BISHKEK, August 27. /Dunyo IA/.  Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Jeenbek Kulubaev, gave an interview to Dunyo IA on the eve of the 35^th Anniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan.

- This year, Uzbekistan is widely celebrating the 35^th Anniversary of its State Independence. Over the past period, the country has come a long way in development and transformation. In your opinion, which reforms have been of the greatest importance?

- First of all, on behalf of the Kyrgyz people and on my own behalf, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our Uzbek brothers and sisters on this significant holiday. The current year marks an important milestone not only for Uzbekistan but also for all the states of our region celebrating their anniversary dates.

Over the 35 years of development, Uzbekistan has traversed a vibrant path of formation and transformation. As one of the most critical achievements, I would, first and foremost, highlight the strengthening of peace, stability and good-neighbourly relations in Central Asia.

Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has become one of the primary architects in shaping the modern model of regional cooperation. Relations with neighbouring states have reached a qualitatively new level based on good-neighborliness, partnership and mutual development.

I would like to particularly emphasize the resolution of state border issues between our countries in recent years. For many years, these matters remained a complex regional challenge. The efforts undertaken have become a major diplomatic achievement that will go down in history. Today, Uzbekistan confidently demonstrates to the world a unique model of a state whose core values are unity, stability, and human development.

Currently, the country is moving forward by implementing another large-scale and unique initiative - a complex of reforms known as the Third Renaissance, carried out under the leadership of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This concept envisions a new revival of Uzbekistan on the global stage and in its historical development.

Country is achieving remarkable progress in virtually all spheres - from education and culture to foreign policy and the economy. Today, Uzbekistan has become an important subject of international academic research, conferences, and symposia.

As a close neighbour and strategic partner, we observe the transformations taking place in Uzbekistan with great satisfaction and sincerely rejoice at the successes of the brotherly country.

- Between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, a constructive and dynamically developing cooperation has been formed. Which joint projects and areas of interaction are developing most successfully and what are the plans for further strengthening the partnership?

- In recent years, relations between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have reached an unprecedentedly high level. Ties of friendship, good-neighborliness, strategic partnership and allied relations between our countries are dynamically developing. The state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan and the signing of the Treaty on Allied Relations became historic events that defined a new level of our cooperation.

We are jointly implementing the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway construction project. It will expand transport connectivity between the East and the West and transform the logistical configuration of the entire Central Asian region. Another major project lies ahead - the construction of the Kambarata HPP-1. The sides have already commenced discussions on projects valued at billions of dollars.

Special mention should be made of the successful operation of the Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund. To date, 37 projects with a total value of over 100 million dollars have been approved. Within the framework of these ongoing projects, around 900 new jobs have been created. The Fund supports projects in the textile industry, energy sector, logistics, manufacturing, municipal infrastructure and the modernization of public transport.

Cooperation in the field of industrial cooperation is developing more and more actively. A memorandum of cooperation in the field of development of free economic and industrial zones has been signed. The sides agreed to implement joint investment projects for the production of various types of products. Uzbek companies plan to conduct geological exploration in Kyrgyzstan, as well as create joint clusters in agriculture.

I see the greatest prospects in increasing the volume of mutual trade to $3 billion, developing transport and logistics corridors, and expanding industrial cooperation.

Of particular importance is the development of cultural and humanitarian ties based on our common history and the closeness of our peoples. In this regard, I note with satisfaction the increase in the number of cultural events, including Culture Days, scientific and educational exchanges, as well as the strengthening of cooperation between educational institutions of the two countries.

Opening of the Consulate General of Kyrgyzstan in Andijan is planned. This will create additional conditions for the development of trade, tourism, logistics, and cultural ties.

- One of the main priorities of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy is the strengthening of good-neighbourly relations and the expansion of regional cooperation in Central Asia. How does this approach contribute to strengthening partnerships between the states?

- I consider Uzbekistan's approach, aimed at strengthening good-neighbourly relations and developing regional cooperation in Central Asia, to be a worthy response to contemporary global challenges.

In the face of growing geopolitical tensions, economic instability, and global climate change, regional cooperation becomes a vital necessity. The state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan became another confirmation that Central Asia is gradually transitioning to a new model of regional interaction.

