Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan Intergovt'l Commission convenes in Astana
The participants will consider the current state and the prospects for development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, including in the spheres of agriculture, energy, transportation, as well as cultural and humanitarian ties.
Following the session, the sides are expected to sign a protocol on its results, as well as the Action Plan for the Year of Uzbekistan in Kazakhstan.
Among the key issues to be discussed in Astana is the salvation of the Aral Sea.
As Kazinform previously reported, the countries plan to establish a joint working group to work on the issue. According to Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Yerik Utembayev, the working group will focus on studying new methods of water conservation and efficient water use.
It should also be noted that within the framework of improved cross-border cooperation, the agreement was reached between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on the creation of a regional industrial zone of Karakalpakstan with the border regions of Kazakhstan.