IICA Director Javlon Vakhabov, during his visit to Sweden, met with the Senior Researcher and Director of the SIPRI China and Asia Security Programme, Dr Jingdong Yuan.

The parties discussed the current changes in the regional security architecture and the transformation of international cooperation in Central Asia. Special attention was paid to strengthening regional consolidation, institutionalizing dialogue between the region’s countries, and expanding the interaction formats with external partners.

The Representative of Uzbekistan noted that Central Asia has significantly shifted from a region of conflict to a space of sustainable development and pragmatic diplomacy in recent years. In particular, the contribution of the format of Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State and the Concept for the Development of Regional Cooperation 2040, aimed at expanding and deepening regional cooperation in trade, transport, energy, and culture, was emphasized.

The Swedish side highly appreciated the dynamic development of economic cooperation in the region: the growth of mutual trade, the strengthening of logistics ties, the launch of green energy projects and the promotion of strategic infrastructure initiatives, including the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway corridor.

Prospects for developing a dialogue between Central Asia and Northern Europe, including the possibility of expanding cooperation in sustainable development, education, and digital transformation, were also discussed. As was noted, the potential for collaboration with the Nordic countries, which are leaders in inclusive development and innovation, is becoming increasingly relevant.

Following the meeting, the parties expressed interest in establishing partnerships between SIPRI and IICA, including holding joint events, analytical exchanges, and expanding expert cooperation on key issues of peace, sustainability, and regional connectivity.

G. Khonnzarov, UzA