The Astana summit held in August 2024 highlighted the Central Asian region's commitment to enhanced cooperation under the Central Asian Five framework. Abdulaziz Kamilov, Uzbekistan’s special representative for foreign policy, reflected on this progress in his article "New Central Asia in Uzbekistan's Foreign Policy."
Kamilov discussed the strides made since the inaugural meeting in Astana in 2018. He noted that the summit symbolically marked the end of a rotational chairmanship cycle among the region’s countries and initiated a new phase of interstate collaboration.
Kamilov highlighted Central Asia's evolution from a region marked by tension and division to one now defined by peace and collaboration. He reflected on the closed borders, border conflicts, transport blockades, and trade barriers that troubled the region just seven years ago and cautioned that disputes over shared resources, such as water and pastures, carried a significant risk of escalating into open conflict.
"Just seven years ago, our borders were almost completely closed," Kamilov stated. "We witnessed conflicts in the border areas, minefields, transport blockades, and high barriers in the trade sector. There was a real danger that disputes over resources would ignite open conflict."
He attributed some of these challenges to external forces that fostered division and mistrust, manipulating historical grievances for their own gain.
"Our disunity weakens us, depriving us of the prospects of unification and preventing us from realizing the region's potential through common interests," Kamilov remarked.
Kamilov stressed that the peoples of Central Asia, who share a common religion, customs, and traditions, have long coexisted peacefully. He argued that the region’s fragmentation was at odds with its cultural and civilizational values and that the global crisis of confidence and escalating conflicts further undermined regional stability.
The article emphasizes the growing recognition that the well-being of Uzbekistan—and all Central Asian nations—hinges on collective efforts to enhance cooperation and security. This collaborative spirit is seen as vital for ensuring sustainable development and advancing shared interests in the region.
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