Central Asia is entering a new and historically significant phase in its development. The region is moving towards genuine unity and, for the first time in many years, is experiencing an atmosphere of trust, good neighborliness, and mutual respect—an atmosphere that is forming a foundation for the region's countries to progress and work together.
This transformation is not a coincidence, but rather the result of deliberate action and clear political will from the leaders of these countries who recognized their shared destiny and the development potential that could be achieved together. This progress also reflects a genuine desire among the peoples of Central Asia for broader and more effective regional cooperation.
Today, conditions are ripe at the national level for advancing regional cooperation to a more cohesive stage. Our strategic responsibility now lies in translating the agreements reached into tangible results that benefit citizens and businesses. Central Asia should become a unified space of opportunity, where decisions are made to support sustainable development and improve the lives of its people, not merely to fulfill paperwork requirements.
One of the most prominent indicators of this transformation is the consultative meetings of the heads of state of Central Asia, which, in a relatively short period, have become an effective mechanism for regional cooperation and trust-based dialogue. These meetings have become the primary platform for formulating shared visions on strategic issues concerning the present and future of Central Asia.
The upcoming summit in Tashkent will represent a significant new milestone in the path of cooperation within Central Asia, as it constitutes a collective step towards building a stable, interconnected and prosperous region.
The meeting of heads of state in Tashkent, as an extension of the path we have begun, is expected to confirm our countries’ commitment to the spirit of understanding and partnership, and to constitute a turning point in strengthening and expanding regional cooperation.
Major shifts in the global system, the risks of a global economic collapse, and the worsening challenges of climate change, food security, and energy have strengthened our desire for greater cohesion and joint action.
All these challenges call for greater unity and coordinated action among the Central Asian states. Therefore, strengthening our cooperation today is no longer merely a political objective, but a strategic imperative. Central Asia has become a region of stability and constructive engagement, a model demonstrating how broad regional interdependence can form a strong foundation for sustainable development and security.
The year 2017 marked a significant turning point in the history of regional cooperation, with the launch of the consultative meetings format. For the first time in many years, the region's leaders began a regular and systematic dialogue without any external mediation. This represented the birth of a new political approach based on trust, openness, and the recognition of shared interests. Through this dialogue, the countries of the region were able to resolve a number of long-standing disputes and move from a phase of suspicion and mistrust to genuine and effective cooperation.
One of the most important achievements of this new phase of regional cooperation is reaching a final settlement on border issues. What was once considered impossible has now become a tangible reality; the borders that once separated our countries have been transformed into bridges of friendship and cooperation. The signing of the “Treaty on the Convergence of the Borders of the Three States” between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, along with the “Khujand Declaration” in March 2025, is a historic event that can rightly be described as a pivotal moment in the region’s trajectory.
For the first time since the independence of the countries in the region, the common borders have been fully and legally demarcated, thus ending a file that has long been a source of tension for decades.
The Fergana Peace Forum, held in October, was clear evidence of the region’s shared commitment to promoting peace and harmony in the Fergana Valley, and reflected the course of development underway in Central Asia.
The water and energy sector—previously a source of sharp disagreements and conflicts—is also witnessing significant positive developments. A prime example of this fraternal cooperation is the agreement between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan to jointly implement the Qanbarata-1 hydroelectric power plant project, a project that opens a new chapter in the shared use of water and energy resources in the region.
An example of a wise compromise solution is the agreement between Tashkent and Bishkek on the joint use of the Chashma spring.
Progress continues in cooperation on the construction of the Yavan and Fandarya hydroelectric power stations on the Zarafshan River, with the participation of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Agreements have also been reached between Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan on the coordinated operation of the Bakhri Tajik Reservoir during the agricultural season. Furthermore, an agreement has been reached with Turkmenistan on the rational use of the Amu Darya River's water resources within the framework of a joint intergovernmental agreement. This agreement will enhance the management of shared water resources and mitigate potential environmental risks.
All of this contributes to establishing a new spirit of partnership based on trust, mutual benefit, and a fair approach to managing shared resources. These projects also open new horizons for supporting economic activity and enhancing energy security in the region.
