Regional course by Uzbekistan is symbol of renewal of whole of Central Asia
Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States in Turkmenistan, August 2021 / Courtesy of Embassy of Uzbekistan in Korea
Central Asia has undergone a radical transformation in recent years. The positive trends observed in the region have affected almost all spheres ― from political and economic to cultural and humanitarian. The formation of a new political climate in Central Asia is evidenced by the increased contacts between heads of state, the growth of trade volumes and the implementation of large joint projects.
From the first days of his presidency, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, outlining the continuity of the foreign policy course, defined Central Asia, which is associated with the vital interests of Uzbekistan, as a priority of the country's foreign policy. This approach is reflected in many strategic documents, initiatives and steps taken. The issues of cooperation with the closest neighbors traditionally occupy a special place in the annual messages of the head of state to the Oliy Majlis.
The regional course of the head of Uzbekistan is a symbol of renewal not only of the foreign policy of Tashkent, but of the whole of Central Asia. Moreover, this is an example of transformation of relationships based on the following approaches.
First, there are no unsolvable problems ― there is a need for political will to resolve them. The principle of "discussing acute issues and finding reasonable compromises" made it possible to solve a number of regional problems on the basis of consistency and consideration of mutual interests. Unprecedented results have been achieved in resolving such sensitive issues as borders and the use of the region's water and energy resources.
Secondly, a consolidated and predictable Central Asia is becoming more attractive in economic and investment terms.
Third, the awareness of the community of interests strengthens the perception of the region as an integral, consolidated player. The symbol of this pragmatic approach was the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia, initiated by President Mirziyoyev.
During the Consultative Meetings in 2018 and 2019, the main aspects of mutually beneficial cooperation were discussed, such as the development of transit and transport potential, rational use of water and energy resources, cultural interaction and strengthening regional security. During the second Consultative Meeting in November 2019, Tashkent, a serious achievement was the adoption of a Joint Statement, in which the Central Asian countries confirmed their determination to comprehensively deepen regional cooperation and strengthen the existing relations of friendship, good-neighborliness and strategic partnership.
Fourth, the trend toward regional rapprochement was positively assessed and supported by the world community. In June 2018, the U.N. General Assembly adopted a special resolution "Strengthening regional and international cooperation to ensure peace, stability and sustainable development in the Central Asian region," which became one of the important guidelines that determine the conceptual vectors of regional cooperation.
Thus, the trends and achievements of the past few years indicate that Central Asia is transforming. A new political climate is being shaped here, which is characterized by a significant strengthening of unity and cohesion. The joint efforts of the countries contribute to the formation of Central Asia as a stable, open and steadily developing region, a promising predictable international partner.