President Mirziyoyev urges CIS countries to jointly invest in Afghanistan’s reconstruction projects

The summit, chaired by Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, was also attended by President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia, and CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev.

The agenda focused on expanding practical cooperation within the Commonwealth.

At the beginning of his address, President Mirziyoyev noted that despite the unpredictability of global political and economic developments and the weakening role of international institutions, the CIS continues to demonstrate its stability, efficiency, and relevance.

He highlighted that the mechanisms and ties developed over decades have fostered close cooperation across economic, social, and humanitarian spheres.

“Uzbekistan is interested in further strengthening cooperation within the CIS, as well as enhancing practical collaboration with our natural partners,” said Mirziyoyev.

The president then presented several proposals and initiatives aimed at expanding practical cooperation among CIS member states.

Taking into account the growing challenges in the global economy, the rise of protectionism, and emerging risks to sustainable development, Mirziyoyev emphasized that strengthening economic partnership must remain a key priority of the organization.

Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with its CIS partners increased by 11 percent last year, and the trend continues this year, he said, attributing this to deepening intersectoral cooperation and growing mutual investment flows.

To make better use of existing opportunities and maintain current momentum, the president proposed focusing joint efforts on several priority areas:

1. Expanding trade turnover

Mirziyoyev stressed the need to create more favorable conditions for trade, simplify procedures and requirements for the delivery of certain goods – especially agricultural products – and ensure access to national markets, including participation in public procurement.

He also called for activating the work within the CIS Economic Council to develop mechanisms for responding swiftly to external market changes, redirecting trade flows, and finalizing agreements on the mutual recognition of documents related to technical barriers and conformity assessment.

2. Deepening cooperation in the transport sector

The president noted that inefficiencies continue to affect existing transport corridors within the CIS space. This situation calls for the establishment of integrated information and logistics centers for all types of transport.

Given the importance of attracting private investment to modernize cargo transport infrastructure, Mirziyoyev proposed holding a conference in Uzbekistan on expanding public–private partnerships in the transport sector.

3. Encouraging mutual investments and supporting cooperation projects

The president suggested developing a “roadmap” to support and expand special economic and industrial zones, creating a CIS Venture Platform to promote innovative startups involving private businesses, and holding an Innovation Industry Forum in Tashkent next year as part of the INNOPROM exhibition.

4. Developing energy cooperation

Mirziyoyev noted that CIS partners are currently implementing several large strategic projects in the use of traditional and renewable energy sources, including the construction of nuclear power plants.

He proposed developing and implementing a long-term program for innovative development of the energy sector across CIS countries.

5. Promoting digital cooperation

The president recalled that the international forum on “Developing Artificial Intelligence Technologies in the CIS,” held in Samarkand this August, demonstrated growing mutual interest and opportunities in this field. He proposed drafting a multilateral action plan to deepen practical cooperation in digitalization.

Mirziyoyev also underscored the importance of expanding joint projects and programs in science, education, culture, and the arts.

“Given the rapid development of education and labor markets in our countries, we believe it is necessary to prepare a new intergovernmental agreement on the mutual recognition of diplomas, qualifications, and academic programs, as well as to introduce a mechanism for harmonizing professional standards and qualification requirements,” he stated.

Uzbekistan expressed readiness to host the CIS Youth Forum in Khiva next year, including discussions on forming innovative ecosystems and supporting the creative and intellectual potential of young people through a Youth Laboratory initiative.

Turning to regional security, Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of maintaining systematic and close cooperation between foreign ministries and special services, noting that the situation in Afghanistan requires special attention.

“Uzbekistan firmly supports the establishment of lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development in Afghanistan. In this regard, we propose considering opportunities for joint participation in major investment and infrastructure projects in that country,” he said.

At the end of his speech, President Mirziyoyev supported the reappointment of Sergey Lebedev as CIS Secretary-General and congratulated Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on assuming the chairmanship of the organization.

Heads of delegations from other member states also delivered remarks at the meeting.

The summit concluded with the signing of a package of agreements and decisions outlining the priority areas of cooperation within the CIS.