The President of Uzbekistan took initiatives to expand multilateral cooperation with China

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the second “Central Asia – China” summit in Astana on June 17.

The event, chaired by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, also included the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

In accordance with the agenda prospects for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and China in priority areas, current international and regional issues were considered.

At the beginning of his speech, the President of Uzbekistan especially noted the role of Chinese President Xi Jinping in strengthening friendship and cooperation with the states of Central Asia, supporting the sustainable development of the region through the implementation of specific projects and programs.

Great progress in interaction in the format was noted with satisfaction "Central Asia-China" after the first summit in Xi'an in 2023.

In particular, a secretariat has been created, effective mechanisms for meetings and conferences of ministers and experts are in place, and a legal framework for full-scale cooperation is being formed.

The trade turnover of the Central Asian countries with China is growing, which is estimated to reach the level of 100 billion dollars.

– In our opinion, the development of cooperation in this format is facilitated, on the one hand, by the processes of profound transformation in Central Asia itself, which has turned into a space of trust, good neighborliness and partnership. On the other hand, this is the unwavering commitment of the Chinese leadership to developing friendly relations with neighboring states and promoting the global concept of the “Belt and Road,” said the head of our state.

Next, the leader of Uzbekistan outlined his vision for the further development of regional cooperation.

First of all, it was noted that the current meeting is taking place in the context of a noticeable deterioration in the international situation.

Increasing rivalry leads to increased tension, the emergence of new challenges and threats to security and sustainable development.

– We consider the use of force to resolve controversial international issues and conflict problems unjustified and unacceptable, the President emphasized. – I am convinced that all disputes and disagreements should be resolved exclusively through diplomatic efforts - at the negotiating table, on the basis of the principle of respect for sovereignty, international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

In this regard, the historical significance of the adoption during the summit of the Treaty on Eternal Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, which will be a common contribution to ensuring regional stability, is pointed out. In development of this Agreement, it was proposed to develop a Concept of long-term partnership with the inclusion of specific mechanisms and projects.

As the head of Uzbekistan noted, trade, investment and technological partnership with China is a powerful locomotive in the implementation of socio-economic development strategies of all countries of Central Asia.

It is emphasized that the combination of the growing potential of the countries of the region and the industrial leadership of China can lead to the formation of a Common Space of great opportunities with effective mechanisms for knowledge exchange and technology transfer.

Practical steps in this direction could be the early adoption of the New Economic Partnership Program and the establishment of the Interregional Council for Trade and Investment at the level of deputy prime ministers. The Uzbek side expressed its readiness to hold the first meeting of the Council before the end of this year.

In order to stimulate trade relations, the President of Uzbekistan advocated the organization of a multilateral trading platform "Electronic Silk Road" within the framework of the "Digital Belt and Road".

The need for the creation of a Regional Center for Industrial Standardization and Certification in Tashkent was also noted for convergence of regulations and standards, certification of export products according to Chinese requirements.

It was also proposed to adopt a separate “road map” for technology transfer, with the involvement of business, leading research institutes and engineering centers.

The leader of Uzbekistan specifically focused on the need to strengthen industrial and infrastructural interconnectedness to effectively unlock economic potential. For these purposes, it is proposed to develop a long-term strategy “Industrial and infrastructure belt “Central Asia - China.”

We are talking about creating a system of interconnected industrial clusters, technology parks and logistics hubs with the attraction of Chinese investments, technological and scientific solutions.

The issues of connecting the energy systems of the countries of Central Asia and China, including the implementation, also require careful study megaproject for the construction of a high-voltage power transmission line.

The issue of introducing effective financial instruments capable of supporting large projects of regional importance is of particular relevance.

– The international mechanisms in force today undoubtedly play an important role, but do not fully cover the investment needs of the region. According to experts, the deficit of capital investments in the infrastructure development of Central Asia amounts to hundreds of billions of dollars,” noted the leader of Uzbekistan.

In this regard, it was proposed to consider the possibility of establishing the Central Asia - China Development Fund, which could become an effective platform for promoting infrastructure initiatives.

Another priority area is the development of transport connectivity in Central Asia. Asia and China.

It was noted that the launch of the construction of the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway is an important element of the new system of transport and transit communications in the Eurasian space. At the same time, the implementation of the Trans-Afghan Railway project will open up even greater opportunities.

– In the interests of developing a common vision of prospects in this strategic area, I consider it necessary to instruct our transport departments to form expert groups to conduct field research, study the possibilities of modernizing the logistics infrastructure and implement pilot projects for transporting goods along alternative corridors, - suggested the leader of Uzbekistan.

Po As a result of the work of these groups, by the next summit, specific and substantiated proposals should be developed for the formation of a Unified Map of Transport Corridors and Modern Transit Infrastructure.

Pointing to the serious challenges of climate change for sustainable development, the head of our state called for accelerating the adoption of the Green Development Program until 2030, as well as establishing an Environmental Alliance for dialogue and partnership in the field of combating desertification, restoring degraded lands, increasing bio-ecological sustainability in arid and desert areas.

– Separately I would like to dwell on the possibilities of cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. It is these areas that today act as drivers of long-term growth, determining the competitiveness of national economies,” noted the President of our country.

In order to form a sustainable digital infrastructure for economic interaction, it was proposed to create a Network of mutually integrated big data banks and processing centers, as well as to build a Digital Fiber Optic Communication Line "Central Asia - China" along the main energy and transport routes.

– Our invaluable asset is our common desire for mutual enrichment of cultures and bringing our peoples closer together. It is precisely these goals that the Initiative to Facilitate Mutual Travel and the Program of Cultural and Humanitarian Events adopted today are aimed at, the President noted.

To further strengthen cooperation in this area, it is proposed to create a single digital portal “Cultural Heritage of the Silk Road”, combining the historical and cultural resources of the countries of Central Asia and China, with access to it for researchers, students, tourists and representatives of the creative industry.

The feasibility of forming a common scientific and educational platform was also indicated through the development of a program of cooperation in the field of vocational education, holding forums of university rectors, meetings of heads of academies of sciences and research centers.

Interaction in the field of security remains among the key priorities. In this regard, the President spoke in favor of establishing multilateral mechanisms for the exchange of information through special services and security councils in the fight against terrorism, extremism, radicalism, drug trafficking, illegal migration and cybercrime.

– The decline in attention of the international community to the problems of Afghanistan, which for us is not just a neighbor, but an integral part of the common historical, cultural and economic space, is of serious concern,” the leader said Uzbekistan.

Noting the rich experience of interaction between China and the Central Asian states with Afghanistan, the President of Uzbekistan proposed to establish, within the current format, a High-Level Group to consider issues of promoting the reconstruction and involvement of this country in regional integration processes.

They expressed readiness to hold its meeting in the city of Termez with the participation of representatives of Afghanistan.

At the end of the speech, it was emphasized that Uzbekistan is committed to open dialogue, expanding pragmatic and mutually beneficial cooperation in the “Central Asia - China” format.

Following the meeting, the heads of state signed the Astana Declaration and the Treaty on Eternal Good Neighborhood, Friendship and Cooperation.

A solid package of intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents was also adopted.

At the end of the summit, a ceremony was held to launch cooperation centers to combat poverty, desertification, cooperation in the field of education, as well as cooperation platforms for unimpeded trade.

Official website of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan