On October 16, within the framework of the Astana Think Tank Forum 2025, the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KazISS) signed a plan of practical cooperation measures with the Agency for Strategic Reforms under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The agreement marks a new stage in the development of partnership between the leading analytical centers of the two countries.
Commenting on the signing of the document, Director of KazISS under the President of Kazakhstan Zhandos Shaimardanov noted the growing dynamics of regional diplomacy.
“Central Asia is once again becoming the center of attention in major geopolitics. Particularly indicative is the growing activity of the C5+1 format. I am confident that at the upcoming summit of heads of state we will see further consolidation and deepening of our own intra-regional agenda,” emphasized the head of KazISS.
For his part, Deputy Director of the Agency for Strategic Reforms Abdulla Abdukadirov expressed confidence that strengthening the expert dialogue would contribute to the sustainable development of bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and give new impetus to regional cooperation as a whole.
The partnership between the two countries is unfolding amid active dynamics across all areas of bilateral relations. The intensification of political dialogue and visits at all levels finds practical expression in the work of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission chaired by the heads of government, as well as within the framework of interregional forums.
The economic dimension demonstrates steady growth: trade turnover consistently exceeds USD 4 billion, and Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its position as one of Uzbekistan’s key trading partners (third after China and Russia). Investment cooperation is also on the rise — in 2024, the volume of investments reached USD 86.2 million, an increase of 14.3% compared to 2022.
Cultural and humanitarian ties are also developing, as evidenced by the opening of mutual branches of leading universities — the branch of M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University in Chirchik and the branch of the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers in Almaty.
In this context, the parties agreed to conduct joint research on topics relevant to the region, including regional development, urbanization, and the digital transformation of the economy.
