The leaders of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks in Khiva city today, the Uzbek presidency website said.

They discussed the ways to strengthen the Uzbek-Kazakh strategic partnership and alliance ties and to expand comprehensive cooperation.

The parties focused on expediting bilateral projects, implementing investment agreements and trade contracts in accordance with previously reached agreements at the highest level.

The leader of Kazakhstan underscored that the Kazakh-Uzbek tandem is a vital necessity, and only together and jointly can the sustainable development of our countries be ensured.

In this regard, he supported the adoption of the Program of Strategic Partnership and Alliance between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan until 2034.

The two leaders heard reports from deputy prime ministers and co-chairs of working groups under the intergovernmental commission on the promotion of joint projects in engineering, energy, transport and logistics, mining, textile and food industries and other sectors.

The presidents gave instructions to increase the two-way trade, build a long-term program of industrial cooperation, as well as implement transport and power projects.

The heads of state exchanged views on regional issues, in particular the rational use of water resources, deepening cooperation within the Central Asia Summit, as well as the Afghan crisis.

They pointed to the importance of starting work on the creation of the International Center for Industrial Cooperation this year and expanding the activities of the joint foreign trade company.

The leaders discussed in detail the development of humanitarian and tourism ties, holding joint events in the field of culture, education and sports with the participation of young people.