Our latest interview with the head of the diplomatic mission, Mr. Duyshonkul CHOTONOV, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Republic of Uzbekistan. We discussed the rapidly developing Kyrgyz-Uzbek relations based on comprehensive strategic partnership. The Ambassador shared his vision of the current state of cooperation, the priorities of the embassy’s work, and the prospects for further strengthening bilateral ties and, in general, between the member states of the OTS.
– Duyshonkul Tezekbaevich, first of all, let me congratulate you on your appointment to such an important position and wish you success in strengthening the ties between our countries. To begin with, could you share what experience is most important for the successful execution of your diplomatic mission?
– In my point of view, a multifaceted approach, the ability to build trustful relationships between countries, as well as a deep understanding of the political, economic and cultural specifics of the host country are extremely important for successfully carrying out the mission of an Ambassador in Uzbekistan.
My experience as an ambassador in the Republic of Korea and Vietnam helps me to find a balance between formal diplomatic procedures and personal, human contacts, which play an important role in establishing trusting and long-term relationships.
An essential part of the Ambassador’s work is active participation in cultural diplomacy and public relations. A key element in this process is creating conditions for involving civil society in bilateral relations, which promotes a broader exchange of ideas and strengthens neighbourly relations. However, perhaps most importantly, is the ability to listen to and understand partners, to find common interests, and to seek mutual solutions. Successful work requires experience in interacting with people at different levels, whether they be government bodies, businesses, or civil society. The ability to communicate effectively and ensure bilateral connections, along with a clear and consistent strategy, is what helps to achieve real results in diplomatic work.
– What are your main expectations for working in this position?
– My main expectations for the position of Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan relate to strengthening mutual trust and cooperation between our countries. I hope to contribute to expanding trade, increasing investment volumes, and improving transport logistics. It is also important to develop cultural exchanges so that our peoples strengthen friendly neighbourhood relations. Overall, I want to be part of a process that will help make our cooperation more solid, effective, and beneficial for many years to come.
– How would you describe the current level of bilateral relations between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan? What do you think have been the most significant achievements in bilateral cooperation recently?
– Currently, the Kyrgyz-Uzbek comprehensive strategic partnership stands as a vivid example of successful interaction between two neighbouring countries, founded on mutual respect, trust, and a desire for shared prosperity. This level of partnership has been made possible by the political maturity of both sides, as well as by effective management of bilateral relations at the highest level.
First and foremost, we have witnessed the leaders of two countries – the esteemed Sadir Nurgojoevich Japarov and the esteemed Shavkat Miramonovich Mirziyoyev – take a decisive step towards strengthening cooperation, opening new horizons for comprehensive interaction for the benefit of the fraternal peoples of both nations. In this context, I would like to particularly emphasize the key importance of the trusting relations between the presidents of our countries, which contribute to the effective implementation of the entire range of bilateral initiatives. It is important that the leaders of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan support each other, understand the values and priorities not only of their own countries but also of the entire Central Asian region, and as a result can make appropriate decisions on key issues.
The historical achievement and main result of the political willpower demonstrated by the leaders of the two countries is the completion of the delimitation of the Kyrgyz-Uzbek state border, a goal that Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have pursued for many years. I am convinced that it will become a border of friendship and good neighborliness and will contribute to strengthening comprehensive ties not only between the two countries but throughout the Central Asian region. A stable positive trend can be observed in trade and economic relations. The volume of mutual trade steadily increases every year. The heads of state have set the goal of raising the trade turnover to 2 billion US dollars in the coming years. Trade houses are being established in the capitals of the two countries, and a long-term portfolio of export-import contracts has been prepared to achieve the set target of increasing mutual trade.
New growth points in industrial cooperation are emerging, which include projects in energy, automotive manufacturing, transportation and logistics, electrical engineering, textiles, agriculture, and other sectors. In particular, in 2024, important projects for the construction of solar stations in the Fergana and Namangan regions, automobile production in the Chuy region, and textile products in Kara-Balta will be launched.
The effective activity of the Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund, which is already financing 16 projects in various sectors of the economy, contributes to the development of investment cooperation. Furthermore, there is a decision to increase the fund’s statutory capital to 200 million dollars. In this context, it is important to note the growing economic significance of Central Asia. Our region possesses rich natural resources and has strategically important transport routes linking Europe and Asia.
As it is known, 27 December 2024 marked a historic event in Central Asia – the official launch of the construction of the «China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan» railway. Moreover, our countries are taking active measures to implement the construction project of the Kambarata Hydro Power Plant-1. Undoubtedly, these megaprojects will serve the sustainable development of our entire region. In recent years, cultural, educational, and research connections between our countries have also been developing dynamically. This includes the implementation of programs for student training, the exchange of scientific personnel, the development of mutual tourism, and the strengthening of ties between regions.
18/08/2025 
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