Azernews.Az

By Kamila Aliyeva

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, the two Central Asian nations, continue their efforts to resolve issues that caused strained relations in past.

Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev is expected to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan, Kyrtag reported with reference to the presidential office.

"Almazbek Atambayev's visit to Uzbekistan will take place on October 5-6," the presidential administration said.

President Atambayev will visit the neighboring republic for a working visit. The two presidents will hold discussion on a wide range of issues of mutual interest.

An Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan-2017 business forum and exhibition will be held in Tashkent within the framework of Kyrgyz leader’s visit.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Kyrgyzstan on September 5 of the current year was the first by an Uzbek leader in 17 years.

Along with the signed border agreement, the sides voiced desire to reconsider the water and energy issues which caused controversy in the past.

A number of recent diplomatic meetings between Kyrgyz and Uzbek officials have indicated a significant improvement in bilateral ties between the two countries.

The parties also stressed that one of the key factors of Central Asia’s well-being is the integrated use of water and energy resources, taking into account the interests of all the states of the region. The importance of open dialogue and the search for mutually acceptable solutions in this sphere were underlined in this regard.

The two countries’ trade turnover rose by twofold in the first half of the current year and it is expected that the volume of bilateral trade will total $280 million in late 2017.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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