Today, the International Institute for Central Asia (IICA) hosted a roundtable discussion on “Central Asia and the Northern Countries: New Prospects for Partnership”.

The event was held as part of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb to the Republic of Uzbekistan. 

The Finnish delegation also included the Member of the Finnish Parliament and Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Uzbekistan Ville Skinnari,  Chief Programme Officer of Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation Oskari Eronen, and Director of Peace Mediation and Member of the Cabinet of the President of the Republic of Finland Ville Brummer.

On the Uzbek side, the roundtable was attended by heads and representatives of the country’s leading governmental and non-governmental analytical centers.

During the discussion, participants engaged in a substantive exchange of views on the regional cooperation agenda in Central Asia and explored promising areas of partnership between the Nordic Council countries and the Central Asian states. Key topics included trade and investment, energy, education, science, and innovation. Particular attention was given to applying the Nordic experience in sustainable development and digital transformation.

In his opening remarks, Director of the International Institute for Central Asia Javlon Vakhabov emphasized that Helsinki has long been recognized as a center of international mediation and the rule of law, and that Finland’s commitment to peacebuilding holds special importance for Central Asia.

He noted that Finland is one of the world’s leaders in innovation and education, ranking among the most technologically advanced countries. “The country has significant potential for sharing best practices with Central Asia. For our region, where priorities include green energy and the rational use of natural resources, Finland’s expertise in these areas is of particular practical value”, Mr. Vakhabov stressed.

Following the discussion, participants noted that the roundtable served as an important step toward strengthening the partnership between the Nordic Council countries and the Central Asian states, as well as a platform for coordinating practical initiatives to foster cooperation within the “Central Asia – Nordic Council” format.

As part of the event, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the International Institute for Central Asia and the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation. The document provides for joint research in the fields of politics, economics, and regional security, mutual visits and regular exchanges, as well as the organization of joint events on issues of mutual interest.

Aziza Alimova, photos by Nosirjon Khaydarov, UzA