The President of Kazakhstan greeted the presidents of Kyrgyzstan — Sooronbai Jeenbekov, Tajikistan — Emomali Rahmon, Uzbekistan — Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Сhairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Akja Nurberdyeva.

Nursultan Nazarbayev noted that it is the President of Uzbekistan Sh. Mirziyoyev’s initiative to hold regular working consultations for resolving intra-regional issues.

"We can solve all the arising problems together. It is symbolic that our meeting is held on the threshold of the common for all of us Nauryz holiday. Kazakhstan has always strived for close economic cooperation with its neighbors, especially with the countries of Central Asia, with whom we share a common history, culture, worldview and attitude," the Head of State said.

The President of Kazakhstan dwelled on the advantages of holding such consultative meetings at the highest level, noting the importance of uniting the potential of the countries of Central Asia, increasing intraregional trade, ensuring regional security and rapprochement of peoples.

"I am pleased to state that significant progress has been made in political cooperation between our countries. We managed to establish a dialogue between the heads of foreign affairs agencies. These consultations showed a common desire for dialogue. I personally was pleased to see your foreign ministers in New York, during a meeting of the UN Security Council. This was a significant support. We must always support each other," Nursultan Nazarbayev said.

The Head of State gave a positive assessment to the process of strengthening interstate cooperation between the countries of the region over the past year, highlighting the special efforts of all the leaders of the Central Asian countries.

In addition, Nursultan Nazarbayev drew attention to the development of relations between Central Asian countries and Kazakhstan.

"In 2017, Kazakhstan's exports to each of your countries amounted to 35%. Meetings of intergovernmental commissions are held. New border crossing points are being opened. Passport control is being simplified. New roads and bridges are being built. Borders are being agreed. Transport connection is being arranged. New flights and high-speed trains are launched," the President of Kazakhstan said.

At the same time, the Head of State pointed to the need for further strengthening of ties with the leading countries of the region — the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China.

In conclusion, Nursultan Nazarbayev expressed confidence in the fruitful nature of the meeting, the results of which will serve for the benefit of all the peoples of the region.

Further, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic S. Jenenbekov spoke, he noted the importance of building mutually beneficial cooperation in the region.

"Today's meeting will serve to renew and energize our friendly and good-neighborly relations. It will give a new impetus to our common aspirations aimed at greater rapprochement of our countries and peoples. I would like to express my gratitude to Nursultan Nazarbayev for the hospitality and excellent organization of the meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia," said the President of the Kyrgyz Republic.

In his speech, President of the Republic of Tajikistan E.Rahmon spoke about the development of the transit and transport potential of Central Asia, the rational use of water and energy resources, cultural interaction and the strengthening of regional security.

"The growing challenges and threats to security, such as terrorism, extremism, drug traffic, transnational organized crime, religious radicalism require us to use all mechanisms for effective and prompt response to them. The solution of these issues is a priority task of our interaction, as the situation in one country can negatively affect the situation in the whole region," E. Rahmon said.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh. Mirziyoyev noted the importance of developing trade and economic cooperation, interstate cooperation in ensuring regional security and stability.

"All our joint actions, projects and programs will undoubtedly strengthen the atmosphere of mutual trust and respect, fill the close regional cooperation with the concrete content with that fully meets the interests and is wholly supported by our peoples," the President of Uzbekistan said.

Chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, A.Nurberdiyeva, read out the address of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the participants of the working meeting.

"Cooperation with the closest neighbors in Central Asia is one of the priority aspects of Turkmenistan's foreign policy strategy. Our country is committed to the widest cooperation with the countries of the region, in every way supporting the promotion of an equitable and trustful dialogue in all areas, both in bilateral and multilateral formats," A. Nurberdiyeva said.

 

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