Experts from Italy and Central Asian countries discuss the current state and prospects for the development of scientific cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Today, on 8 December, a round table was held in Tashkent on the topic "Current state and prospects for the development of scientific cooperation between Italy and Central Asia."

The event was held within the framework of the 2nd ministerial conference in the "Italy - Central Asia" format. The organizers of the "round table" were the International Institute of Central Asia (MICA) and the Center for Global Relations between Europe and Asia named after Marco Polo of the University of Venice "Ca ‘Foscari".

The event was attended by over 50 representatives from leading analytical and research structures of the countries of Central Asia and Italy.

Among them are the heads and experts of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KISS), the Center for Strategic Research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan (CSR), the National Institute for Strategic Studies of the Kyrgyz Republic (NISS), the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Bikoka Universities (Italy) and Saint Andrew (Scotland).

At this round table, the Uzbek side was represented by the International Institute of Central Asia, the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Development Strategy Center, the Information and Analytical Center for International Relations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, and the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.

The event consisted of 5 thematic sessions covering the development of multifaceted cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Italy in such priority areas as education, academic interaction, popularization of cultural heritage, tourism.

In his opening remarks, Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Manlio Di Stefano emphasized that the country is witnessing a significant increase in interest in Central Asia at all levels. According to the diplomat, the establishment of a dialogue between the research institutions of the countries will create conditions for the qualitative development of Italian-Central Asian relations across the entire spectrum of issues.

The Deputy Minister noted that Italy pays great attention to the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation. It is this instrument of interaction that is considered as one of the main pillars of strengthening partnership, creating "horizontal" ties, as well as creating an atmosphere of mutual trust.

Director of the International Institute of Central Asia A. Nasirov noted that the current "round table" confirms the growing interest in the development of mutually beneficial partnership of the world community with the Central Asian region.

"The ongoing positive processes contributed to the formation of a new vision of Central Asia as a consolidated region, and not as separate states, among external partners."

Russia, China, the USA, India, the Republic of Korea and Japan have recently significantly intensified their interaction within the framework of the CA + formats. The EU has revised its strategy for the region, adapting it to the new realities.

As the director of MICA stressed, Central Asia is not only a bridge between the West and the East, but is also recognized as the center of different civilizations and cultures. In this context, the development of dialogue in the "Central Asia - Italy" format seems to be quite logical.

It was especially noted that the strengthening of regional interaction is an objective, stable and irreversible trend. It is important that the process of rapprochement in Central Asia is not directed against anyone’s interests and aims at deepening regional cooperation, as well as developing interaction with non-regional partners.

Supporting the words of the representative of Uzbekistan, FK Buranelli, an expert from the University of St Andrews, drew the attention of the round table participants to the fact that over the past five years solid results have been achieved in the development of regional cooperation, there has been a positive “turning point” in interstate relations.

According to him, building up regional cooperation, strengthening good-neighborly relations between the countries of Central Asia is especially important against the background of the current geopolitical situation in the world.

Deputy Director of the Center for Contemporary Art of Tajikistan P. Mukhammadzoda stressed that the protection of the national interests of the Central Asian countries is possible only through building up regional cooperation. In this regard, it was proposed to develop a joint Action Plan of the Central Asian countries and Italy to further deepen cooperation, which will lead to a common understanding of the priority areas of interaction.

Rector of the Institute of International Relations J. Gurbangeldyev especially noted the historical relations between the peoples of the countries of Central Asia and Italy, which is a solid foundation for the further development of multifaceted cooperation.

An expert from the University of Bicoca (Italy) S. Stephani emphasized that the Mediterranean culture, the diversity of spiritual and scientific prominent figures of Central Asia - Avicenna, Farabi, Biruni, A. Navoi are the property of world culture and science:

“The national library “Marciana” contains hundreds of manuscripts related to the history of Central Asia. This is the cosmopolitanism of communication between our peoples, laid down hundreds of years ago. "

The importance of developing interaction between the countries of Central Asia and Italy in the spheres of education and science was also emphasized by the Deputy Director of the NISS of Kyrgyzstan E. Checheibaev.

According to him, the positive changes in Central Asia ensure the growth of the attractiveness of the countries of the region for the whole world, incl. in the development of science and information and analytical activities.

The Chief Researcher of the KISS under the President of Kazakhstan L. Karataeva drew attention to the importance of interaction at the regional level to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

In this regard, she noted that countries need to focus on solving social issues - health care, education and the "green" agenda. The need to create a network of universities in Italy and Central Asia for in-depth study of specific practical issues was emphasized.