BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 23. Uzbekistan and
Kazakhstan are preparing to open two upgraded border checkpoints to
improve cross-border traffic and facilitate the movement of
passengers, vehicles and cargo between the countries, Uzbekistan’s
Customs Committee said on October 22.
The issue was discussed at a working meeting between Gayrat
Nasirov, first deputy chairman of Uzbekistan’s Customs Committee,
and Asker Kiikov, counselor-representative of the Kazakh Embassy in
Uzbekistan.
In the course of the meeting, the Kazakh side reported that
construction and installation work at Zhibek Zholy had been
completed and preparations for its opening were underway.
Uzbekistan, in turn, confirmed that Gisht Kuprik was ready to open
and presented video footage showing the checkpoint’s infrastructure
and surrounding area.
During the presentation, representatives from Uzbekistan
outlined measures designed to increase the checkpoint’s throughput
capacity, streamline border-crossing procedures and improve
conditions for passengers and vehicles.
The sides emphasized the need to coordinate with the relevant
authorities of both countries to finalize a date for the
simultaneous official opening of the two checkpoints.
Moreover, the meeting covered the current state of bilateral
customs and trade cooperation and opportunities to expand it. Both
sides welcomed positive trends in mutual trade and cargo flows.
The parties reaffirmed their commitment to improving the
movement of passengers, vehicles and goods across the border,
simplifying customs procedures and increasing the efficiency of
border checkpoints.