While just a few years ago the states of the region were mainly focused on resolving accumulated problems, today increasing attention is being paid to joint infrastructure projects, the development of transport, energy, and industrial cooperation. Today, the countries of Central Asia act not as competitors, but as mutual partners interested in cooperation and joint development.

The prudent and consistent policy of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has become one of the key factors that transformed the internal dynamics of Central Asia. Thanks to the policy of open dialogue and the development of trusting, good-neighbourly relations, the region is gradually moving away from discussing past problems toward implementing joint projects that define its future. In this atmosphere of trust, we are jointly implementing such large-scale projects as the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, which is destined to connect Eurasia into a single transport system.

We are actively cooperating within the framework of the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Organization of Turkic States, “Central Asia +” formats, and other multilateral mechanisms. This approach fully meets the interests of all Central Asian states and contributes to the formation of an even more stable and interconnected region.

- What opportunities exist for expanding cooperation in these spheres in the coming years, given that Uzbekistan pays special attention to economic modernization, attracting investments, and developing innovations, education and science?

Indeed, Uzbekistan demonstrates a steady growth dynamic in the fields of sustainable development, economic modernization and digital transformation. The concept of the Third Renaissance envisions turning the country into a center of science, education, culture and innovation. As a close neighbour, Kyrgyzstan sees broad opportunities for expanding cooperation in these directions.

In the sphere of sustainable development, we actively cooperate in the field of mountain ecosystem protection. Uzbekistan supports the hosting of the second “Bishkek+25” International Mountain Summit in 2027.

In the investment and economic spheres, there is an immense potential for expanding industrial cooperation. Within the framework of the Kyrgyz-Uzbek Business Forum held on July 28^th, 16 documents on the implementation of joint projects and trade agreements were signed.

Since the beginning of the year, the volume of mutual trade has increased by 45 percent, reaching $624.6 million. We have set a target to increase the trade turnover to $3 billion.

Concrete results have already been achieved in the sphere of digital transformation as well. Joint projects are being implemented, providing for the introduction of digital identification and electronic document management systems. A unified payment ecosystem is being created between the payment systems of the two countries.

Our drivers are actively using the “e-Permit” digital system when exchanging permits for international road freight transport. Within the framework of the project to strengthen cooperation between border communities, “Digital Border” mobile application has been successfully launched.

In the sphere of education, science, and human capital development, there are broad prospects for expanding academic exchanges, conducting joint scientific research and training personnel. Uzbekistan is consistently strengthening its role as one of the key drivers of regional connectivity, and we are ready to actively participate in this process.

- Looking into the future, how do you see Uzbekistan in 10–15 years? Which factors, in your opinion, will be of decisive importance for further strengthening the country’s international authority and increasing the well-being of its people?

- In the future, I see Uzbekistan as an even stronger, more prosperous, and influential state, a leading country not only in Central Asia but also in the entire Turkic and Islamic world.

Uzbekistan is located in the very heart of Eurasia. Therefore, its further development is of immense importance not only for the whole of Central Asia but also for the Turkic world as a whole. I believe that the concept of the Third Renaissance will become a reality, and Uzbekistan will take a worthy place in world history as one of the centers of a new revival of science, culture and spirituality.

I see the core factors for further strengthening Uzbekistan's international authority and its sustainable development, first and foremost, in openness, good-neighborliness and the expansion of regional cooperation. It is precisely this approach that is already yielding practical results and largely defining the future of Central Asia.

It is critically important to continue large-scale reforms in the fields of the economy, digital transformation, education, and science. Investments in human capital, innovation and technology will become the foundation of the country's long-term prosperity.

Active participation in international and regional integration processes within the framework of the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the Organization of Turkic States, and other multilateral formats will also define the further development of the country. Strengthening cooperation with neighbours, including Kyrgyzstan, will play an important role in reinforcing Uzbekistan’s positions on the international stage.

Preservation of interethnic harmony and interfaith tolerance is a vital component of Uzbekistan's unique state model, where representatives of more than 130 nationalities and ethnic groups live in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

As the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, I would like to state that we will continue to move forward along this path together with Uzbekistan. Undoubtedly, the strategic partnership and allied relations between our countries will only strengthen. This will create a solid foundation for the prosperity and development of the entire region.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Uzbekistan on the 35^th Anniversary of Independence. I wish our neighbors great success on the path to peace and prosperity!