A timely and inspiring speech never fails to attract attention, especially when it addresses cooperation, friendship, and unity among nations.

Such characteristics defined the speech delivered by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, at the Seventh Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State. During the summit, the President proposed a number of significant initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and ensuring sustainable development, which are vital for Central Asia’s stable future.

The summit began with sincere remarks. “Today is truly a historic day for our brotherly nations. We are making a principled decision to accept the Republic of Azerbaijan as a full-fledged member of our Consultative Meetings,” said the President with satisfaction.

It should be noted that this speech symbolized a strong bridge between Central Asia and the South Caucasus. The participation of Kaha Imnadze, Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, also added importance to the event.

In his address, the President emphasized that despite the short period since the first consultative meeting, a historically significant path has been covered, and together the countries have been able to find effective solutions to several pressing issues. Territorial problems have been definitively resolved, border checkpoints reopened, mutually beneficial water and energy cooperation launched, transportation links restored, and favorable conditions created for trade, investment, and humanitarian relations among the countries.

Today, Central Asia is a platform of rapid development and effective cooperation, offering new opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Numbers speak for themselves. Last year, mutual trade volume among the Central Asian countries reached 10.7 billion USD, while investments into the region increased by 17 percent. Cooperation in the “Central Asia Plus” format has intensified, and the region is demonstrating a unified position on major international platforms. During Uzbekistan’s chairmanship, more than 20 major events were held to enhance regional cooperation, which is noteworthy.

“Our belief is firm,” said the President. “Today, we stand on the threshold of a historic renaissance of our region — the formation of a New Central Asia. We have set a task to strengthen institutional foundations of our cooperation and formulate a coordinated response to threats against security and sustainable development. It is important for us to have a clear vision today of how we want to see our region in the next 10–20 years.”

The initiatives proposed by the President are highly significant. They include:

• further improvement of cooperation mechanisms and contractual-legal frameworks;

• elevating trade, economic, and investment relations to a new qualitative level;

• jointly developing high-tech regional infrastructure and transport-logistics capacity;

• ensuring regional security as an integral condition of prosperity;

• consistently addressing environmental issues, climate challenges, and water scarcity.

Especially noteworthy was the focus on water management, directly related to the President’s home field. Considering the growing water deficit and its negative impact on sustainable development in the region, the President proposed declaring 2026–2036 as the “Decade of Practical Action for Rational Use of Water in Central Asia.”

He also emphasized the importance of actively involving neighboring Afghanistan in dialogue on joint use of water resources in the Amu Darya basin. The President further noted that effective water management is impossible without investing in professional training of specialists and informed that a Regional Competence Center in Water Management would be established based on the "Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers"National Resaerch University .

The President continued by highlighting another important upcoming event: “As you may know, next year we plan to host the World Forum on Water Saving in our country. We hope for your support and active participation in this event.”

He also emphasized the unique role of the Center of Islamic Civilization as a platform for generating scientific ideas, conducting research, and promoting shared cultural and historical heritage that enriches the peoples of the region spiritually and intellectually.

The President proudly summarized the essence behind the adopted documents and proposed initiatives: the mission to build a stable, secure, and prosperous Central Asia — a common home for all of us.

Indeed, unity brings strength, and the road to success lies in friendship and cooperation. In conclusion, the key points of the President’s speech can be summarized as follows:.

• Expansion of regional trade and economic relations: removing barriers, improving logistics, and implementing joint projects.

• Strengthening investment cooperation: establishing investment funds and improving the business environment.

• Development of transport and communication networks: enhancing transit potential and modernizing infrastructure.

• Cooperation in the energy sector: promoting energy security and renewable energy initiatives.

• Addressing climate change and environmental issues: rational water use and tackling ecological challenges.

• Boosting cultural and humanitarian exchange: strengthening people-to-people ties through education, culture, and science.

• Ensuring regional security: combating terrorism, extremism, and transnational crime through joint action.

   In summary, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s address at the Seventh Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State was rich in initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and achieving sustainable development. These initiatives bear crucial importance for the future of Central Asia and serve as the firm criterion of partnership mechanisms.

Rakhimboy Jumaniyozov