Uzbek President Islam Karimov and his Kazakh counterpart, Nursultan Nazarbaev, stressed the importance of bilateral relations for regional security during a meeting in Astana on November 25.
The rare meeting between the two leaders, known for their lukewarm relationship, came amid concern among former Soviet republics about Russia's intentions following its actions in Ukraine.
Karimov said that "in conditions of the rapidly changing situation in the modern world," all countries seek "to find support from its close neighbors."
He added that "we have to meet more often to jointly define our prospects for the future."
Nazarbaev said "the stability and development of the whole region depends on the position and mutual work of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan."
Nazarbaev's press service said their talks also focused on bilateral trade, energy, transport issues, and cultural ties.