Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The fifth-anniversary consultative meeting of the heads of states of Central Asia, held in Dushanbe, symbolizes the beginning of a completely new stage of regional consolidation, laying a solid foundation for the institutionalization of close interaction between the states of the region in priority areas of mutual interest.

Undoubtedly, the Dushanbe summit, held in a sincere, open and trusting atmosphere, once again confirmed the strong interest of the heads of states of Central Asia to expand and deepen regional cooperation in the interests of ensuring stability and sustainable development of the entire region.

At the same time, all countries recognize that today Central Asia faces many challenges that are complex in nature and have a steady tendency to worsen. And this requires a fresh look at the situation in the region and converting challenges into opportunities to form a new sustainable model of regional interaction that can ensure the progressive development of the Central Asian states.

In this vein, during the summit, the importance of strengthening regional identity was noted, which, according to common opinion, is not only the foundation, but also the driver of cooperation. A number of specific proposals were also voiced aimed at increasing regional self-awareness and a sense of belonging to a unique cultural and civilizational space. Of course, such an approach will ensure solidarity and responsibility in enhancing the well-being and prosperity of Central Asia.

At the same time, there was a clear desire to ensure consistency in this direction. Our president proposed to adopt an Action Plan to deepen cultural and humanitarian interaction between the countries of Central Asia, which, without any doubt, serves to strengthen regional unity and mutual understanding.

Moreover, to promote the unique cultural, historical and spiritual heritage of the Central Asian people in the international arena, the leader of Uzbekistan initiated the creation of the International Media Platform “History and Culture of Central Asia: One Past and Common Future” with the involvement of scientists and representatives of the general public.

To establish the idea of a common regional identity among young people, the head of our state proposed to establish regional scientific and educational grants and scholarships for talented youth of Central Asian countries in honor of Al-Khorezmi, Farabi, Jami, Magtymguly and Chingiz Aitmatov.

Special attention is drawn to the complementarity of the ideas voiced at the summit. This is confirmed by the initiative of the President of Kazakhstan to hold the 1st Forum of Historians of Central Asian States, which will serve as a source for enriching the fundamental foundations of regional identity. He also made a proposal to jointly promote the tourism brand “Central Asia”, a single historical cultural and civilizational space.

The common vision in this direction is also evidenced by the statement of the head of Tajikistan, who noted that “we have a common past, of which we are rightfully proud.”

Emomali Rahmon, calling on the Central Asian partners not to rest on their laurels in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, took the initiative to create the Association of Media of the States of Central Asia.

Without any doubt, this will create a unified information space that will help strengthen the Central Asian community, which is characterized by its own system of socio-cultural norms and values.

In turn, the President of Kyrgyzstan S. Japarov emphasized that the peoples of the region are connected by a common history, religion, culture and invaluable ties of friendship and good neighborliness, which had a positive impact on the development of relations between the countries of Central Asia. In this regard, the leader of the Kyrgyz Republic noted that cultural and humanitarian ties always remain the basis of cooperation between the peoples of the region.

Thus, the Dushanbe summit once again demonstrated the common position and firm determination of the leaders of Central Asia to form a cultural space based on a common cultural and historical heritage, spiritual values and regional identity.

In conclusion, I would like to especially note that all the pressing issues facing the region can be effectively resolved by strengthening the fundamental foundations of regional identity and solidarity. And in my opinion, only awareness of common interests and strengthening of regional cohesion form a good basis for moving forward and building effective mechanisms of interaction.

Kakhramon Allaberganov,

Leading researcher at ISRS under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan