Dialogue without borders: how Central Asian countries are strengthening cooperation

Shaping a common future for Central Asia: strategic guidelines and mechanisms of cooperation

“The future of our region is shaped by each state of Central Asia. A solid foundation and guarantor of its sustainable development and prosperity are the readiness and sincere desire for cooperation, as well as the responsibility of all Central Asian countries for a common future. Our main goal is, through common efforts, to transform Central Asia into a stable, economically developed and prosperous region,” these words of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, spoken back in 2017today acquire a special resonance.

In recent years, the leaders of the five Central Asian states have confirmed their strong commitment to comprehensively deepening and expanding regional cooperation. Political trust and mutually beneficial cooperation became the basis that allowed the states of the region to independently overcome challenges and form their own, effective model of interaction.

Speaking at the 80th anniversary session of the UN General Assembly, the President of Uzbekistan noted that the countries of the region managed to achieve the strategic goal of transforming Central Asia into a space of peace, good neighborliness and partnership. “Today the process of formation of New Central Asia has begun. Thanks to its cohesion, stability and growing regional identity, it occupies an increasingly strong place in the system of international relations as an independent entity,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized.

These words reflect the main result of the consistent joint work of the countries of the region - today Central Asia has ceased to be a space of unresolved disputes and conflicts, it is a new space of cooperation and creation.

The key platform for the formation of a new architecture of Central Asia was the Consultative meetings of heads of state, initiated by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2018. They have proven their effectiveness by becoming a platform for open dialogue, exchange of initiatives and the launch of joint projects that have significantly changed the face of the region. Today, summits are already held on an institutional basis and are based on a normative framework that is designed to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of summit meetings.

An important step in this direction was the approval at the second summit in 2019 of the Regulations for the organizationof Consultative Meetings. The document gave consistency to the format, institutionalizing regular meetings of foreign ministers, as well as expert working groups as mechanisms for comprehensive preparation for the summit of the heads of state of Central Asia.

Another significant stage in deepening the institutionalization of regional cooperation was theestablishment of the Council of National Coordinatorsfor Consultative Meetings in 2023 at the initiative of Uzbekistan. The new body is intended to become a permanent mechanism for the preparation and coordinated implementation of agreements at the highest level.

In parallel, inter-parliamentary interaction is actively developing, dialogue on security issues is expanding, industry meetings and various thematic forums are being held on issues of trade, economic and cultural-humanitarian cooperation. All this formsa new political architecture for the regionbased on the countries’ common interest in sustainable development.

The Chairmanship of Uzbekistan, which this year was held under the motto “New Central Asia: a space of unity, stability and prosperity,”opened a new stage in the development of regional cooperation, fully reflecting the philosophy of regional renewal. It became an important contribution to improving the format of the Consultative Meetings, in particular, for the first time the work was built on the basis of the Chairmanship Concept, which gave the process a systematic and strategic focus. Key priorities were agreed upon and an annual action plan was developed, which ensured the coordination of the efforts of all countries and made it possible to increase the efficiency of practical interaction.

This approach turned out to be especially in demand in an era of global uncertainty, when strengthening cohesion and mutual support becomes the main resource of Central Asia, its foundation for resilience in the face of external challenges and an important condition for long-term growth.

It is also worth noting that the chairmanship Uzbekistan in this year was carried out on the basis of key strategic documents, primarily the Concept for the development of regional cooperation "Central Asia - 2040"and the Road map for regional cooperation for 2025-2027 approved for its development. These documents consolidated the principles of openness, inclusiveness, focus on sustainable development and mutual benefit, setting clear guidelines for Tashkent's chairmanship.

Comprehensive strengthening of political dialogue

The modern world is faced with a set of global challenges - a lack of trust and diplomacy, worsening geopolitical rivalry, growing protectionism, intensifying sanctions confrontation, and increasing conflict potential. In these conditions, the countries of Central Asia demonstrate an example of the formation of an indivisible security space, based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and consideration of the interests of all states in the region.

Uzbekistan, consistently developing systemic multi-level contacts, creates platforms for open and constructive interaction. One of the key priorities of the Uzbek chairmanship was the comprehensive strengthening of political dialogue as the basis of trust and mutual understanding between the states of Central Asia.

