The resort zone of Avaza on the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea hosted the eighth consultative meeting of the heads of state of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. This high- уровня gathering marks the first official summit in this format since Azerbaijan officially joined the regional framework as a full participant.

During the discussions, the presidents focused on pressing regional challenges, economic integration, transport corridor development, and transboundary water management. The leaders emphasized that mutual trust and good-neighborly relations remain the primary foundation for sustainable cooperation across the region.

Uzbek leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev reportedly stressed the importance of maintaining a flexible and pragmatic format without establishing cumbersome bureaucratic structures. Meanwhile, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev highlighted significant growth in trade turnover and called for a more active utilization of joint investment funds to foster industrial cooperation.

Transport connectivity, notably the enhancement of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, along with energy security and climate change adaptation, dominated the agenda. The participants outlined joint steps to address growing ecological vulnerabilities and water scarcity concerns affecting the region's long-term stability.

Source: www.gazeta.uz