At the same time, border procedures and humanitarian contacts are undergoing significant changes. Since September 2023, citizens of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have been able to cross the border freely using only their identity cards, a crucial step towards establishing a free movement zone. Similar agreements are also being worked on with Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. Interregional ties are strengthening, cross-border trade is growing, and humanitarian and cultural exchanges are deepening.
Equally important are the steps taken to solidify cooperation on institutional foundations. The fifth consultative meeting, held in Dushanbe in 2023, was a pivotal moment in this regard.
During this period, the establishment of the Council of National Coordinators was adopted as a permanent mechanism for preparing and implementing agreements between heads of state. The launch of this mechanism has contributed to making this framework more structured and ensuring the continuity of joint initiatives. Regular parliamentary dialogue was also adopted, and periodic meetings at the level of secretaries of security councils were agreed upon.
The legal and contractual framework for cooperation was strengthened by the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborliness, and Cooperation for the Development of Central Asia in the 21st Century, following the Cholpon-Ata Summit of the region’s leaders in 2022. This treaty enshrined the principles of sovereign equality, mutual support, and shared responsibility for the region’s future. In 2025, Tajikistan acceded to this document, a significant step toward strengthening regional unity. We welcome this decision and look forward to the remaining countries in the region signing the treaty soon, thus paving the way for the final consolidation of the spirit of mutual trust, good neighborliness, and strategic partnership in Central Asia.
In 2022, the heads of state also adopted the “Concept of Cooperation among Central Asian States within Multilateral Frameworks,” a framework aimed at strengthening coordination of positions among the countries of the region within international platforms, including the formats known as “Central Asia Plus.”
“Central Asia Vision 2040” became one of the most important programmatic documents in this path, after its adoption at the Astana Summit in 2024. This vision identified long-term cooperation priorities aimed at strengthening regional security and supporting the development path in the countries of the region.
By building this integrated system of multi-field cooperation, we have been able to open up broad horizons and great sources of growth.
A new economic reality is taking shape in the region today, thanks to the efforts of its countries. Over the past eight years, the combined GDP of Central Asian states has more than doubled, reaching $520 billion, while foreign trade has also more than doubled to $253 billion. Simultaneously, intra-regional trade has more than doubled, reaching approximately $11 billion, and mutual investments have increased 5.6 times. For Uzbekistan specifically, its trade with other countries in the region has tripled—from $2.4 billion in 2016 to $7.2 billion in 2024—and the number of joint ventures has exceeded 1800.
In the industrial sector, Central Asia is achieving steady growth of nearly 6% annually—double the global average. This success is attributed to the development of new forms of industrial cooperation, such as the establishment of joint investment funds (Uzbek-Kyrgyz, Uzbek-Tajiki, and Kazakh-Kyrgyz) and the implementation of joint projects in the automotive, electrical engineering, textile, and agricultural sectors. The Action Plan for Industrial Cooperation Development 2025–2027, adopted by the countries of the region, is a key instrument for strengthening this cooperation. Furthermore, border trade zones and international industrial cooperation centers are actively developing, supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In the humanitarian sphere, the peoples of the region are witnessing a remarkable expansion in communication and rapprochement. A dialogue bringing together women leaders in Central Asia has been launched, along with a platform dedicated to the region's youth. Since 2022, forums have been organized to bring together university presidents and scientists. Years of cultural exchanges, exhibitions, concerts, and sporting events have become a regular part of regional cooperation, reflecting the depth of human ties among the Central Asian countries.
Most importantly, the people of the region are now experiencing these positive changes in their daily lives. The opening of new border crossings and the launch of air, rail, and bus routes between countries have significantly increased travel and strengthened cultural and human ties. Furthermore, intra-regional tourism now accounts for over 80% of total tourism in Central Asian countries.
What was until recently considered merely a dream — freedom of movement, mutual respect, and a sense of closeness and trust — has now become a tangible reality.
A new regional identity is gradually taking shape in Central Asia, based on the recognition of existing differences, while simultaneously acknowledging shared historical and cultural ties and the intertwined destinies of the region's peoples. A growing sense of belonging to a unified regional space is emerging, where geographical proximity is viewed not as a challenge but as an opportunity, and where the success of any one state is seen as a shared gain for all.
