The foreign policy of New Uzbekistan in the region is sensible and dependable.
This is seen in the major transformation in the political situation in Central Asia: a real atmosphere of good neighborliness has taken shape in the area, and Uzbekistan and bordering nations have taken collaborative work to an advanced level to tackle pressing regional problems.
Specifically, an initiative was carried out to regularly hold consultative meetings of the leaders of the states of the region. Summits were held in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, and economic forums are being arranged. Trade and economic relationships, industrial cooperation, cultural and humanitarian collaboration are vigorously developing. The logical continuation of these processes is the participation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the Trilateral Summit held on August 4 this year under the chairmanship of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and with the participation of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon in Ashgabat. The advancement of essential proposals for resolving the everyday issues of the region has become one of the major events on the agenda of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy.
First, this summit was distinct in that the parties discussed several bilateral and current regional issues. Particularly, matters of extending mutually beneficial cooperation on the rational use of water resources, developing the energy sector, and increasing transport and logistics potential were examined. A mutual dialogue was held to deepen cooperation in these areas, and a common goal was achieved.
Second, focusing on new challenges, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the need for a joint search for appropriate and well-considered answers. This is especially important in the context of the increasing water shortage in the region, which has become acute in recent years and requires an immediate solution. To get rid of this problem, it was suggested to intensify cooperation in introducing advanced water-saving technologies and the modernization of irrigation systems, the digitalization of water management processes, and the joint development of infrastructure for collecting and storing mudflow and flood waters. A comprehensive conversation was held. Appropriate approaches were developed.
Third, the President noted that close, successful interaction has been set up between the Central Asian countries in the energy sector, including in energy supplies and transit. Taking into account the general plans for the transition to a green economy, joint implementation of hydro and thermal energy projects was initiated. The heads of state issued instructions to the applicable organizations for their implementation.
Fourth, particular attention was paid to the issue of uniting efforts to create a mutually integrated transport infrastructure in the region. The President of Uzbekistan expressed conviction that the development of the Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan – Iran corridor and the active use of the potential of the Trans-Caspian route will boost the appeal of Central Asia as a transit center for international corridors East-West and North-South. To this end, it was proposed to jointly create favorable conditions for international carriers, accelerate digitalization and increase the throughput of checkpoints.
Fifth, the importance of coordinating efforts within the framework of international organizations, particularly the UN, and mutual support of initiatives put forward by the region’s countries in addressing current pressing issues was noted. Along with this, the summit participants discussed the priorities of cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, highlighted the importance of relations between the relevant state structures and public associations, scientific centers, higher education institutions, the media, cultural and artistic figures, and agreed on the formation and deepening of effective mechanisms for these processes.
The fact that the Central Asian region, whose countries share a common history, culture, values, and traditions, has become the main priority of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy has acquired practical significance in the successful holding of the meeting.
Saodat Ubaydullayeva,
Associate Professor at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies,
Doctor of Political Science.