The creative atmosphere and processes of mutual rapprochement observed throughout the region have reached a completely new level in recent years. As President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted in his article "Central Asia on the Threshold of a New Era," for the first time after a long break, the countries are united in one direction, in one goal - common development and sustainable development.
According to the president, this process is not accidental or spontaneous. On the contrary, this is the result of the consistent political will of the heads of state of the region, their practical work directed towards a firm goal. The atmosphere of mutual trust and good neighborliness between the states has strengthened, and cooperation has become a strategic necessity for the entire region.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev, noting that the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia have created a completely new political and economic architecture in the region, noted that the upcoming summit in Tashkent is an important stage in further strengthening this process.
In recent years, border issues have been practically completely resolved, and they have become a kind of bridge not for competition, but for solidarity. The Fergana Peace Forum, agreements on joint water and energy projects, in particular, the construction of the Kambarata HPP-1, were noted as practical examples of mutually beneficial partnership.
The President noted that the region's economic potential is growing sharply: over the past eight years, GDP has increased almost two and a half times, and mutual trade between the countries has doubled. While Uzbekistan's trade with its neighbors was $2.4 billion in 2016, this figure reached $7.2 billion in 2024. The number of joint ventures across the region has also increased sharply.
Mirziyoyev emphasized that the region has become an area "where bridges are being built, not walls." This is not a political statement, but a fact that is being proven in practice.
The article also emphasizes the role of Central Asia in international relations. It was noted that regular summits with the European Union, China, Russia, the USA, and other partners are held in the "Central Asia Plus" formats, and the region is recognized as a single and responsible international entity.
The President did not bypass the issue of Afghanistan. According to him, the stability of this country is inextricably linked with the security of all of Central Asia. In this regard, it is important to involve Afghanistan in regional and international processes, implement the Trans-Afghan railway, and continue cooperation in the humanitarian and educational spheres.
Mirziyoyev also noted that the population of Central Asia is expected to reach 100 million in the coming decades, with the majority of the population remaining young. In the context of such demographic changes, the transformation of youth potential into the main driving force of innovation and development, the accelerated development of ecology, water and food security, the "green economy," industrial cooperation, and digital technologies are considered important tasks.
From an administrative point of view, the head of Uzbekistan emphasizes that regional cooperation is not a tactical choice for states, but a strategic choice stemming from shared responsibility for the future. In the context of global uncertainty, good neighborliness and mutual support have become Central Asia's most valuable resource.
The President concludes his article with the following conclusion: The process that laid the foundation for the New Central Asian Concept is an irreversible path, and taking steps towards peace, stability, and common prosperity is a historical responsibility before all states.
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