On November 16, in Uzbekistan, under the chairmanship of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia took place.
According to the press service of the President of Uzbekistan, the summit was attended by the presidents of the region: Ilham Aliyev (Azerbaijan), Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (Kazakhstan), Sadyr Japarov (Kyrgyzstan), Emomali Rahmon (Tajikistan), Serdar Berdymukhamedov (Turkmenistan), as well as Kaha Imnadze, head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia.
The President of Uzbekistan announced that Azerbaijan has become a full-fledged participant in the Consultative Meetings. This decision, he said, meets the interests of countries connected by a common history and cultural traditions.
Mirziyoyev noted that this cooperation will create a solid bridge between Central Asia and the South Caucasus, which in turn will open new horizons for the formation of a unified interaction space and strengthen the strategic interconnectedness of both regions.
Speaking about current integration processes, the president emphasized that it has been possible to resolve territorial disputes, open border crossings, establish cooperation in the field of water resources, and restore transport communication.
"Central Asia today represents a space of active development and fruitful interaction, creating new opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity," he added.
Last year, the volume of mutual trade between the states of the region amounted to $10.7 billion, and the total volume of investments increased by 17%. The region is also strengthening its international subjectivity and activating cooperation in the "Central Asia plus" format.
During Uzbekistan's chairmanship, more than 20 significant events were held, including forums on interregional cooperation, meetings of defense ministers, and specialized services.
The president proposed several initiatives for further development of regional partnership:
— Transformation of the Consultative Meetings into a strategic format "Community of Central Asia" with the establishment of a Secretariat and elevation of the status of national coordinators to special representatives of the presidents.
— Establishment of a Council of Elders from authoritative public figures to strengthen ties between generations and promote regional solidarity.
— Development of a Comprehensive Regional Program for Trade and Economic Cooperation until 2035 to increase trade volumes by 1.5-2 times.
— Adoption of a Declaration on a Common Investment Space and a program for the development of e-commerce.
— Creation of a Council for Infrastructure Development at the level of deputy prime ministers to coordinate the construction of power plants, roads, border points, and fiber-optic lines.
Among the key transport projects highlighted are the railway from China to Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan and the Trans-Afghan transport corridor.
At the meeting, the Concept of Regional Security and Stability, as well as a Catalog of Risks and Threats, were adopted. Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of integrating Afghanistan into regional infrastructure and transport projects and proposed to make the "Fergana Forum of Peace" a regular event.
In the context of growing water scarcity, he proposed to declare the years 2026-2036 as the "Decade of Practical Actions for Rational Water Use in Central Asia" and to create a Regional Center of Competence in Water Management based at the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation Engineers.
The president also called for expanding cultural and humanitarian interaction, proposing to hold an International Congress on Spiritual Heritage and Education, and initiated the adoption of a special resolution by the UN General Assembly on the contribution of regional scholars to the development of enlightenment.
To support scientific and educational cooperation, it was proposed to create a Research Fund to finance interstate projects and implement artificial intelligence technologies.
"Our strength lies in unity, and the path to success is through friendship and cooperation. Only together, based on mutual respect, solidarity, and strategic vision, can we achieve our noble goals," emphasized the President of Uzbekistan.
He also congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on assuming the chairmanship in 2026, when the meeting will take place in a new format "Central Asia and Azerbaijan." Other leaders also participated in the summit, as well as Kaha Imnadze, who voiced the address of UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
