The President of Uzbekistan has put forward initiatives to expand multilateral cooperation with China

On June 17, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the second Central Asia – China summit in Astana, the press service of the head of our state reports.

The event, chaired by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was also attended by Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

In accordance with the agenda, the prospects for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and China in priority areas, current international and regional issues were considered.

At the beginning of his speech, the President of Uzbekistan especially noted the role of Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping in strengthening friendship and cooperation with the states of Central Asia, supporting the sustainable development of the region through the implementation of specific projects and programs.

The great progress in cooperation in the Central Asia-China format since the first summit in Xi’an in 2023 was noted with satisfaction.

In particular, a secretariat has been created, effective mechanisms for meetings and conferences of ministers and experts are in place, and a legal framework for full-scale cooperation is being formed.

The trade turnover between Central Asian countries and China is growing, and is estimated to reach $100 billion this year.

– In our opinion, the development of cooperation in this format is facilitated, on the one hand, by the processes of deep transformation in Central Asia itself, which has turned into a space of trust, good-neighborliness and partnership. On the other hand, this is the unwavering commitment of the Chinese leadership to developing friendly relations with neighboring states and promoting the global concept of the Belt and Road, – the head of our state said.

Then the leader of Uzbekistan outlined his vision for the further development of regional cooperation.

First of all, it was noted that the current meeting is taking place in the context of a noticeable deterioration in the international situation.

Growing rivalry leads to increased tensions, new challenges and threats to security and sustainable development.

– We consider the use of force to resolve contentious international issues and conflict problems unjustified and unacceptable, – the President emphasized. – I am convinced that all disputes and disagreements should be resolved exclusively through diplomatic efforts – at the negotiating table, based on the principle of respect for sovereignty, international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

In this regard, the historical significance of the adoption of the Treaty on Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation during the summit, which will become a common contribution to ensuring regional stability, was noted. In the development of this Treaty, it was proposed to develop a Concept of Long-Term Partnership with the inclusion of specific mechanisms and projects.

As the head of Uzbekistan noted, trade, investment and technological partnership with China is a powerful locomotive in the implementation of strategies for the socio-economic development of all Central Asian countries.

It was emphasized that the combination of the growing potential of the countries of the region and the industrial leadership of China can lead to the formation of a Common Space of Great Opportunities with effective mechanisms for knowledge exchange and technology transfer.

Practical steps in this direction could be the earliest possible adoption of the New Economic Partnership Program and the establishment of the Interregional Council for Trade and Investment at the level of deputy prime ministers. The Uzbek side expressed its readiness to hold the first meeting of the Council before the end of this year.

In order to stimulate trade relations, the President of Uzbekistan advocated the organization of a multilateral trade platform “Electronic Silk Road” within the framework of the “Digital Belt and Road”.

The need for the creation of a Regional Center for Industrial Standardization and Certification in Tashkent for the convergence of regulations and standards, certification of export products according to Chinese requirements was also noted.

It was also proposed to adopt a separate “road map” for technology transfer, involving businesses, leading research institutes and engineering centers.

The leader of Uzbekistan specifically focused on the need to strengthen industrial and infrastructural interconnectivity for the effective development of economic potential. For these purposes, it was proposed to develop a long-term strategy, “Industrial and Infrastructure Belt “Central Asia – China”.

This involves creating a system of interconnected industrial clusters, technology parks and logistics hubs with the involvement of Chinese investments, technological and scientific solutions.

The issues of coupling the energy systems of the countries of Central Asia and China, including the implementation of the mega-project for the construction of a high-voltage power transmission line, also require careful study.

The issue of introducing effective financial instruments capable of supporting large projects of regional significance is becoming particularly relevant.

“The international mechanisms in force today undoubtedly play an important role, but they do not fully cover the investment needs of the region. According to experts, the deficit of capital investments in the infrastructure development of Central Asia amounts to hundreds of billions of dollars,” the leader of Uzbekistan noted.

In this regard, it was proposed to consider the possibility of establishing the Central Asia-China Development Fund, which could become an effective platform for promoting infrastructure initiatives.

Another priority area is the development of transport connectivity between Central Asia and China.

It was noted that the launch of the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is an important element of the new system of transport and transit communications in the Eurasian space. At the same time, the implementation of the Trans-Afghan Railway project will open up even greater opportunities.

– In the interests of developing a common vision of prospects in this strategic area, I consider it necessary to instruct our transport departments to form expert groups to conduct field research, study the possibilities of modernizing the logistics infrastructure and implementing pilot projects for transporting goods along alternative corridors, – the leader of Uzbekistan suggested.

Based on the results of the work of these groups, specific and well-founded proposals for the formation of a Single Map of Transport Corridors and modern transit infrastructure should be developed by the next summit.

Pointing to the serious challenges of climate change for sustainable development, the head of our state called for accelerating the adoption of the Green Development Program until 2030, as well as establishing an Environmental Alliance for dialogue and partnership in combating desertification, restoring degraded lands, and increasing bioecological sustainability in arid and desert zones.

– I would like to separately dwell on the possibilities of cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. These are the areas that today act as drivers of long-term growth, determining the competitiveness of national economies, – the President of our country noted.

In order to form a sustainable digital infrastructure for economic cooperation, it was proposed to create a Network of mutually integrated big data banks and processing centers, as well as to build a Digital Highway of the fiber-optic communication line “Central Asia – China” along the main energy and transport routes.

– Our invaluable asset is our common desire to mutually enrich cultures and bring our peoples closer together. It is for these purposes that the Initiative to Facilitate Mutual Travel and the Program of Cultural and Humanitarian Events adopted today are aimed, the President noted.

To further strengthen cooperation in this area, it was proposed to create a single digital portal “Cultural Heritage of the Silk Road”, combining the historical and cultural resources of the countries of Central Asia and China, with access to it for researchers, students, tourists and representatives of the creative industry.

It was also noted that it would be appropriate to form a common scientific and educational platform by developing a cooperation program in the field of professional education, holding forums of university rectors, meetings of heads of academies of sciences and research centers.

Cooperation in the field of security remains one of the key priorities. In this regard, the President advocated the establishment of multilateral mechanisms for the exchange of information through special services and security councils in the fight against terrorism, extremism, radicalism, drug trafficking, illegal migration and cybercrime.

“The international community’s decreasing attention to the problems of Afghanistan, which for us is not just a neighbor, but an integral part of the common historical, cultural and economic space, is of serious concern,” the leader of Uzbekistan said.

Noting the rich experience of interaction between China and the Central Asian states with Afghanistan, the President of Uzbekistan proposed establishing, within the framework of the current format, a High-Level Group to consider issues of facilitating the restoration and involvement of this country in regional integration processes.

Readiness was expressed to hold its meeting in the city of Termez with the participation of representatives of Afghanistan.

In conclusion, it was emphasized that Uzbekistan is committed to an open dialogue, expanding pragmatic and mutually beneficial cooperation in the “Central Asia – China” format.

Following the meeting, the heads of state signed the Astana Declaration and the Treaty on Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation.

A solid package of intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents was also adopted.

At the end of the summit, a ceremony was held to launch cooperation centers for combating poverty, desertification, cooperation in the field of education, as well as a cooperation platform for unimpeded trade.