A webinar titled “What’s Next? Advancing Regional Partnership in the Caucasus and Central Asia” was held in Washington. The event was organized by the Caspian Policy Center, an American think tank that focuses on researching political and security issues, energy, and transportation in the region.
During the webinar, participants acknowledged the significant progress in promoting regional cooperation in Central Asia, particularly in Azerbaijan’s relations with other countries in the region. This was highlighted in President Ilham Aliyev’s participation in consultative meetings with Central Asian leaders in Dushanbe and Astana. The proactive regional policy of Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was also recognized as a contributing factor to the positive dynamics of cooperation in Central Asia.
Javlon Vakhabov, the Director of IICA, discussed the main outcomes of the Astana Summit and emphasized the need for further integration in the region. He also highlighted the potential for expanding and deepening ties between countries in trade, investment, industrial cooperation, energy, and transportation. The establishment of a Common Regional Market, the restoration of the United Energy System of Central Asia, and the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway were identified as top priorities.
The webinar also addressed the Government of Uzbekistan’s efforts to expand trade and economic relations with Afghanistan, particularly through the opening of the Termez International Trade Center. This center aims to facilitate cross-border trade and promote joint projects between Afghanistan and other countries in Central and South Asia, as well as the South Caucasus.
Experts also emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with Azerbaijan, as it serves as a strategic route to Europe. They also noted the growing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan in areas such as renewable energy, transportation, and logistics, and industrial cooperation.
In conclusion, the speakers stressed the need to maintain the current pace of progress and continue exchanging dialogue. They expressed confidence that the ongoing high dynamics in relations between Central Asia and the South Caucasus, as well as regular contacts between leaders of the two regions, will yield positive results.
Written by G. Khonnazarov, UzA.