The Fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia took place in Dushanbe on September 14, 2023. The summit was hosted by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, and attended by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Zhaparov, and the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
Additionally, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, participated as an honorary guest, along with Kaha Imnadze, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia.
Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Addressing Modern Challenges
The meeting's agenda included discussions on enhancing multifaceted cooperation in Central Asia, focusing on political dialogue, joint programs and projects in trade, investment, transport, energy, agriculture, and ecology. The leaders also addressed contemporary challenges and security threats facing the region.
President Mirziyoyev's Emphasis on Unity and Progress
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev commended the collaborative efforts that have strengthened trust, good neighborliness, and partnership among Central Asian nations. He highlighted the region's significant progress in resolving vital issues and expanding cooperation through regular political contacts and interparliamentary exchanges.
Proposals for Closer Cooperation
President Mirziyoyev proposed several key initiatives for deeper cooperation:
- Establishment of a Full-Fledged Free Trade Zone: To increase trade turnover by eliminating exceptions and restrictions.
- Comprehensive Regional Program for Sustainable Trade and Logistics Chains: Including the opening of cross-border trade centers and harmonizing legislation.
- Development of Industrial Cooperation: Particularly in mineral fertilizers, polymers, agricultural machinery, textiles, and food products.
- Long-term Strategy for Industrial Cooperation: To facilitate large-scale industrial projects.
- Enhancing Transport Connectivity: Addressing high transport costs by developing an Agreement on Transport and Transit and promoting effective transport corridors.
- Energy Security: Focusing on energy infrastructure development, diversifying energy sources, and investing in alternative energy.
- Food Security: Establishing a regional partnership program to address food security challenges.
- Climate Change: Initiating the Central Asian Climate Dialogue and a Regional Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change.
- Cultural and Humanitarian Cooperation: Adopting an Action Plan for deeper cultural and humanitarian interaction.
- Empowering Youth: Creating a Center for Empowerment and Self-realization of Central Asian Youth and offering scholarships in honor of prominent Central Asian thinkers.
- Security Cooperation: Regular meetings on security issues and the formation of a Regional System for Emergency Situations.
- Support for Afghanistan: Providing assistance to the Afghan people and contributing to infrastructure development, including the Trans-Afghan Railway project.
- Council of National Coordinators and Economic Council: Supporting the establishment of a Council of National Coordinators and proposing the creation of an Economic Council of Central Asian States.
Adoption of Key Documents
Several important documents were adopted during the summit, including a Joint Statement on the Results of the Fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, agreements on youth policy, strengthening land transport connectivity, and regulations for the Council of National Coordinators. An Action Plan to support health and well-being in Central Asia for 2022-2025 was also approved.
Regional Unity and Partnership
The meeting affirmed the commitment of Central Asian nations to foster unity, good neighborly relations, and strategic cooperation. The discussions and proposals put forward by President Mirziyoyev and other leaders aim to further strengthen the region's stability, economic growth, and collaboration in addressing common challenges.
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