The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan outlined prospects for the development of regional cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan

On July 31, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in an informal meeting of the heads of state of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, which took place in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, the press service of the head of our state reports.

The event was attended by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

The heads of state exchanged views on pressing issues of ensuring sustainable development, economic growth, security, and improving the well-being of the peoples and states of Central Asia and Azerbaijan.

At the beginning of his speech, the leader of Uzbekistan thanked President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov for the initiative to hold the informal summit and the warm welcome on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul.

Gratitude was also expressed to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov for his effective chairmanship of the Consultative Meetings.

On the eve of the 35th anniversary of independence, the countries of the region expressed high praise for the successes achieved in building statehood, economic recovery, and national revival.

– Thanks to joint efforts, the previously fragmented Central Asia is now consolidating in the name of shared development goals,- the President of our country emphasized.

Analyzing the realities of the complex and unpredictable international situation, he called on the meeting participants to continue decisive action and closer coordination. The head of state emphasized that Azerbaijan’s accession to the Consultative Meetings format elevates cooperation between the countries to a qualitatively new, macro-regional level.

– We have a historic opportunity to create a unified development space uniting Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and our close neighbor, Afghanistan, – the leader of Uzbekistan stated.

To strengthen the foundation for sustainable development, connectivity, and good-neighborliness between the states of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, a vision for regional cooperation priorities was presented.

First and foremost, the importance of further developing a sustainable architecture for regional cooperation was noted. Its design should be based on effective cooperation institutions, close contacts between industry agencies, direct ties between regions, and long-term joint programs in key development areas.

The need for enhanced coordination within intergovernmental organizations and “Central Asia Plus” formats was emphasized, which contributes to strengthening the region’s international standing.

Further steps to strengthen trade, economic, and transport connectivity, expand cross-cutting industrial and technological chains, develop shared digital services, and launch investment platforms require substantive consideration.

Transforming Central Asia into a competitive hub for education, science, and innovation through the creation of a comprehensive infrastructure integrating human resources, artificial intelligence technologies, data centers, and energy capacity was highlighted as a promising objective.

It was particularly emphasized that environmental protection has always been and remains a key topic on the regional agenda. The challenges arising in our shared natural space do not recognize national borders, meaning that responses to them must be shared. “This summer’s abnormal heatwave has once again demonstrated that climate change directly impacts the economy, water and energy security, human health, and quality of life. It is important to find long-term solutions for joint adaptation to these new risks,” the head of state noted.

The humanitarian dimension is highlighted among the unwavering priorities of cooperation. The peoples of the region have lived side by side for centuries, developing trade, and exchanging knowledge and cultural traditions. As modern interaction deepens, a sense of community among people is also strengthening.

– While preserving the national identities of our peoples, a pan-regional identity is gradually emerging. I am confident that a qualitatively new focus on work in this area will strengthen the sense of unity, solidarity, and mutual understanding between our peoples, – the leader of our country emphasized.

In conclusion, the President of Uzbekistan expressed his deep conviction that common strength lies in unity, mutual trust, and a firm commitment to shared creativity.

The leaders of Central Asian states and Azerbaijan also spoke at the event, sharing their assessments of the current state and prospects for developing regional cooperation.

Following the summit, the Cholpon-Ata Declaration was adopted.