Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The new proactive foreign policy pursued by the Government of Uzbekistan in recent years, which has identified the strengthening of good-neighborliness and mutual trust in Central Asia as the main priority, has ensured fundamental shifts in the development of regional cooperation processes and strengthened the interconnectedness of the Central Asian states.

Proceeding from its national interests, based on the historical, cultural and spiritual commonality of the Central Asian peoples, Uzbekistan invariably remains committed to pursuing an open and constructive policy towards its closest neighbors, stands for solving the problems of the region with the countries of Central Asia on the basis of equality, mutual consideration of interests and search for reasonable compromises. This made it possible to significantly improve the political atmosphere in the region and increase the degree of trust.

Today, the Central Asian countries have consolidated their efforts in resolving systemic problems that hindered interstate cooperation. As a result, multilevel and multifaceted interaction is actively developing, including in the areas of economic cooperation, ensuring the security and stability of the region, strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties, and pursuing a coordinated foreign policy.

The creative regional policy of Uzbekistan has received the support of all the states of Central Asia, thanks to which the political dialogue is being activated today, trade and economic, industrial and cooperation, transport and logistics, energy, water and environmental, and interregional ties are expanding. This contributes to the growth of the political, diplomatic and economic attractiveness of Central Asia, strengthening its subjectivity.

In this vein, the mechanism for holding the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia (CCACA) established in 2018 has become an important platform for expanding cooperation between the countries of the region. In a short time, this format has become an effective platform for a confidential, constructive discussion and a coordinated solution to the common problems of the countries of Central Asia.

A truly historic and breakthrough event that opened a new page in the development of the five-sided partnership and brought regional cooperation to a practical level was the 4th Consultative Meeting held in Kyrgyzstan in 2022.

The peculiarity of this summit was that the leaders of the countries did not just limit themselves to signing the Joint Statement, but for the first time adopted important conceptual documents - the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborliness and Cooperation of the Countries of Central Asia in the 21st century, the "Roadmap" for the development of regional cooperation for 2022-2024, the Concept of interaction between the states of Central Asia within the framework of multilateral formats and the Regional Program "Green Agenda" for Central Asia. Thus, strategic agreements were consolidated that determine priorities and effective measures for the further development of regional cooperation.

It is important to note that all these documents not only created a qualitative basis for interstate cooperation, but most importantly determined a long-term regional strategic course, their own model for the development of Central Asia.

At the same time, the following factors played a crucial role in the successful promotion of the new regional policy and the development of interconnectedness:

First, the intensive diplomacy of the head of Uzbekistan and the intensification of political dialogue at all levels. From 2016 to the present, more than 90 meetings of the President of Uzbekistan with the leaders of Central Asian countries have taken place within the framework of bilateral and multilateral formats. During contacts at the highest level, key issues of development of bilateral, regional and international cooperation were resolved.

The breakthroughs were signed following the results of the Uzbek-Tajik and Uzbek-Kazakhstan summits held in 2022 "Declaration on strengthening eternal friendship and alliance between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan" and "Treaty on allied relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan".

In addition, during the visits of the President of Uzbekistan Sh. Mirziyoyev in October 2022 to Turkmenistan and in January 2023 to Kyrgyzstan, the Declaration on Deepening Strategic Partnership and the Declaration on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership were adopted.

The signing of these documents became a historic event and opened a new milestone in Uzbekistan’s relations with the Central Asian countries. Since the agreements reached determine the priorities for further long-term cooperation and are aimed at building up cooperation in all areas, which meets the vital interests of our people. It is noteworthy that these agreements are important not only for bilateral relations, but also for the sustainable development of the whole of Central Asia.

Along with this, there is an intensification of inter-parliamentary, intergovernmental and interdepartmental meetings, during which legal support is provided for the implementation of bilateral and multilateral agreements, the potential in economic sectors is realized, and priorities for further expansion of cooperation are developed and determined.

Secondly, a progressive and constructive solution to the issues of delimitation and demarcation of the state border.

To date, Uzbekistan, the only country bordering all the countries of the region, has agreed on the issue of the border with Kazakhstan, delimited the borders with Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. We reached important agreements with Kyrgyzstan.

In particular, for the period 2017-2022. agreements were agreed and signed on the delimitation of 1170 km of the border with Kyrgyzstan, 193 km - with Tajikistan. The demarcation of the state border with a length of 2356 km with Kazakhstan was carried out, with which the line of state borders was fully coordinated. Negotiations with Tajikistan and Turkmenistan are at the final stage.

