ALMATY, December 28. /Dunyo IA/. Ambassador of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Ibragimov paid a working visit to the city of Almaty, during which a series of meetings were held aimed at further expanding bilateral and interregional cooperation, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

During talks with Akim of Almaty Darkhan Satybaldy, the parties noted the steady development of Uzbek–Kazakh relations at the regional level. It was emphasized that the mutual visits of the Heads of State in 2025 gave additional momentum to the intensification of cooperation between the regions of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

According to the results of the first nine months of the current year, trade turnover between Almaty and the regions of Uzbekistan increased by 20 percent, reaching USD 850 million, which accounts for nearly one-fifth of the total bilateral trade volume. Approximately 4,000 enterprises with Uzbek capital are currently operating successfully in Almaty.

The sides discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in the tourism sector, including increasing air connectivity and participation in joint promotional events as well as issues related to the gradual expansion of trade volumes, organization of business missions, and development of industrial cooperation, including in innovative sectors.

As part of the visit, the delegation familiarized itself with the activities of the Almaty Regional Diagnostic Center, operated by the Olymp company, where experience in private management and effective governance in the healthcare system was examined.

Special attention was given to environmental protection and waste management issues. During a meeting with the leadership of the KazWaste Association, prospects were discussed for exchanging best practices, improving the efficiency of household and industrial waste management, strengthening professional capacity, and implementing regional initiatives.

Following the meetings, agreements were reached on developing direct contacts between relevant institutions of the two countries, preparing a memorandum of cooperation, and promoting joint projects with the involvement of international financial institutions. It was also proposed to organize practical dialogue platforms on waste management within the framework of regional environmental events scheduled to be held in Astana in 2026.