For the first time, the city of Termez hosted the Termez Dialogue, aimed at strengthening ties between Central and South Asia.

In connection with this event, the Center for Progressive Reforms prepared a special documentary film. The forum was organized in cooperation with the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Center for Progressive Reforms, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It became a practical outcome of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy course, based on open dialogue and regional cooperation.

The Termez Dialogue was held within the framework of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s initiatives aimed at fostering good-neighborly relations, regional integration, establishing peace in Afghanistan, promoting open dialogue, and expanding transport and trade connectivity.

The primary objective of the film is to document this significant dialogue, convey to the broader public the analytical materials and opinions of the participants, and highlight the concrete efforts being made to integrate Afghanistan into the wider regional development process. The forum brought together representatives from more than 20 countries and international organizations, about 200 participants, including political analysts, economists, and entrepreneurs. The event served not only as a platform for discussing issues of regional integration but also as an open space for dialogue on how Afghanistan can be actively involved in this process.

The forum became a vital platform for exchanging ideas among leading research institutions. The accompanying documentary provides a comprehensive overview of Afghanistan’s role in the region, the necessity of its integration into political and economic processes, as well as the pathways to achieving sustainable development through joint efforts. International experts shared their views on Afghanistan’s geopolitical significance, infrastructure challenges, economic opportunities, and the opening of new trade routes. In particular, Kaha Imnadze, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia, emphasized the region’s interdependence, noting that whether it is security, climate, or development, Central Asia cannot achieve sustainable development without South Asia, and South Asia cannot achieve sustainable development without Central Asia.

Hojat Fazly, CEO of the Harakat-Afghanistan Investment Climate Facility Organization, noted that the geographical position of South Asia, Central Asia, and Afghanistan, located between them, presents additional opportunities. The most important of these are untapped markets, a young workforce, and the growing interest of countries in economic, social, and cultural integration.

Svante Cornell, Director of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute in the United States, also highlighted Uzbekistan’s ability to engage in dialogue with any political system in Afghanistan, emphasizing that this experience is crucial for regional stability.

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