Youth Affairs Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Central Asia is entering a new, historically significant stage of its development. Today we are shifting to a real unity. For the first time in many years an atmosphere of trust, good neighborliness and mutual respect is being formed in the region, becoming a foundation for joint movement forward. 

This process is not spontaneous, but is the result of targeted work and the political will of countries' leaders who have recognized their shared destiny and the potential for joint development. At the same time, its successful progress is evidence of the widespread demand for regional cooperation, supported by the people of Central Asia.

We see that the conditions have been created at the state level to advance our cooperation to a new stage of regional consolidation. We face a strategic task of translating the agreements reached into concrete results and benefits for citizens and businesses. Central Asia must become a unified space of opportunity, where decisions are made not for the sake of documents, but to ensure sustainable development and improve the daily lives of people in the region.

A vivid symbol of the current changes is Consultative meetings of the Heads of state of Central Asia, which transformed into an effective mechanism of regional cooperation and trust-based dialogue in a relatively short historic period. They became the main platform for developing shared approaches to strategic issues, concerning the present and future of Central Asia. 

The upcoming summit in Tashkent will mark a new significant milestone in the Central Asian process – our joint creation of a stable, interconnected and prospering Central Asia. 

The Tashkent meeting of the heads of state, as a result of the journey we have started, should confirm the commitment of our countries to the spirit of mutual understanding and partnership, and become a turning point in deepening regional cooperation.

The major transformation of the world order, threats to the fragmentation of the global economy and worsening problems of the climate change, food and energy security, have exacerbated our aspiration to consolidation. 

All this requires even more unity and coordinated actions from the countries of Central Asia. This is why the strengthening of our cooperation today isn’t just a political goal, but a strategic necessity. Central Asia became a zone of stability and creation, an example of how wide regional interconnectedness serves as a strong foundation for sustainable development and security. 

A turning point in the history of regional cooperation was 2017, when the Consultative meetings format was initiated. For the first time in many years, the region's leaders began a systematic and regular dialogue without external mediation. This became a symbol of a new political mindset – trusting, open, and based on a recognition of common interests. It was thanks to the dialogue within the Consultative meetings that a number of long-standing contradictions were resolved and a transition from mistrust to genuine cooperation was achieved.

One of the most important achievements of the new stage of regional cooperation is the final settlement of border issues. What recently seemed impossible has now become a reality. The borders that once divided us have become bridges of friendship and cooperation. The signing of the Treaty on the Junction of the Borders of the three states and the Khujand Declaration between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in March 2025 is of historic significance. This event can rightfully be called epoch-making.

For the first time in the history of the region's independence, the entire perimeter of mutual borders was legally formalized, settling an issue that had been a source of tension for decades.

The Fergana Peace Forum, held in October, was a clear demonstration of our countries' mutual commitment to strengthening peace and harmony in the Fergana Valley and a reflection of the development processes taking place in Central Asia.

The water and energy sphere, which used to be a reason of sharp disagreements and conflicts, is also witnessing principal positive changes. The vivid confirmation of brotherly cooperation is an agreement between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan on joint implementation of the project for Kambarata hydropower plant-1, which is opening a new page in joint usage of the region’s water and energy resources. 

An example of a rational compromise is an agreement between Tashkent and Bishkek on the joint use of Chashma spring.

Cooperation on the construction of Yavan and Fandarya hydropower plant on the Zarafshan river with participation of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan is advancing, agreements are reached between Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan on the coordinated operations of the Bakhri Tochik reservoir in the vegetation period.

An agreement on the rational use of the Amudarya river's water resources was reached with Turkmenistan under an intergovernmental agreement. This will improve joint water resource management while reducing the risk of environmental problems.

All of this fosters a new spirit of partnership based on trust, mutual benefit, and a fair approach to shared resources. Such projects create new opportunities to support economic activity and strengthen the region's energy security.

