Shavkat Mirziyoyev calls for stronger Central Asia–Russia partnership amid global tensions

According to the presidential press service, the meeting, chaired by President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, was also attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

The summit focused on the further development of multilateral partnerships, the expansion of cooperation in political, trade, economic, investment, and cultural-humanitarian spheres, as well as key international and regional issues.

In his address, President Mirziyoyev expressed appreciation to President Vladimir Putin for his commitment to strengthening strategic partnership with Central Asia and for supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation among the region’s “natural partners.”

“Russia has been, is, and will remain our key, priority strategic partner and ally. The solid foundation of this partnership lies in our shared history, centuries-old ties, cultural and spiritual affinity, and the friendly and trusting relations between our countries,” said the Uzbek leader.

He stressed that growing geopolitical tensions and global economic challenges require closer coordination and cooperation within the “Central Asia – Russia” format.

Strengthening political dialogue and practical cooperation

President Mirziyoyev emphasized the need to reinforce systematic political dialogue and expand practical, results-oriented cooperation. He proposed holding annual high-level meetings and regular contacts between governments, ministries, agencies, and regional administrations.

Supporting the adoption of a Joint Action Plan through 2027, he suggested developing a more detailed “roadmap” outlining specific steps to deepen practical interaction. To ensure timely implementation of initiatives and regional projects, he called for the establishment of a Coordination Council at the level of deputy prime ministers.

Expanding economic partnership

A major focus of Mirziyoyev’s remarks was the expansion of economic cooperation. He noted the positive trend in mutual trade, which grew by about 15 percent between Uzbekistan, Russia, and other regional countries over the past year.

He proposed that the Coordination Council develop comprehensive measures to boost trade volumes, facilitate mutual access to markets, simplify trade procedures, and launch the “Agroexpress Central Asia – Russia” project.

The president also underlined the importance of utilizing the transit and transport potential of regional countries, particularly through the North–South corridor.

“We support aligning our national transport, railway, and aviation programs to develop a joint transport and logistics framework – an integrated infrastructure resilient to external challenges,” he said.

Industrial and technological cooperation

President Mirziyoyev highlighted the importance of developing sustainable industrial chains and deepening manufacturing cooperation. Uzbekistan, he noted, is expanding industrial partnerships with major Russian companies, including in gas chemistry and mining, where a modern copper-enrichment hub is being established.

He also pointed to significant untapped potential in mechanical engineering, precision instrument-making, chemistry, electrical equipment, and mining industries.

To promote innovation-driven cooperation, he proposed creating a “Central Asia – Russia Industrial Engineering Hub” in Bukhara, which would serve as a platform for developing and sharing advanced engineering solutions.

He further emphasized the importance of maximizing opportunities presented by the “Innoprom. Central Asia” industrial exhibition in Tashkent. The latest edition, held in April, gathered over 10,000 participants from 35 countries and generated agreements worth USD 5 billion. Mirziyoyev proposed giving the exhibition the status of the main industrial and innovation platform under the “Central Asia – Russia” dialogue.

Energy and technology partnership

The Uzbek leader reaffirmed that energy cooperation with Russia will remain a pillar of regional stability. He announced the upcoming launch of two landmark projects – the construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant reactor unit and a multifunctional Center for Nuclear Medicine.

He proposed establishing a Regional Competence Center for Nuclear Energy in Uzbekistan and launching a training program at the Tashkent branch of the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute.

Mirziyoyev also stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in hydrocarbon exploration, energy modernization, and energy efficiency. To support these efforts, he proposed drafting a comprehensive “Central Asia – Russia Energy Partnership Program.”

He further suggested opening branches of Russia’s Skolkovo Innovation Center across Central Asia and creating a Regional Expert Council on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies to foster collaboration among research centers, organizations, and IT companies.

Expanding humanitarian and educational ties

To enhance cultural and humanitarian cooperation, the Uzbek president proposed launching an annual Ethno-Cultural Forum – Festival of Culture, Arts, and Creativity of the peoples of Central Asia and Russia.

He also called for establishing a scientific and educational consortium “Engineers of the Future”, uniting leading universities and research institutions to promote dual education and applied research. The consortium would build on the existing network of Russian university branches in the region, 15 of which are already operating in Uzbekistan.

Mirziyoyev further proposed introducing a Special Grant Program for young researchers from Central Asia and Russia.

Regional security and Afghanistan

Turning to security, President Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of closer coordination among security and law enforcement agencies in combating terrorism, extremism, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.

“We propose jointly developing measures to counter new cyberthreats and challenges,” he stated.

The president also suggested holding high-level consultations on supporting socio-economic development and stability in Afghanistan, focusing on security and the implementation of economic projects in that country.

Summing up his speech, President Mirziyoyev reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to expanding comprehensive cooperation with Russia in the interest of ensuring security, sustainable development, and prosperity across the region.

The summit concluded with the adoption of a Joint Communiqué and a Joint Action Plan for 2025–2027 outlining priority areas of cooperation.