At the VII Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan put forward a number of key ideas and initiatives.
Today's summit was historic: the heads of state unanimously supported the accession of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Consultative Meetings format as a full participant. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that this step will usher in a new stage of cooperation, forming a single space for interaction between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
In his speech, the President of our country outlined the main directions for the further development of the region:
1. A new stage of regional integration.
In a short period of time, Central Asia has moved from a consultative form of dialogue to a truly cooperative one: regional issues have been resolved, borders have been opened, and cooperation in the fields of energy, transport, and trade has been established. Mutual trade reached 10.7 billion dollars, and investments grew by 17 percent.
2. Strengthening institutional architecture.
It was proposed to transform the format of meetings into a strategic platform for the "Central Asian Community," establish a Secretariat, create a Council of Elders, and raise the status of national coordinators.
3. Economics and Investments.
The countries of the region have the opportunity to increase the volume of mutual trade by 1.5-2 times. The President proposed:
- Adoption of the Regional Program of Trade and Economic Cooperation until 2035;
- Development of a Declaration on a Single Investment Space;
- promoting the joint development of e-commerce.
4. Infrastructure and transport.
Uzbekistan called on the countries of the region to act together in the implementation of such large-scale projects as the expansion of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, the Trans-Afghan corridor, and the Trans-Caspian route. It was proposed to create a Council for the Development of Infrastructure.
5. Security and Afghanistan.
The Concept of Regional Security and Sustainability and the Catalog of Threats and Risks have been submitted for approval. The President emphasized the importance of Afghanistan's integration into regional energy and transport projects and proposed transforming the "Fergana Peace Forum" into a regular international forum.
6. Climate and water.
Uzbekistan 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 Competencies in the Field of Water Management.
7. Humanitarian sphere.
The development of scientific and cultural cooperation was supported. The President proposed holding an annual International Congress dedicated to the ideas of spiritual heritage and enlightenment, establishing a Regional Research Fund, and promoting a special UN resolution dedicated to the contribution of scientists and thinkers of our region to global development.
The President concluded his speech with the main idea: "Our strength lies in unity, our path to success lies in friendship and cooperation."
Uzbekistan congratulated Turkmenistan on assuming the chairmanship of the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State, which will be held in the new format - "Central Asia and Azerbaijan," and confirmed its readiness to fully support its efforts during the upcoming hosting period.
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