At the same time, significant changes are taking place in border procedures and humanitarian contacts. Since September 2023, citizens of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have been able to move freely across the border using ID cards, marking an important step toward establishing a free movement zone. Similar agreements are being developed with Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. Ties between regions are expanding, cross-border trade is growing, and humanitarian and cultural contacts are strengthening.

Equally significant are steps towards institutionalizing cooperation. The fifth Consultative meeting, held in Dushanbe in 2023, was crucial in this context.

It was decided to establish the Council of National Coordinators as a permanent mechanism for preparing and implementing agreements between heads of state. The launch of this mechanism made the format more systematic and ensured continuity in the implementation of joint initiatives. Inter-parliamentary dialogue and regular meetings at the level of Security Council Secretaries were also established.

The further strengthening of the legal and contractual framework was facilitated by the signing, following the Cholpon-Ata meeting of leaders in 2022, of the Treaty on friendship, good neighborliness and cooperation for the development of Central Asia in the XXI century, which enshrined the principles of sovereign equality, mutual support and shared responsibility for the future of the region. In 2025, Tajikistan joined this document, marking an important step toward strengthening regional unity. We welcome this decision and expect that in the near future, all countries of the region will complete the signing of the Treaty, which will finally consolidate the spirit of mutual trust, good-neighborliness and strategic partnership in Central Asia.

In 2022 the heads of state also approved a Concept on cooperation of Central Asia states in the framework of multilateral formats, setting a framework for coordination between the countries of the region in international platforms, including “Central Asia plus” formats.

An important program document became a Concept for the development of regional cooperation “Central Asia – 2040”, adopted in 2024 at the summit in Astana. It defined long-term cooperation priorities aimed at ensuring regional security and development of our countries.

By building such an architecture of multifaceted cooperation, we have unlocked tremendous sources of growth.

A new economic reality of the region is being formed through the efforts of the states. In the past eight years the aggregate GDP of the Central Asian countries increased by almost two and a half times, reaching $520 billion, and the volume of external trade increased more than two times – up to $253 billion. At the same time the mutual trade between the countries of the region doubled, reaching about $11 billion, and the mutual investments increased by 5,6 times. Talking about the context of our country, then the trade turnover of Uzbekistan with the region’s states increased by three times – from $2,4 billion in 2016 to $7,2 billion in 2024, and the number of joint enterprises exceeded 1800.

In industry, Central Asia is demonstrating steady growth of approximately 6% per year, twice the global average. This success is due to the development of new forms of industrial cooperation – the establishment of joint investment funds (including Uzbek-Kyrgyz, Uzbek-Tajik, and Kazakh-Kyrgyz) and the implementation of projects in the automotive, electrical engineering, textile, and agricultural sectors. The Action Plan for the development of industrial cooperation for 2025–2027, approved by the countries of the region, is becoming an important tool for cooperation. Border trade zones and international industrial cooperation centers are actively developing, facilitating the growth of small and medium-sized businesses.

In the humanitarian sphere, strong contacts are being developed between the people. A Dialogue of the women-leaders of Central Asia and a Platform of the region’s youth were established, since 2022 Forum of the rectors and scientists are being held, mutual Years of culture, exhibitions, concerts and sports events became regular.

Most importantly, our brotherly peoples are feeling all the positive changes taking place in their daily lives. The opening of new border checkpoints and the launch of air, rail and bus routes have significantly increased mutual travel and expanded cultural and humanitarian ties. The share of intraregional tourism in the total tourism flows of the region’s countries has exceeded 80%.

What only recently seemed like a dream – freedom of movement, mutual respect, a sense of closeness and trust – is now becoming a reality.

What can be called a new regional identity for Central Asia is gradually emerging. It is based on the recognition of existing differences and, at the same time, on a profound awareness of the historical affinities, common culture, and interdependence of the destinies of our people. A sense of belonging to a unified regional space is emerging, where proximity is not a challenge but an opportunity, where the success of one becomes a shared achievement.