It was during the period of chairmanship that the work of the Council of National Coordinators was taken to a qualitatively new level. Itsfirstmeeting took place in January of this year. in Tashkent, providing a regular channel of interaction at the expert level. In particular, within the framework of this mechanism, more than twenty expert meetings were held, which provided constant support for the consultative format and made it possible to give regional interaction institutional content.

The Chairmanship not only consolidated the course to maintain the continuity of cooperation formats, but also gave them new content. In particular, in September of this year. Thethird Interparliamentary Forum of Central Asian Countrieswas held in Bishkek, during which measures to harmonize legislation in the areas of trade, ecology and security, as well as initiatives to develop youth and cultural exchange were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the role of parliaments in ensuring transparency and consistency of foreign policy decisions.

Recently, the next Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asian countries was held in Tashkent, at which a wide range of issues related to expanding the role of women in the political, economic and social life of the region were discussed. As a result of the meeting, theTashkent Declarationwas adopted, recognizing significant regional efforts to promote women's rights, gender equality and sustainable development in the countries of Central Asia.

The year of Uzbekistan's chairmanship was also marked by regular meetings of foreign ministers, which became an important tool for harmonizing positions and strengthening coordination. In particular, within the framework of the UN week, joint events were held by the heads of foreign policy departments of the Central Asian countries, and on the eve of the summit, a regular meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers was held, which provided practical preparation for key regional initiatives.

A significant result of joint work to promote regional cooperation in this year. was the accession of Tajikistan to the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborhood and Cooperation for the Development of Central Asia in the 21st Century, signed following the Cholpon-Ata meeting in 2022. This document is of particular importance because it establishes long-term guidelines for interaction, and the completion of its signing by all states of the region in the near future will finally strengthen the spirit of mutual trust and strategic partnership in Central Asia.

The current year has also become indicative in terms of the increased role of think tanks and research institutes in the region. In August of this year. A regular meeting of the Central Asian Expert Forum was held in Tashkent, which is gradually turning into a “laboratory of ideas” and a key platform for developing conceptual recommendations and proposals for the further development of regional cooperation. For the first time, a comprehensive analytical report was presented at the forum, summarizing the results of previous meetings and proposing a systematic vision of the prospects for regional development.

During the period of Uzbekistan's chairmanship, the regional security architecture was also significantly strengthened. Discussion of security issues at the level of Secretaries of the Security Councils, heads of intelligence services and ministers of defense has become a key element of the new format of interaction.

The second meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils, held in April of this year. in Samarkand, was devoted to a wide range of current threats. In particular, issues of countering terrorism, extremism, radicalization and transnational organized crime, environmental and transport security, development of the transport and transit potential of the region.

During the meeting, Uzbekistan presented a draft Concept for ensuring regional security and stability, prepared on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The document consolidates the central role of the Central Asian states in maintaining peace and sustainable development, reflects a comprehensive multidimensional approach to security, emphasizing openness to partnership with all interested parties. In essence, the Concept lays the foundation for developing coordinated actions aimed at effectively overcoming common challenges and threats

In turn, the first meeting of heads of intelligence services, held in Tashkent, made it possible to discuss the development of common approaches to assessing modern threats, increasing the effectiveness of joint response, including issues of cybersecurity, intelligence exchange and coordination of preventive measures.

Security cooperation was also taken to a new level. In October of this year. The first meeting of defense ministers of the countries of the region took place in Samarkand, which became a logical continuation of these efforts. Moreover, work continued on holding joint military exercises aimed at increasing defense readiness and strengthening interaction between the armed forces of the Central Asian states.
Exercises Birlik-2025' were held at the Kattakurgan training ground in the Samarkand region, during which military personnel performed combat training tasks using artillery, drones, armored vehicles and other types of weapons. These maneuvers are designed to strengthen unity and peace in the region, as well as promote practical cooperation in the field of defense.

Joint search and activation of new drivers of economic cooperation and growth

The countries of Central Asia are gradually moving from political consolidation to practical steps to form a single economic space.

The basis of this process is the complementarity of national economies and a common interest in sustainable growth. The region has enormous cumulative potential, including a capacious consumer market, industrial production capacity, a pool of labor resources and a rich natural resource base. Full use of these opportunities can transform the region into one of the most dynamic centers of economic growth and investment activity in Eurasia.

