CHOLPON-ATA, Kyrgyzstan: President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has called for deeper regional integration and stronger cooperation among the Central Asian nations and Azerbaijan, describing the current period as a “historic opportunity” to build a unified development space connecting Central Asia, the South Caucasus and neighboring Afghanistan.President Mirziyoyev made the remarks while addressing an informal meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. The summit brought together Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedow.
The Uzbek leader thanked President Japarov for hosting the summit and expressed appreciation to President Berdimuhamedov for his leadership of the Consultative Meetings format.Highlighting the progress made by the region ahead of the 35th anniversary of the independence of Central Asian states, President Mirziyoyev praised the countries’ achievements in strengthening statehood, sustaining economic growth and advancing national development.“Thanks to our joint efforts, Central Asia is now consolidating in pursuit of shared development goals,” he said, stressing that Azerbaijan’s participation in the Consultative Meetings marks a significant step toward elevating regional cooperation.President Mirziyoyev presented Uzbekistan’s vision for the future of regional collaboration, calling for stronger institutional cooperation, expanded trade and transport connectivity, integrated industrial and technological value chains, shared digital services and new investment platforms.
He also emphasized the importance of transforming Central Asia into a regional hub for education, science and innovation through greater investment in artificial intelligence, data centers, energy infrastructure and human capital.Addressing environmental challenges, the Uzbek President warned that climate change is already affecting economies, water and energy security, public health and quality of life across the region. He urged the participating countries to develop long-term joint strategies to adapt to these emerging risks.President Mirziyoyev further underscored the humanitarian dimension of regional cooperation, saying that while each nation preserves its unique identity, a shared regional identity is steadily taking shape through closer cooperation, cultural exchange and stronger people-to-people ties.
Concluding his address, the President reaffirmed that the region’s greatest strength lies in unity, mutual trust and a shared commitment to building a more prosperous and secure future.The summit concluded with the adoption of the Cholpon-Ata Declaration, reaffirming the participating countries’ commitment to enhancing regional cooperation across political, economic, environmental and humanitarian sectors.
