental in shaping the Central Asian landscape's future.
- During their tour of Almaty, Tokayev and Mirziyoyev visited the Shymbulak ski resort, where they learned about plans to expand the resort's existing slopes and infrastructures.
- The meeting between Mirziyoyev and Tokayev took place before the summit in Samarkand hosted by Uzbekistan, which aimed to strengthen trade and investment ties between the EU and Central Asian nations.
- Both leaders have been actively participating in regional and international conferences, demonstrating their commitment to advancing Central Asian ties and fostering economic and political relations with external partners like the EU.
- Tokayev's agenda with Mirziyoyev might also include discussing policy and legislation related to migration, war-and-conflicts, and general news affecting the Central Asian region.
