An informal consultative meeting of heads of state of Central Asia and Azerbaijan took place in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. Speaking at the event, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that regional integration is entering a new qualitative stage.
The head of state emphasized that in recent years, Central Asian countries have transformed from a fragmented territory into a region uniting for common development goals. According to him, Azerbaijan's joining the consultative format elevates cooperation to a macro-regional level.
"We have a historic opportunity to form a single development space uniting Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and our close neighbor Afghanistan. We must fully utilize this situation and, through joint efforts, create a solid foundation for sustainable development, interconnectivity, and good neighborliness in the very heart of Eurasia," the Uzbek leader said.
The President stressed the need to build a sustainable architecture of regional cooperation, enhance coordination within intergovernmental organizations and "Central Asia Plus" formats. He also proposed developing next steps to strengthen trade, economic, and transport ties, expand industrial cooperation, and develop common digital services and investment platforms.
The President noted that Central Asia should become a competitive hub for innovations in education, science, and big data. This can be achieved by creating a comprehensive infrastructure that combines human resources, artificial intelligence technologies, data centers, and energy capacities.
The head of state stated that environmental protection has always been and remains a priority of the regional agenda. In his view, threats emerging in our single natural space do not recognize state borders, so responses must also be common.
"The anomalously hot summer this year has once again shown that climate change is already becoming a factor directly affecting the economy, water and energy security, and people's health and quality of life. It is important to find long-term solutions for joint adaptation to such new risks," the president said.
In conclusion, Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that expanding humanitarian ties will further strengthen solidarity and mutual trust in the region, adding: "Our common strength lies in unity, mutual trust, and firm commitment to joint creation."
Source: www.gazeta.uz