Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- A seminar on the topic “Conceptual approaches to the formation of regional identity in Central Asia” was held at the International Institute of Central Asia (MICA) with the participation of national experts.

The event was attended by representatives of scientific and academic circles from the University of Journalism and Mass Communications, the State University of Oriental Studies, the State Pedagogical University, the Institute of History of the Academy of Sciences, researchers from the ISMI under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Institute of Advanced International Studies at the UWED, as well as independent experts.

The participants emphasized that the intensification of political dialogue at the highest level and the expansion of economic cooperation in Central Asia, initiated by the Leader of Uzbekistan, contribute to the development of broad socio-cultural interaction.

The promotion of political mutual trust contributed to the consolidation of positions on issues of the global and regional agenda. In June 2018, the UN General Assembly, at the initiative of Uzbekistan, adopted a joint resolution with the countries of the region “Strengthening regional and international cooperation to ensure peace, stability and sustainable development in the Central Asian region,” which emphasized the ability of the Central Asian states to jointly promote their interests in the international arena.

Strengthening the unity of the region created conditions for recognition by the world community of the international subjectivity of the region, which was reflected in the expansion to 10 platforms for dialogue with leading states and associations in the “Central Asia Plus” format.

In addition, the total GDP of the countries in the region grew by 40% and exceeded US$400 billion. The volume of intraregional trade reached US$10 billion, more than doubling.

The total foreign trade turnover of Central Asian countries reached US$220 billion (2022), almost doubling compared to 2017 (US$126 billion).

During the meeting, it was emphasized that the main factor in strengthening the interconnectedness of the region is the centuries-old historical, cultural and religious community, ethnic and linguistic proximity of the peoples of Central Asia. On this basis, there is a gradual building of regional identity - an awareness of the relatedness of the peoples of the region, united by history and culture, coinciding vital interests and the desire for joint development.

The speakers emphasized the need to continue efforts to strengthen the sense of community of the peoples of Central Asia through academic, educational and information interaction, and to contribute to the education of new generations focused on the development of regional cooperation.

At the end of the meeting, the seminar participants agreed to intensify scientific exchange on conceptual approaches to the formation of regional identity, including with the involvement of leading experts from Central Asian countries.