Kazakhstan Says Relations With Uzbekistan Top Priority

Kazakh Foreign Minister Toqaev (file photo) (AFP) 9 February 2006 -- Kazakhstan's foreign minister today said that relations with Uzbekistan are a top priority for the Kazakh government.

Qasymzhomart Toqaev's remarks came after a meeting with his Uzbek counterpart, Elyor Ganiev, in Tashkent.

Toqaev said cooperation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan is a key factor in maintaining regional stability, and that developing cultural and economic cooperation is an important part of the process.

Toqaev also said that Kazakh officials in Tashkent are preparing a visit by Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev to Uzbekistan. A date for the planned visit has not yet been set.

(Kazinform)