Much attention was paid to the implementation of the initiatives of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev aimed at forming anew model of regional economic partnership. It is based on the principles of coordinated development, free movement of goods, services, investments and labor within the region, the creation of a single industrial space with developed cooperation chains, as well as the introduction of innovative mechanisms for joint financing of projects.

Active work under the chairmanship of Uzbekistan was focused on filling these initiatives with specific content. In particular, in November the first meeting of the Council of Ministers of Trade and Investment of the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan was held in Tashkent. The event was an important step in the institutionalization of regional economic dialogue, strengthening practical interaction in the areas of trade, investment and industrial cooperation, as well as the implementation of joint initiatives to increase mutual trade turnover and create cooperative industries. Also recently, thethird Forum of Interregional Cooperationwas held, which is designed to ensure the practical implementation of the agreements reached.

These meetings created the basis for systematic work to eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers, unify technical regulations and ensure mutual access to public procurement, creating real mechanisms for accelerated economic growth and increasing the investment attractiveness of the region.

Industrial cooperation became one of the key areas of cooperation. At the Astana summit, an Action Plan for the development of industrial cooperation for 2025–2027 was approved, which began to be gradually implemented this year. The states agreed to create a unified database of investment projects, develop mechanisms for financing joint initiatives and prepare proposals for the establishment of an industrial cooperation fund. For these purposes, in June of this year. The first meeting of industry ministers took place in Dushanbe.

It should be noted that today Central Asia is already demonstrating sustainable industrial growth of about 6% per year, which is twice higher than the world average rate. This is facilitated by the launch of joint ventures and investment funds (Uzbek-Kyrgyz, Uzbek-Tajik, Kazakh-Kyrgyz), as well as the development of projects in the automotive industry, electrical engineering, textile industry and agriculture. Border trade zones and international industrial cooperation centers are actively developing, stimulating the growth of small and medium-sized businesses.

The economic results of recent years confirm the effectiveness of the chosen model. The total GDP of the region's countries over eight years has grown almost 2.5 times, reaching $520 billion, and the volume of foreign trade has doubled to $253 billion.

Intraregional trade increased by two times, exceeding $11 billion, and mutual investments increased by 5.6 times. Experts believe that the elimination of remaining barriers and the complete digitalization of customs procedures can double the volume of trade in the coming years.

The consistent implementation of Uzbekistan’s initiatives and the coordinated actions of the states of the region create strong preconditions for the formation of a Single Regional Market of Central Asia. As part of this work, a Unified Industrialization Map is being developed, providing for the creation of short value chains, launching joint productions and attracting leading international companies.

Development of transport connectivity and strengthening the transit potential of the region

At the present stage, Central Asia has a unique opportunity to regain its status as a key transport and transit hub in Eurasia. The geographical location of the region, connecting East and West, North and South, creates favorable conditions for the formation of sustainable trade and logistics flows. As part of its chairmanship, Uzbekistan is actively promoting a systematic approach to the development of transport connectivity, which covers both intra-regional connections and the integration of the region into international transport corridors.

The most important aspect of this work has been the harmonization of standards and digitalization of the transport sector, as well as improving procedures at border points. Already today, the introduction of a unified digital platform for managing transport flows through checkpoints on the borders with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan has reduced the transit time of goods by 25%.

Currently, Uzbekistan is promoting a number of transport and logistics projects, the implementation of which will increase the attractiveness of Central Asia as a transit center for the international East-West and North-South corridors. These include the development of multimodal transport corridors "China - Central Asia - Caucasus - Europe", "Belarus - Russia - Kazakhstan - Uzbekistan - Afghanistan - Pakistan", "Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan - Iran - Turkey" construction of railway lines "China - Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan", "Uzbekistan - Afghanistan - Pakistan".

A significant event in strengthening cooperation in this area was the holding of the first meeting of the ministers of transport of the Central Asian countries in Dushanbe in September 2023, where the Joint Communiqué on cooperation in the field of transport and logisticsas well as the Agreement on strengthening the interconnectedness of land transport were signed. These documents laid the legal basis for the creation of a single transport space in the region and the formation of multimodal corridors.

An additional impetus for integration was given by the sixth summit in Astana, at which key directions for the development of the region’s transport system were agreed upon. The result was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of transport and logistics centers and the adoption of the Astana Communiqué following the Second Meeting of the Ministers of Transport of Central Asia.