It is precisely this new spirit of trust, mutual understanding, and a shared future that today serves as the main pillar for further strengthening regional consolidation – the launch of the Central Asian process of jointly building a sustainably interconnected and prosperous Central Asia.

Moreover, it’s necessary to note that each state of Central Asia is greatly contributing to ensuring stability and prosperity of our region, directing efforts at developing economy, strengthening trust and expanding regional cooperation.

Kazakhstan is actively developing transport corridors, modernizing border checkpoints, removing trade barriers and implementing projects for cultural and humanitarian exchange. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are consistently cooperating on the issues related to glaciers melting, implementing projects on modernizing energy systems and developing transport interconnectedness. Turkmenistan puts forward important initiatives on strengthening peace and trust, expanding transport and transit potential of the region, adopting UN program on the Aral Sea basin and climate technologies. 

Our practical steps, responsibility for the future and commitment to the principles of good neighborliness, friendship and mutual benefit convincingly proved: New Central Asia is choosing a path of peace, sustainable development and creative partnership. Figuratively speaking, we are not building walls – we are building bridges.

Thanks to progress in regional consolidation, Central Asia has now established itself as an independent and responsible participant in international relations, with a clear vision of its interests and development paths.

The "Central Asia Plus" cooperation formats reflect the region's increased international legal status and recognition of its role as an important center of sustainability and development.

If before the cooperation with external partners was predominantly built on a bilateral basis, today leading states and world associations are developing relations with Central Asia as a cohesive regional partner.

This brings the region’s cooperation with other players to a new level: when Central Asia speaks to external partners as a single actor in international relations, its voice becomes louder and more confident. Our position becomes stronger, enabling us to more effectively attract investment and strengthen cooperation with other countries in all areas.

Our openness, predictability and commitment to dialogue have become the foundation for a new perception of Central Asia on the international stage.

Currently there are over ten “Central Asia plus” formats, connecting Central Asia to the leading countries and blocs of the world. Only this year summits “Central Asia – European Union”, “Central Asia – China”, “Central Asia – Russia”, “Central Asia – U.S.” were held, confirming the growing dynamics and strategic meaning of the region in global politics. 

More and more "Central Asia Plus" dialogues are reaching the head of state level, demonstrating their growing practical significance and political weight.

Working groups and secretariats are being established in a number of formats to develop specific projects in energy, transport, the green economy, and digitalization.

Strengthening regional resilience is impossible without addressing issues related to Afghanistan. This country is not a periphery, but a natural part of our shared region. The sustainability of peace and stability throughout Central Asia depends largely on the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan.

The long-suffering people of Afghanistan continue to live in a deep humanitarian crisis. In this regard, countries in the region recognize the need for Afghanistan's consistent engagement in regional and international processes, which will contribute to the country's development and strengthen stability in our vast region.

Of key importance is the construction of the Trans-Afghan Railway, which is intended to become a link between Central and South Asia. The implementation of this project will create new opportunities for trade, investment, and transport connectivity, and will serve as the foundation for Afghanistan's economic revival.

Alongside this, efforts continue to provide humanitarian and educational support to the Afghan people, develop energy cooperation, and train specialists for key economic sectors.

Afghanistan must become a part of the common space of peace and security, cooperation and development, which reflects the interests of all countries of the region and facilitates the formation of a stable belt of security along the southern borders of Central Asia.

As noted above, today Central Asia is entering a new phase of its dynamic development. We are transitioning from solving bilateral issues to the joint development of solutions to key regional challenges – climate change, energy transition, ensuring water and food security, developing digital technologies. New horizons of cooperation are opening before our countries, based on shared responsibility, mutual trust and agreed vision of the future.

In this regard, a collective answer is required to a fundamental question: how will Central Asia develop in the nearest decades? 

The population of Central Asia is already over 80 million people, and according to UN estimates will exceed 100 million by 2050. Central Asia is also one of the youngest regions in the world, where average age of the population is only 29 years.

We are facing a task to transform this demographic resource to a powerful factor of progress and innovation, create conditions for developing talents and opportunities of our youth.