At the same time, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan continue to gradually resolve the issues of legal registration of sections of state borders. In this context, I would like to note that in 2018 alone, countries delimited 85% of the border. The next step in this direction was the ratification in November 2022 in Tashkent and Bishkek of “Agreements between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic on certain sections of the Uzbek-Kyrgyz State border”.

Against this background, the rest of the Central Asian countries are also striving to resolve their border issues by political and diplomatic means. In particular, Kazakhstan has completed the process of demarcation of the state border with Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, active negotiations are underway between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

In general, the signing of agreements on borders and the resumption of the work of border checkpoints significantly strengthened political trust, led to the intensification of contacts and trade between residents of border areas. All this contributes to the stable and dynamic development of regional cooperation.

Thirdly, the disclosure of the regional trade, economic, transport and energy potential.

The new political climate formed and the opening of borders gave a powerful impetus to the development of economic cooperation in the region. In particular, mutually beneficial cooperation is growing between the countries of Central Asia, cooperation ties and transport and communication interconnectedness are strengthening, the region is transforming into a developed capacious market, and its investment attractiveness is growing.

As a result, from 2016 to 2022, the number of joint ventures increased fivefold, intraregional trade increased fourfold from US$5.5 billion to US$20 billion, and the region’s total foreign trade almost doubled, reaching more than US$200 billion, the share of investments in Central Asia in the total volume in the world increased from 1.6% to 2.8%, amounting to about US$40 billion in 2022.

Accordingly, last year the average annual rate of development of the region’s economy was 6.2%, which is 2 times higher than the global indicators of 2.6%. At the same time, the total regional GDP increased 8.6 times compared to 2000 (US$46 billion), amounting to US$397 billion.

It is expected that over the next 10 years the region can potentially attract up to US$170 billion of foreign investment, incl. 40-70 billion dollars - in non-primary industries.

New forms of economic cooperation are being implemented, in particular, border industrial and trade zones are being created, interregional cooperation is being developed, and industrial cooperation is being built up. These aspects act as a catalyst for the growth of the economies of the Central Asian countries, create precedents and lay a solid foundation for sustainable development and stability in the region.

Moreover, the Central Asian countries are beginning to actively cooperate in the transport and energy sectors. In particular, the states are jointly implementing such flagship projects as the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, the Trans-Afghan Corridor, the Kambarata Hydroelectric Power Plant-1, etc. energy potential and joint rational use of transboundary water resources. At the same time, it is important to note that the major trans-border infrastructure projects initiated by the republics receive the comprehensive support of all Central Asian states, which indicates their readiness to further strengthen regional interconnectedness.

Fourthly, building up cultural and humanitarian ties.

From the first days of his presidency, Sh. Mirziyoyev has paid special attention to the development of intercultural dialogue in Central Asia, which is the basis for strengthening good neighborliness and cooperation, peace and tranquility in the region.

At the same time, recently, thanks to the political will and joint efforts of the leaders of the Central Asian countries, the trend towards further rapprochement of peoples and the development of cultural and humanitarian relations is becoming sustainable and irreversible.

Thus, the frequency of holding various joint cultural and humanitarian events and meetings in the countries of Central Asia has increased: days of culture, literature, art and cinema, days of creative intelligentsia, “Evenings of Friendship”, various forums and festivals, which, among other things, contribute to strengthening interfaith harmony in region.

It should be noted that all countries also show a high interest in deepening joint cooperation in the field of education, healthcare, tourism, and youth policy.

In these areas, regional forums and conferences are regularly held, and programs for the development of long-term cooperation are being developed and implemented.

One of the key factors in the unification of the region is the formation of a regional identity. The Central Asian countries began to attach great importance to strengthening in the region a sense of ownership, solidarity and the establishment of an awareness of common responsibility for the future of the region, relying on the commonality of the cultural, historical, civilizational and spiritual heritage of the states of the region.

Strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties and regional identity is already the foundation and driver of cooperation, contributing to the effective overcoming of the challenges and threats of our time.

Fifth, the consolidation of efforts within the framework of building regional relations with external partners.

The basis for intensifying joint activities in this direction was the adoption in 2022 during the 4th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of States of Central Asia of the "Concept of Interaction between the States of Central Asia within the framework of multilateral formats." This document actually launched the process of forming the subjectivity of Central Asia, since it is aimed at strengthening political dialogue and cooperation in the region as a whole. The concept creates a basis for the Central Asian countries to develop common approaches and a common position in building relationships with non-regional partners.