In this year. Uzbekistan's chairmanship has strengthened the practical implementation of these initiatives. The Tashkent region hosted amultilateral business forum “Great Silk Road Business Cooperation Forum”on the theme “Cooperation without borders,” which brought together states and the business community to work together on transport and logistics projects.

As part of the chairmanship, the Third Meeting of the Ministers of Transport of the Central Asian Countries was also held, where priority regional projects were agreed upon to strengthen intraregional connectivity and integration of the international transport system.

Regional cooperation in water, energy and climate issues

In the context of rapid climate change, Central Asia is increasingly faced with growing challenges - water shortages, land degradation, and rising energy consumption. These processes affect key sectors that form the basis of the economies of the region and require the development of coordinated, long-term and science-based solutions.

However, the interconnectedness of water, energy and food systems opens up new opportunities for joint growth. The region has significant potential in the field of renewable energy sources, rich agricultural resources, as well as ample opportunities for the introduction of digital technologies. The formation of an integrated model based on the rational use of these resources is becoming a strategic priority for cooperation.

As part of its chairmanship, Uzbekistan initiated the development of a Comprehensive Program for Sustainable Development of the Countries of Central Asia, which will include increasing the efficiency of water use, introducing water and energy-saving technologies, and stimulating innovation in the agricultural sector.

In addition Moreover, in Samarkand in April of this year. the first forum in the history of Central Asia dedicated to climate issues was held. The forum discusses strategic initiatives aimed at combating climate change and ensuring “green” development of the region.

During the event, it was noted that, at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a Green Development Concept for Central Asia is being developed,which covers a wide range of measures to adapt to climate change. The document is planned to be presented at the COP30 climate summit, which is taking place these days in Brazil.

An important step in this direction was the International Scientific and Practical Conference on the theme"Water Diplomacy in Central Asia: Trust, Dialogues, Multilateral Cooperation for Sustainable Development"held in April of this year. in Tashkent, where the Concept of rational management of water resources in the region was presented. The document provides for the development of agreed mechanisms for managing transboundary rivers, the exchange of data and technologies, and the introduction of digital monitoring systems based on the principles of mutual benefit and taking into account interests. Thus, water diplomacy turns not only into a tool for preventing disputes, but also into a factor of trust and sustainable development, strengthening the basis of the entire regional partnership.

Cooperation in the energy sector remains no less significant. In January, the second meeting of energy ministers of the countries of the region was held, at which their readiness for the gradual formation of a self-sufficient regional energy market was confirmed.

Recognizing the strategic role of the environmental factor, the countries of Central Asia are gradually forming a common climate vision, including green growth, sustainable construction, reducing the carbon footprint and rational use of natural resources. Uzbekistan is initiating the creation of a Regional platform for “green development and innovation”, which will unite the efforts of states, the private sector and the expert community to promote green technologies and climate adaptation.

Cultural and humanitarian partnership: developing the potential of youth and the formation of Central Asian identity

Central Asia is one of the oldest cradles of human civilization. The common historical roots of the peoples of the region for thousands of years have shaped and transmitted the values ​​of tolerance, humanism, peacefulness and hospitality. Today, this heritage serves as an important resource for the formation of a pan-regional identity, especially among the younger generation, which is inspired by the great history and unique cultural heritage of the region.

In recent years, the frequency of joint cultural initiatives has increased significantly - Culture Days, film festivals, forums of creative intelligentsia and “friendship evenings” are held, which creates strong public support for the economic and political rapprochement of the countries of the region.

Soon it is planned to launch the International Media Platform “History and Culture of Central Asia: One Past and Common Future”, as well as the development of joint media projects, including regional television and radio channels and Internet resources promoting the idea of bringing peoples closer together. The practical implementation of these initiatives was demonstrated at theSecond Central Asian Media Forumheld this year. in Astana. The forum promoted the exchange of experiences and strengthened networks of interaction between young journalists and media professionals in the region, creating a platform for the promotion of cultural values ​​and a common identity.

Sports projects in the region have also become an effective tool for integration and creating a sense of unity. International competitions“Challenge Samarkand”and the Central Asian badminton championship, held in Uzbekistan this year. strengthened the spirit of cooperation. It is significant that residents of the region increasingly perceive their neighbors’ achievements as their own. A striking example is the historic participation of the Uzbekistan national team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which caused a wave of joy and pride in all countries of Central Asia.