This new spirit of trust, understanding, and a sense of shared future has become the cornerstone for strengthening the path of regional integration and launching a process in which Central Asian countries jointly and sustainably build an interconnected, stable, and prosperous region.
It should also be emphasized that each of the Central Asian countries plays an important role in promoting the stability and prosperity of the region, through its efforts in developing the economy, building trust, and expanding the prospects for regional cooperation.
Kazakhstan is actively developing logistics corridors, modernizing border crossings, removing trade barriers, and implementing cultural and humanitarian exchange projects. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are cooperating continuously on issues related to glacial melt, modernizing energy systems, and strengthening transport network connectivity. Turkmenistan is putting forward significant initiatives to promote peace and trust, expand logistics and transit capacity in the region, and support UN programs related to the Aral Sea Basin and climate technologies.
Our practical steps, our sense of responsibility towards the future, and our commitment to the principles of good neighborliness, friendship, and mutual benefit have proven that the new Central Asia has chosen the path of peace, sustainable development, and constructive partnership. In short, we are not building walls, but bridges.
Thanks to the progress made in the path of regional integration, Central Asia has become today an independent and responsible player in international relations, with a clear vision of its interests and development paths.
The cooperation framework known as “Central Asia Plus” reflects the growing international legal status of the region and the recognition of its role as an important center for stability and development.
Whereas cooperation with external partners was previously based mainly on bilateral relations, today major powers and international bodies are developing their relations with Central Asia as an interconnected and cohesive regional partner.
This transformation has elevated the region's cooperation with external partners to a new level. When Central Asia engages with international actors with a unified voice and a single entity, its influence grows, its standing improves, and it can attract investment more effectively and strengthen its cooperation with other countries across various sectors.
Our openness, our approach based on clarity and predictability, and our commitment to dialogue have become the foundations of a new image for Central Asia on the international stage.
Today, there are more than ten “Central Asia Plus” formats, linking the region’s countries with major global powers and blocs. This year alone, summits have been held in the Central Asia-EU, Central Asia-China, Central Asia-Russia, and Central Asia-US formats, clearly demonstrating the growing momentum and strategic importance the region is acquiring in international politics.
The “Central Asia Plus” formats are increasingly reaching the level of meetings of heads of state, demonstrating their growing practical importance and rising political weight.
In several of these formats, working groups and specialized secretariats are being established to develop specific projects in the fields of energy, transportation, the green economy, and digital transformation.
Regional resilience cannot be strengthened without addressing the issues related to Afghanistan. This country is not a separate periphery, but an integral part of our shared regional space. The sustainability of peace and stability in Central Asia depends to a large extent on the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan.
The exhausted Afghan people continue to live under a profound humanitarian crisis. In this context, countries in the region recognize the need for Afghanistan's systematic inclusion in regional and international processes, which will contribute to the country's development and enhance stability in our wider region.
The construction of the Trans-Afghanistan Railway is of great importance, as it is planned to form a link between Central and South Asia. The implementation of this project will create new opportunities for trade and investment, enhance transport connectivity, and lay the foundation for the recovery of the Afghan economy.
In parallel, efforts continue to provide humanitarian and educational support to the Afghan people, develop cooperation in the energy sector, and train specialized talent in vital economic sectors.
Afghanistan must become part of a shared space of peace, security, cooperation and development, reflecting the interests of all countries in the region and contributing to building a stable belt of security along the southern borders of Central Asia.
As we noted earlier, Central Asia is entering a new phase of its rapid development. We are moving from addressing bilateral issues to working together to find solutions to major regional challenges—such as climate change, energy transition, ensuring water and food security, and developing digital technologies. This opens up new horizons for cooperation among our countries, based on shared responsibility, mutual trust, and a unified vision for the future.
In this context, a fundamental question arises: How will Central Asia develop over the next few decades?
Central Asia has a population of more than 80 million today, and the United Nations estimates that it will exceed 100 million by 2050. Central Asia is also one of the youngest regions in the world, with an average age of just 29 years.
