Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — From 23 to 25 June 2025, the XI International Scientific and Expert Forum "Primakov Readings" took place in Moscow, organized by the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of World Economy and International Relations.

The event gathered high-ranking Russian politicians and diplomats, including Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev, Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Vladislav Panchenko, as well as experts and representatives of leading think tanks from 14 countries.

Uzbekistan was represented by a delegation from the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISRS), headed by First Deputy Director Akramjon Nematov. He spoke at the strategic session titled "Central Asia — A Space for Competition and Cooperation."

In his address, Nematov emphasized that Central Asia is undergoing a transformation, emerging as a region marked by a positive political atmosphere and strengthened regional subjectivity. According to him, the five countries of the region have achieved political stability and consistent economic growth, moving away from ideological confrontation and actively promoting cooperation.

He recalled that President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has repeatedly stated that modern Central Asia is "a strong, united region open to dialogue and partnership." This vision is enshrined in the adoption of the "Central Asia — 2040" Concept, which reflects a shared understanding of mutual interests and responsibility for the region's future.

Nematov highlighted the growing popularity of the "Central Asia Plus" format. While there were only four such platforms before 2017, today there are eleven. This, in his view, enhances constructive engagement with external partners and attracts more resources for regional development.

He also cited impressive statistics reflecting the region’s dynamism: over the past decade, the average annual GDP growth of Central Asian countries has exceeded 6%, twice the global average. Industrial growth was noted as a key factor, particularly in Uzbekistan, where 85% of total industrial output comes from the manufacturing sector. The country’s value-added output grew from $2.7 billion in 2017 to $28 billion in 2024.

Nematov also pointed out the region’s demographic advantage: Central Asia is home to 83 million people, with a population increase of around 1 million per year. The average age of the population is 28 — significantly younger than in China or Europe.

During the forum, the ISRS delegation also co-hosted an expert roundtable with the International Institute for Central Asia and the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Russia, under the theme "A Consolidating Central Asia — Anchor of Stability for Greater Eurasia." Participants included representatives from IMEMO RAS, ICSA RAS, the Institute of Oriental Studies, the Higher School of Economics, MGIMO, the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry, and other experts.

In his remarks, Nematov stressed that Uzbekistan views Greater Eurasia not only as a geographic concept but also as a space of shared values based on the recognition of civilizational, cultural, and political diversity, as well as sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of states.

He underscored the importance of economic integration across Eurasia through the expansion of regional trade, development of industrial cooperation, and enhancement of logistics. In this context, Uzbekistan is actively promoting over 300 initiatives within the frameworks of the SCO, CIS, OTS, and EAEU.

Nematov emphasized Uzbekistan’s ambition to help transform Eurasia into a self-sufficient and resilient development space. He noted that the Code of Good Neighborliness and Partnership, proposed by President Mirziyoyev at the 2024 SCO Summit, could serve as the foundation for stable and predictable interstate relations.

In conclusion, Nematov stated that Central Asia is becoming an anchor of stability across the Eurasian space, and its growing integration with external partners reflects the formation of a sustainable political and economic center that could become a model for a new architecture of international cooperation.