It is important to emphasize our countries' balanced approach, which is that cooperation must develop on a solid foundation of sovereignty, equality, and non-interference in internal affairs. No one should impose foreign models on the countries of the region or create supranational structures.

Cooperation in Central Asia must remain voluntary, pragmatic, and focused on tangible results that benefit the people of our countries.

At this stage, we are faced with key challenges, the solution to which will determine the sustainability and dynamic development of the region.

First, it is necessary to continue deepening of regional cooperation – strengthen the existing mechanisms giving them sustainability and practical content. Ultimately, it’s impossible to ensure systemic cooperation development and quality implementation of the joint decisions without effective regional institutions. 

Second, in the sphere of security our objective is to form a common potential of countering challenges and threats. We should continue regular meetings of the Security Council secretaries, heads of special services, defense and law-enforcement bodies. The principle of the “indivisibility of security” must remain fundamental. At the same time, regional cooperation should harmoniously integrate with existing international mechanisms, while building its own capacity to strengthen stability and counter a wide range of security threats to the countries and the region as a whole.

Third, in the economic sphere it’s significant to develop intra-regional trade, simplify procedures for crossing borders and create favorable conditions for mutual investments. It is necessary to actively promote industrial cooperation, form regional and inter-regional supply chains, develop cross-border trade zones, expand the network of transport and economic corridors, promote joint projects in the sphere of transport, energy, agriculture and digital economy.

Special attention must be paid to the ecological dimension of cooperation – adapting to climate change, joint efforts on preserving transboundary water resources and biological diversity, transitioning to green energy and low-carbon technologies.

Central Asia is able and must become the region of sustainable ecological development and an example of responsible attitude to the environment. 

Fourth, priority area is humanitarian cooperation. The main objective is human capital development, strengthening of educational, scientific and cultural ties. Forming a common information space, improving the quality of education, healthcare and overall development of the social sphere, including tourism and joint youth programs – all this directly facilitates the strengthening of mutual understanding among the nations. Particular importance is attached to the formation of a regional identity based on shared values, cultural affinity, and a common pursuit of prosperity.

Fifth, development of consolidated approaches of Central Asian countries in external politics remains an important area. In the context of increasing geopolitical turbulence and intensifying competition among global centers of power, coordinating the positions of the region’s states on the international stage becomes a key factor in ensuring stability and protecting common interests. On this basis, it is necessary to continue developing the “Central Asia Plus” formats, which have proven effective in establishing pragmatic ties with key partners.

At this stage, the strategic objective is to develop regional coordination and develop agreed-upon priorities and positions on cooperation with external partners in the "Central Asia Plus" format and other international forums. Only this way can we fill our interactions with leading countries and global associations with concrete projects that promote economic and technological growth and the sustainability of our countries and the entire region.

For Uzbekistan, developing regional cooperation is not a tactical choice, but a conscious strategic approach stemming from an understanding of our shared responsibility for the future of Central Asia.

We are convinced that in an era of global uncertainty, good-neighborliness, cohesion, and mutual support are Central Asia’s most valuable assets. Shared security challenges and development objectives, which individual countries might struggle to address alone, can be successfully tackled through joint efforts. Strengthening trust and partnership serves the interests of millions of people whose future is bound to peace, stability, and the development of our common homeland – Central Asia.

Today, we are laying a solid foundation for a New Central Asia – a strong, stable, and prosperous region. 

The processes unfolding in our region reflect a conscious and irreversible choice. This path demands not only joint efforts but also a readiness to assume responsibility for our shared future.

By joining our strengths and opportunities, we are addressing common challenges, and offering the international community our time and life-tested model of peaceful and constructive cooperation – a model grounded in trust, good-neighborliness and mutual support.

Now, more than ever, it is crucial to preserve this historic momentum, strengthening what will make Central Asia a unified space of peace, well-being and prosperity for all nations and people living in our vast region.

 

Shavkat Mirziyoyev,

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan