Mirziyoyev urges UN to support Central Asia’s integration, prevent Afghanistan’s isolation, and push for peace in Gaza and Ukraine

The era of closed borders, unresolved disputes, and conflicts in Central Asia has become a thing of the past, and the process of shaping a new Central Asia has begun, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev declared in his address at the United Nations. He also called for the adoption of a UN resolution on developing transport and energy corridors through Afghanistan.

On 23 September, President Mirziyoyev spoke at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, highlighting the achievements made toward regional integration in Central Asia.

“Eight years ago, from this very high tribune, we announced our firm decision to turn Central Asia into a space of peace, good-neighborliness, and partnership. Today, I can state with deep satisfaction that we have achieved this strategic goal. The period of closed borders, unresolved disputes, and conflicts has been left behind.

“In recent years, trade, investment, and transport flows in our region have grown up to fivefold. We are implementing joint investment funds, cross-border trade and industrial zones, as well as major infrastructure projects.

“The consultative meetings of Central Asian leaders have also become an effective mechanism for deepening regional integration – a shared achievement of our countries.

“I can say with firm confidence that the process of shaping a new Central Asia has now begun. Our region, with its unity and stability, is establishing itself as a distinct actor in the system of international relations.

“To achieve our goals, we are focused on expanding mutually beneficial relations with all our foreign partners. In this regard, we propose implementing a number of new projects and programs in cooperation with UN bodies. Among them: holding an international forum on the economic development of Central Asian states under the auspices of ECOSOC and UNCTAD, establishing a regional hub for green technologies in industry with UNIDO, and adopting programs for the rational use of water resources, creating a ‘green space’, and ensuring demographic sustainability.

“We also propose that the General Assembly adopt a resolution in support of the efforts of Central Asian countries to strengthen regional partnership and deepen economic integration,” Mirziyoyev said.

“It is crucial to prevent Afghanistan from becoming isolated”

The president also spoke about Afghanistan, calling on the international community to unite its efforts to support the Afghan people’s aspiration for peace and stability.

“I want to stress in particular that it is crucial not to allow this country to become isolated.

“We intend to implement major economic and infrastructure projects in Afghanistan. We propose the adoption of a dedicated resolution of our organization on the development of international transport and energy corridors through this country,” the head of state said.

“Two peoples – two states”

Shavkat Mirziyoyev also called for an end to the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

“The rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip cannot be ignored. We call for an end to hostilities and the continuation of political negotiations. In line with UN resolutions, we firmly support the principle of ‘two peoples – two states’.

“The situation around Ukraine is also a matter of serious concern for all of us. We welcome the start of high-level talks to resolve this issue through diplomatic means,” Mirziyoyev stated.