Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Photo: Press Service of the President of Uzbekistan
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan has proposed transforming the current top-level regional summits from a consultative mechanism into a strategic format under the name “The Central Asia Community.” According to the head of state, this shift would significantly strengthen interstate cooperation. The initiative was announced during the seventh Consultative Meeting of the leaders of Central Asia in Tashkent, his press service reported.
In his address, Mirziyoyev outlined a number of additional proposals. Among them was the creation of a Council of Elders composed of respected public figures with extensive life experience — a body that, he said, would help reinforce ties between generations and deepen regional solidarity and identity.
He emphasized the need to elevate trade, economic, and investment cooperation to a new level and increase intra-regional trade by 1.5 to 2 times. To achieve this, he called for removing administrative barriers, simplifying tax and customs procedures, and expanding joint use of free economic and industrial zones.
“The development and adoption of a Comprehensive Regional Program of Trade and Economic Cooperation through 2035, covering these issues, will help create favorable conditions for significantly expanding trade,” Mirziyoyev noted.
He also highlighted the importance of adopting a Declaration on a Common Investment Space to help shape a unified investment climate in the region. In parallel, he proposed creating a joint program for developing e-commerce, aimed at harmonizing regulatory approaches, expanding virtual marketplaces, and establishing secure digital payment systems.
Special attention was given to the development of transport corridors and energy infrastructure, including the modernization of power plants, transmission lines, roads, and border checkpoints. To coordinate these efforts, Mirziyoyev proposed forming an Infrastructure Development Council composed of deputy prime ministers.
The president urged his counterparts to consider integrating Afghanistan into regional projects. He underscored the importance of involving the neighboring country in dialogue on shared use of the Amu Darya river basin. Given mounting water shortages, he proposed declaring 2026–2036 the “Decade of Practical Action for Rational Water Use in Central Asia.”
In the cultural and humanitarian sphere, Mirziyoyev expressed hope that the Center for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent would become a major destination for young people, providing scientific and spiritual education. He also proposed establishing a Research Fund to support academic projects, encourage scholarly communities, and expand opportunities for applying artificial intelligence technologies.
Welcoming Azerbaijan’s participation in the dialogue, Mirziyoyev emphasized the country’s shared history, cultural affinity, and spiritual ties with Central Asia. He stressed that the ultimate goal of such gatherings is to build a stable, secure, and prosperous region.
“Our strength lies in unity; our path to success lies in friendship and cooperation. Only by standing together, guided by mutual respect, solidarity, and a shared strategic vision, can we achieve our noble goals,” Mirziyoyev concluded.
Following the summit, the presidents of the region and Azerbaijan adopted a Joint Statement.
In addition, the sides signed the following documents:
✅ an appeal to UN member states supporting Kyrgyzstan’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027–28;
✅ a decision granting Azerbaijan full participation in the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia;
✅ a concept for regional security and stability in Central Asia;
✅ a catalogue of regional security risks and measures for their prevention for 2026–28.
ℹ️ The seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia took place on November 16 in Tashkent under the chairmanship of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Participants included: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov, Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdymukhammedov, and Kaha Imnadze, head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia.
