"We are committed to strengthening international cooperation and solidarity in the face of this enormous challenge," they said in a joint statement.

Uzbekistan will increase grain production by 1 million tonnes this year and will also increase the import of raw sugar from Brazil.

The economic situation in Uzbekistan’s major trading partners, sharp fluctuations of their exchange rates, rising commodity and energy prices are increasing macroeconomic uncertainties and risks.

Kazakhstan’s economy first returned to growth in the first half of 2021 after months of contraction.