Meanwhile, in recent years, the formats of the “CA Plus” dialogue have increased, and the initiatives of the countries of the region are supported by the UN. So, today there are 10 dialogue platforms, of which 6 were created over the past 4 years. It should be noted that starting from 2022, many of these formats are held at the level of heads of state.

Moreover, if in the period from 1991 to 2016, about 20 resolutions were adopted at the UN at the initiative of the Central Asian countries, then from 2016 to the present, 18 resolutions have been adopted.

The documents reflect such important issues for the region as sustainable development, security, establishment of peace and trust in the region. Particular attention is paid to the development of cross-border cooperation, the strengthening of transport links and the promotion of tourism.

An important place is occupied by the protection of the rights of young people and the promotion of tolerance. At the same time, the promotion of important initiatives within the UN contributed to the growth of the international significance of the region, its perception as a whole.

It is important to note that in recent years, the Central Asian states have increasingly taken similar or common positions within the framework of regional multilateral organizations, including the CIS, SCO, OTS, CICA, etc.

At the same time, they proceed from regional interests, adhere to all-regional approaches, and provide mutual support to the initiatives put forward.

Strengthening regional integration and relations with external partners, the Central Asian countries began to develop interregional ties with neighboring regions, primarily with South Asia.

In particular, the initiative proposed in 2020 by Uzbekistan to develop the interconnectedness of Central and South Asia received comprehensive support from both neighboring countries and the international community.

The President of Uzbekistan Sh. Mirziyoyev has repeatedly noted that strengthening interconnectedness and combining the potentials of Central and South Asia will ensure the stability and prosperity of our countries. To this end, in 2021, during the High-Level Conference “Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity. Challenges and Opportunities” in Tashkent, a wide dialogue was launched between the countries of Central and South Asia.

The logical continuation of this was the adoption on 11 July 2022 by the UN General Assembly of a special resolution on strengthening interconnectedness between Central and South Asia, initiated by Uzbekistan and developed in co-authorship with 40 countries. Undoubtedly, it will contribute to the formation in Central and South Asia of a space for joint development, a reliable security system, political, trade and economic relations in the interests of all participants.

A significant achievement can be called the UN General Assembly resolution put forward by Turkmenistan and supported by all countries of the region, declaring Central Asia a zone of peace, trust and cooperation, which was adopted on 28 July 2022.

This marks the formation of a new paradigm of interaction in Central Asia and the formation of the region as a space for mutually beneficial cooperation and trust, rather than competition.

In general, Uzbekistan, having set a dynamic pace for regional processes and cooperation, intends to continue proactive, proactive and constructive diplomacy in Central Asia. Favorable conditions emerging in Uzbekistan against the backdrop of economic reforms and political reforms being implemented under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will also contribute to this.

In this vein, the forthcoming referendum in the country on the adoption of the Constitution of Uzbekistan in a new edition, which envisages the renewal of the main law by 65%, will also have a positive impact on Tashkent’s foreign policy activities.

Already in the preamble to the Constitution, it is stated that the country is striving to strengthen and develop friendly relations with the world community, primarily with neighboring states, on the basis of cooperation, mutual support, peace and harmony.

Among the key principles of foreign policy, along with such generally recognized principles of international law as the sovereign equality of states, the peaceful settlement of disputes, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, a new foreign policy principle of respect for human rights and freedoms is defined.

Moreover, the conduct of a peaceful and friendly policy with all states and international organizations is determined by the foreign policy task of the constitutional rank.

Undoubtedly, the priority of human rights and freedoms, peace and friendship in relations with external actors will contribute to the promotion and strengthening of regional cooperation.

In turn, the country’s focus on the comprehensive development of bilateral and multilateral relations with states and international organizations will make it possible to activate and use the potential for the development of regional cooperation in the long term.

At the same time, it should be taken into account that in the implementation of the country’s foreign policy activities, Uzbekistan primarily proceeds from the highest interests of the people, their well-being and security.

In summary, it can be stated with confidence that the efforts made by Uzbekistan aimed at the comprehensive practical increase in regional interconnectedness, as well as the readiness of the Central Asian countries for further cooperation, will continue to strengthen the new regional model of cooperation, designed to ensure safe, stable and sustainable development for the benefit of the peoples living in the countries. region.

Murod Uzakov,

Head of the Center for the Institute for Strategic

and interregional studies (ISRS)

under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan