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Today’s summit became a historic one: the heads of state unanimously supported the accession of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the format of Consultative Meetings as a full member. President Shavkat Mirziyoev stressed that this step opens a new stage of cooperation, forming a unified space of cooperation between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
In his speech the President highlighted the key directions for further development of the region:
1. A new stage of regional integration.
In a short time, Central Asia has gone from dialogue to real partnership: territorial issues have been settled, borders have been opened, cooperation in energy, transport and trade has been established. The volume of mutual trade reached 10.7 billion dollars, and investments grew by 17 percent.
2. Strengthening Institutional Architecture.
It is proposed to transform the format of meetings into a strategic platform of the Central Asian Community, create the Secretariat and Council of Elders, and increase the status of national coordinators.
3. Economics and investments.
Countries in the region are able to increase mutual trade by 1.5–2 times. The President suggested:
– to adopt the Regional Program of Trade and Economic Cooperation until 2035;
– develop a Declaration on the Common Investment Space;
– to promote the joint development of e-commerce.
4. Infrastructure and transportation.
Uzbekistan has called for consolidating efforts on the implementation of major projects – the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, the Trans-Afghan Corridor, as well as the expansion of trans-Caspian routes. It has been proposed to set up a Council for Infrastructure Development.
5. Security and Afghanistan .
The Regional Security Concept and the Risk Catalog were proposed for approval. The President stressed the importance of engaging Afghanistan in regional energy and transport projects and proposed to make the Fergan Peace Forum an annual international format.
6. Climate control and water.
Uzbekistan has proposed to declare 2026-2036 the Decade of Practical Actions on Rational Water Use in Central Asia, as well as to create a Regional Center for Water Management Competencies.
7. The humanitarian realm.
The development of scientific and cultural exchange is supported. The President proposed to hold an annual International Congress on Spiritual Heritage, create a Research Fund, and promote a UN GA resolution on the contribution of regional thinkers.
The President ended his speech with an emphasis on the main thing: “Our strength is in unity. Our way to success is in friendship and cooperation.”
Uzbekistan congratulated Turkmenistan on assuming the presidency in the new format “Central Asia and Azerbaijan” and reaffirmed its readiness to provide comprehensive support.
Source : Sherzod Asadov