President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, speaking at the informal Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan in Issyk-Kul, stated that the region needs to transition to building a sustainable architecture of cooperation.

According to him, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Afghanistan can become a single space of development, interconnectedness, and good neighborliness. The President noted that Azerbaijan's joining the consultation format elevates interaction to a new, macro-regional level.

Mirziyoyev emphasized that states now have a historic opportunity to form a unified development space. To achieve this, he called for strengthening regional cooperation institutions, developing direct ties between regions, and implementing long-term joint programs.

The President urged intensifying efforts to boost trade, transport connectivity, industrial cooperation, digital services, and investment platforms.

Special attention was paid to science and technology. Mirziyoyev stated that Central Asia should become a competitive hub for education, research, and innovation in big data. This could be achieved by combining human resources, artificial intelligence technologies, data centers, and energy infrastructure.

The President also addressed climate change, noting that this summer's abnormal heat is further proof that climate shifts already directly impact economies, water and energy security, public health, and quality of life. He called on regional countries to develop long-term joint adaptation measures.

Mirziyoyev highlighted the importance of humanitarian cooperation, saying that strengthening cultural and educational ties fosters a sense of community among the region's peoples while preserving their national identity.

Concluding his speech, the President expressed confidence that further development of Central Asia is possible only through unity, mutual trust, and joint creation.

Source: podrobno.uz