Tashkent, February 20, 2026 – A meeting was held between the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Uzbekistan, Beibut Atamkulov, and the Minister of Mining Industry and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Bobir Islamov.

During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation in the field of geology and subsoil use. The steady positive dynamics of sectoral cooperation and the expansion of practical collaboration between the профиль ministries were noted.

The importance of holding the first meeting of the Joint Working Group on rare-earth and critical materials was emphasized in implementation of the agreements reached during the state visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Uzbekistan in November 2025.

Special attention was given to prospects for cooperation in the digital transformation of the geological sector, including the development of a national digital geological environment and the introduction of modern analytical tools for processing and interpreting geological data. The application of digital solutions will contribute to increasing the effectiveness of geological exploration activities, enhancing the investment attractiveness of subsoil use, and strengthening the quality of strategic planning in the sector.

In order to deepen expert dialogue, the parties confirmed the importance of systematically developing Kazakh–Uzbek scientific cooperation in the field of geology and subsoil use, including collaboration between профиль ministries, research institutes, and industry specialists.

Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in further developing cooperation and expressed readiness to maintain active working contacts at all levels.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-tashkent/press/news/details/1166566?lang=kk