We have a task before us: to transform this demographic resource into a powerful force that drives progress and innovation, and to create conditions that enable our youth to develop their talents and invest their capabilities.
It is also important to emphasize the balanced approach adopted by our countries, based on the principle that cooperation must grow on the firm foundations of sovereignty, equality, and non-interference in internal affairs. No party should impose external models on the countries of the region or seek to establish supranational structures.
Cooperation in Central Asia must remain voluntary, pragmatic, and geared towards achieving tangible results that benefit the people of our countries.
At this stage, we face fundamental challenges, and how these are addressed will determine the region's sustainability and its ability to continue its rapid development:
First, it is essential to continue deepening regional cooperation and strengthening existing mechanisms to ensure their greater sustainability and practicality. Without effective regional institutions, the systematic development of cooperation and the effective implementation of joint decisions cannot be guaranteed.
Second, in the security sphere, our goal is to build a shared capacity to confront challenges and threats. We must continue to hold regular meetings of the secretaries of the security councils, heads of intelligence agencies, and defense and security institutions. The principle of “indivisible security” must remain a cornerstone. At the same time, regional cooperation should be integrated harmoniously with existing international mechanisms, while simultaneously building its own capacity to enhance stability and address the wide range of security threats affecting the countries of the region and the region as a whole.
Third, in the economic sphere, the importance of developing intra-regional trade, simplifying border crossing procedures, and creating a favorable environment for mutual investments is paramount. It is also essential to effectively promote industrial cooperation, build regional and transregional supply chains, develop border trade zones, expand the network of economic and logistical corridors, and support joint projects in the transport, energy, agriculture, and digital economy sectors.
Special attention must be paid to the environmental dimension of cooperation, including adaptation to climate change, coordination of efforts to protect transboundary water resources and biodiversity, and the transition to green energy and low-carbon technologies.
Central Asia can—and indeed must—become a region of sustainable environmental development and a model for a responsible approach to the environment.
Fourth, humanitarian cooperation is a priority area. Its main objective is to develop human capital and strengthen educational, scientific, and cultural ties. Creating a shared media space, improving the quality of education and healthcare, and developing the social sector—including tourism and joint youth programs—directly contribute to fostering mutual understanding between peoples.
Special attention is given to establishing a regional identity based on shared values, cultural proximity, and a collective pursuit of prosperity.
Fifth, developing unified foreign policy positions among Central Asian states remains a crucial area. Given increasing geopolitical volatility and escalating competition among global power centers, coordinating the region's stances on the international stage is essential for ensuring stability and safeguarding shared interests. Therefore, it is vital to continue developing the "Central Asia Plus" framework, which has proven effective in building pragmatic relationships with key partners.
At this stage, the strategic objective is to strengthen regional coordination and establish agreed-upon priorities and positions for cooperation with external partners within the "Central Asia Plus" framework and other international forums. Only through this approach can we give practical substance to our interactions with major powers and global blocs, through tangible projects that contribute to driving economic and technological growth and enhancing the sustainability of our countries and the region as a whole.
For Uzbekistan, developing regional cooperation is not a tactical choice, but a conscious strategic approach stemming from an awareness of our shared responsibility for the future of Central Asia.
We believe that the values of good neighborliness, solidarity, and mutual support are the most valuable assets of Central Asian countries today, in a time of global uncertainty. Security challenges and shared development goals, which may be difficult for any single country to address alone, can be successfully met through joint efforts. Strengthening trust and partnership serves the interests of millions of people in the region whose future is linked to the peace, stability, and development of their common homeland—Central Asia.
Today we are laying a solid foundation for a new Central Asia — a strong, stable, and prosperous region.
The transformations underway in our region reflect a conscious and irreversible choice. This path requires, in addition to joint efforts, a willingness to take responsibility for our shared future.
By combining our capabilities and potential, we confront common challenges and offer the international community our proven model of peace and constructive cooperation — a model based on trust, good neighborliness, and mutual support.
Now, maintaining this historical momentum is of paramount importance, and strengthening it to make Central Asia a unified space of peace, well-being and prosperity for all the countries and peoples living in this vast region.