As part of Uzbekistan's chairmanship, active preparations are also underway for the Meeting of Ministers of Culture of Central Asian Countries and the tourism forum, which will be held before the end of this year as part of Tourism Week. These initiatives are aimed at strengthening intercultural ties, developing tourism and promoting the principle of“One tour - the whole region,”expanding business and cultural contacts.

An important step in the educational field was the proposal of the President of Uzbekistan put forward at the last summit to adopt anAgreement on mutual recognition of diplomas from leading universities in Central Asia.It will open the way to the creation of a unified educational space, allowing young professionals to continue their education or find employment in neighboring countries without unnecessary bureaucratic barriers. For a region where the average age of the population is 29 years, this is especially important. Such measures empower young people and contribute to the formation of a common regional identity. In this regard, it is worth noting the scientific and practical conference held at the site of the Central Asian Expert Forum and dedicated to the formation of regional identity as a strategic priority.

All this together form a unique phenomenon of the "spirit of Central Asia" - the spirit of friendship, unity and solidarity. Young people involved in educational, cultural, sports and tourism initiatives are gradually becoming a conductor of ideas of friendship and cooperation, laying the foundation for long-term peace, sustainable development and strengthening the unity of the peoples of the region.

RESULTS OF THE CHAIRMANSHIP

The year of Uzbekistan's chairmanship is marked by the transition of regional cooperation to a qualitatively new stage - deepening institutionalization and strengthening the legal framework of regional cooperation.

In this context, numerous meetings in the format are also of particular importance “CA+”, held throughout the year with leading international actors playing a key role in shaping the global agenda. This year alone, the “Central Asia - EU”, “Central Asia - China”, “Central Asia - Russia” and “Central Asia - USA” summits were held, which confirms the growing dynamics and strategic importance of the region in global politics. More and more “Central Asia Plus” dialogues are reaching the level of heads of state, which indicates an increase in their practical significance and political weight.

Progress in issues of delimitation and demarcation of borders, which remains one of the most important factors of stability in the region, has become no less significant. The signing on March 31 of this year became a symbol of responsible and mature diplomacy. Agreement on the junction of state borders between Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. This document finally settled long-term disputes in the Fergana Valley, opening the way to a new level of trust and regional cooperation.

An important stage of Tashkent's chairmanship was the Fergana Peace Forum, held in October of this year, on the margins of which a Communiqué was adopted calling for the consolidation of society and the strengthening of regional cooperation. As the President of Uzbekistan noted in his article published on the eve of the 7th Consultative Meeting, “The Fergana Peace Forum became clear evidence of the mutual desire of our countries to strengthen peace and harmony in the Fergana Valley, a reflection of the creative processes taking place in Central Asia.”

The consultative dialogue initiated by the heads of state has fully justified itself, bringing regional cooperation to a qualitatively different phase of development. Of course, challenges remain ahead that require time and concerted effort. However, the established legal framework can give interaction a stable and permanent character.

The regional model of Central Asia is based on the experience of coherence and consensus - decisions are made in the interests of the entire region, and not individual countries. The key drivers of this process remain political will, trust and mutual support, which, together with the legal basis, create astrong foundation for further deepening cooperation.

As the President of Uzbekistan notes, Central Asia is entering a new historically significant stage of its development. “Today we are moving towards real unity. In our region, for the first time in many years, an atmosphere of trust, good neighborliness and mutual respect is being formed, which becomes the basis for joint movement forward."

"This process is not spontaneous, it is the result of the focused work of the leaders of countries who have realized their common destiny and the potential for joint development, as well as a broad public demand for effective regional cooperation. “Central Asia in many dimensions can become a unique model of regional cooperation and an example for other regions of the world,” emphasized Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The new spirit of trust and mutual understanding created during the period of chairmanship forms a solid platform for further expansion of practical cooperation, joint implementation of strategic initiatives and building an interconnected, sustainable and prosperous Central Asia - our common home, where common interests, development and security become a priority for all countries of the region.

Akramjon Nematov,First Deputy Director of the Institute of Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Shakhlo Khamrahodjaeva,Leading Researcher Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan