Today, the International Institute for Central Asia hosted an expert roundtable discussion titled “Central Asia: towards a new phase of regional cooperation”, dedicated to the outcomes of the Seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, which took place on 16 November in Tashkent under the chairmanship of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The event brought together representatives of the diplomatic corps, analytical centers, ministries and agencies, business circles, and the media. Participants discussed in detail the key results of the Tashkent summit, mechanisms for implementing the agreements reached, and prospects for the development of regional cooperation.

Special attention was given to the initiatives of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev aimed at strengthening cooperation in the areas of the economy, industry, energy, logistics, ecology, and water management. Participants emphasized the importance of the decision to admit Azerbaijan as a full-fledged participant in the Consultative Meetings, which significantly enhances the transport, logistics, and energy potential of regional projects.

Special attention was given to the analytical article by the President of Uzbekistan, “Central Asia on the Verge of a New Era”, which outlines the strategic vision for the region’s development amid growing international attention.

The Director of the International Institute for Central Asia Javlon Vakhabov noted that the outcomes of the Seventh Consultative Meeting can be considered historic: the format has proven effective as a mechanism for shaping coordinated approaches and for jointly addressing regional challenges. According to him, the openness of the dialogue among Central Asian leaders is laying a solid foundation for strengthening regional resilience.

In conclusion, participants at the roundtable emphasized that the results of the Consultative Meeting open new opportunities to strengthen political trust, foster a shared regional identity, and advance Central Asia’s collective interests on the international stage.

Aziza Alimova, UzA