President Mirziyoyev proposes new strategic framework for regional cooperation at Central Asia summit

The summit, held under Uzbekistan’s chairmanship, brought together the presidents of Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, as well as the head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, Kaha Imnadze.

The leaders reviewed opportunities to enhance cooperation across priority sectors and expand joint regional projects. Mirziyoyev opened the meeting with an assessment of recent integration efforts, noting that sustained dialogue and coordinated action had already helped resolve multiple longstanding issues.

According to the Uzbek leader, border disputes have been settled, checkpoints reopened, water and energy cooperation restored, transport links re-established, and favorable conditions created for increased trade, investment and humanitarian ties.

“Today, Central Asia is a space of rapid development and productive cooperation that is opening new opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity,” he said.

Growing economic integration

Mirziyoyev highlighted deeper economic interdependence, rising investment attractiveness, growing export capacity to third markets and expanding transit potential. In 2024, mutual trade among Central Asian countries reached US$10.7 billion, while total investment inflows to the region increased by 17%.

He also noted growing collaboration on security, including counterterrorism, combating extremism and addressing transnational crime. Central Asia’s collective voice on global issues is strengthening, supported by enhanced cooperation formats such as “Central Asia plus.”

The president welcomed Azerbaijan’s participation in the consultative format, saying its inclusion would further amplify the region’s international standing.

Institutionalizing the regional framework

Mirziyoyev proposed transforming the existing consultative meetings into a strategic “Central Asia Community” format. This would include establishing a rotating secretariat, adopting regulations governing the meetings and elevating national coordinators to the level of special presidential envoys.

He also initiated the creation of a Council of Elders, composed of respected public figures with deep experience, to help reinforce regional unity and continuity between generations.

Strengthening trade and investment cooperation remains a central priority. Mirziyoyev said easing administrative barriers, simplifying tax and customs procedures and promoting joint use of free economic zones could enable Central Asian states to increase mutual and external trade by 1.5–2 times in the medium term.

He proposed drafting a comprehensive regional program for trade and economic cooperation through 2035, as well as adopting a declaration on a Common Investment Space. The president also called for expanding e-commerce through unified digital platforms and trusted payment systems.

Boosting connectivity and infrastructure

The Uzbek leader stressed the need to jointly develop high-tech infrastructure and transport-logistics networks, including power stations, transmission lines, roads, railways, border crossings, green corridors and fiber-optic networks.

He pointed to the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and the Trans-Afghan transport corridor as priority connectivity projects, while noting the strong potential of Trans-Caspian routes linking the region with Europe.

To coordinate efforts in infrastructure development, he proposed establishing a Council for Infrastructure Development at the level of deputy prime ministers.

Mirziyoyev praised the summit’s adoption of two key documents – the Concept of Regional Security and Stability and the Catalogue of Threats and Risks – and emphasized the importance of integrating Afghanistan into regional infrastructure, energy and transport initiatives.

He suggested institutionalizing the recently launched “Fergana Peace Forum” as a regular international platform.

Addressing climate and water challenges

The president underscored the urgency of adopting a “green” development concept for Central Asia, given the region’s increasing vulnerability to climate change, environmental degradation and water scarcity.

He proposed declaring 2026–2036 the “Decade of Practical Action for Efficient Water Use in Central Asia” and involving Afghanistan in regional dialogue on the shared use of Amu Darya basin water resources.

To strengthen capacity in water management, Mirziyoyev put forward the establishment of a Regional Competence Centre for Water Management at the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanisation Engineers.

Enhancing cultural and scientific cooperation

Mirziyoyev said expanding cultural and humanitarian ties is essential for fostering a shared regional identity. He expressed hope that Uzbekistan’s Center for Islamic Civilization would become an important hub for youth education, research and spiritual development.

He proposed holding the newly launched International Congress on Spiritual Heritage and Enlightenment on a regular basis and initiating a UN General Assembly resolution dedicated to the contributions of Central Asia’s prominent scholars to global knowledge.

To support scientific collaboration, he suggested creating a regional Research Fund to finance joint academic projects and promote the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.

A shared commitment to a stable and prosperous region

Mirziyoyev concluded by emphasizing that all initiatives and documents adopted during the summit reflect a shared strategic vision for building a stable, secure and prosperous Central Asia.

“Our strength lies in unity, and our path to success is through friendship and cooperation,” he said. “Only by acting together, with mutual respect, solidarity and strategic vision, can we achieve our common goals.”

The president also congratulated Turkmenistan’s leader on assuming the chairmanship of the 2026 Consultative Meeting in the new “Central Asia and Azerbaijan” format.

Following Mirziyoyev’s remarks, the heads of state of Central Asia and Azerbaijan delivered their statements. Kaha Imnadze also presented a message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres.