Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 14 September 2023, the fifth anniversary Consultative Meeting of the Heads of States of Central Asia was held in Dushanbe. Maintaining a trusting dialogue and further development of relations between the states of the region, consolidation and deepening of multifaceted partnership in all directions is one of the important priorities in the foreign policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The initiative to hold a Central Asian summit was put forward by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev back in 2017. This format has become a platform for discussing and effectively solving current problems, taking into account the interests of all countries in the region.

In modern conditions, increasing geopolitical turbulence requires the development of common approaches in the field of strengthening the security of Central Asia. The formation of mechanisms for joint working groups on security, as well as holding regular meetings of these groups, will allow us to establish interaction, develop coordinated approaches on key issues of regional and international security, promptly identify common challenges and threats, and take joint preventive measures to counter common challenges and threats.

In this regard, in his speech, Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined the relevance of cooperation, constant and trusting exchange of views in the field of security and supported the proposal to hold regular Meetings on security issues with the coordinating role of the Secretaries of the Security Councils of the Central Asian countries. He also proposed developing an Interstate Program to protect and strengthen the borders of Central Asian countries from cross-border challenges. He noted the extreme demand for the formation of a Regional System of Forecasting, Prevention, Early Warning and Joint Response to Emergency Situations.

As a result of the fifth anniversary Consultative Meeting, a number of important documents were adopted, the main one of which is the Joint Statement of the Heads of States of Central Asia, which reflects the results of the work to transform Central Asia into a single space of cooperation with dynamically developing trade, investment, transport and logistics potential.

In addition, an important Agreement on the general directions of youth policy was signed in Dushanbe. The topic of youth is on the global development agenda for various reasons, the key of which is the current demographic situation and forecasts for future development until 2030 and beyond. According to the UN, dramatic changes are associated with the growth of youth and, as a consequence, with their ever-increasing role in social, economic, and political development both on a global and regional scale.

The states of Central Asia are included in the list of developing countries and have a high percentage of young populations. According to the latest UN estimates, the current population of Central Asia is more than 74.5 million people, of which youth make up 18 million people or 24.1%. There is a tendency in the region to increase the demographic share of youth in relation to the population as a whole, that is, the countries of the region are “young”, which indicates the need for the urgent development and implementation of special policies regarding youth development. 

Therefore, the Agreement gives priority attention to all aspects and dimensions of life - social, economic, political, ethnic, religious, civil, ideological, cultural and natural. Youth issues are directly linked to the Sustainable Development Goals agenda. A special focus is placed on supporting youth. 

The presidents stated that they would fully encourage the holding of joint events of this nature, including the spiritual and moral education of the younger generation, the protection of rights and the realization of their talents and aspirations in the interests of societies.

On the sidelines of the fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of States of Central Asia, a number of parallel events are being held aimed at further developing cooperation between the countries of the region in the trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Thus, the Economic Forum, the International Exhibition of National Products, the Meeting of members of the Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asia, the Exhibition of Artists, the first Forum of Rectors of Higher Educational Institutions, the Meeting of Ministers of Transport and the Gala Concert of Masters of Culture and Art of the Central Asian States were organized in Dushanbe.

The consultative meeting, held in a traditionally constructive and trusting atmosphere, gave a powerful impetus to the development of comprehensive interaction between the countries, and the agreements reached are of exceptional importance from the point of view of strengthening the process of developing regional cooperation and further strengthening security and stability in the region.

Chief Researcher of the International Institute of Central Asia Shukhrat Kabilov