Considering connectivity: from land-locked to land-linked in Central Asia and Caucasus

The Caspian Policy Center in Washington, DC, hosted a discussion on regional partnership in the Caucasus and Central Asia, focusing on cooperation, challenges, and future prospects. Speakers, including regional experts and diplomats, shared insights on the evolving geopolitical landscape, economic diversification, and the importance of regional integration. Ambassador Javlon Vakhabov of Uzbekistan expressed optimism about growing cooperation, highlighting the potential for a unified regional market and joint energy initiatives. He stated, "More resilient, stronger, and united Central Asia is what we want to see next." The discussion also touched on the region’s future in light of global challenges such as the war in Ukraine, Afghanistan’s stability, and rising US-China tensions.