Leaders to Convene in Tashkent for Regional Summit

Leaders from Central Asia will convene in Tashkent this weekend for the Seventh Consultative Meeting of State Leaders, aiming to approve a s...

Leaders from Central Asia will convene in Tashkent this weekend for the Seventh Consultative Meeting of State Leaders, aiming to approve a set of multilateral agreements designed to enhance regional collaboration.

The meeting unites the heads of state from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, with Azerbaijan joining as a guest of honor for the third year in a row.

The officials will explore methods to promote collaborative initiatives in key areas and share perspectives on significant regional and global matters, as listed in the schedule.

Key process for establishing confidence

In an article featured in local media, Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev referred to the consultative discussions as a crucial tool for fostering trust and a "vivid representation" of the emerging Central Asia.

Following many years, a climate of mutual comprehension is emerging in the area," Mirziyoyev stated, noting that the Tashkent summit "signifies a new turning point in creating a stable, linked, and thriving Central Asia.

Regional collaboration has produced tangible outcomes, such as the resolution of longstanding border conflicts via a trilateral agreement among Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, along with the Khujand Declaration.

Key breakthroughs in water resource management involve the collaborative development of the Kambarata-1 hydroelectric project, joint efforts on the Zarafshan River, improved cooperation regarding the Bakhri Tochik reservoir, and pacts on the efficient utilization of the Amudarya with Turkmenistan.

Mirziyoyev stated that peace and development in the area cannot be achieved without incorporating Afghanistan into regional economic initiatives, emphasizing that its stability has a direct impact on security throughout Central Asia.

New phase of regional integration

The level of economic collaboration has increased quickly. Uzbekistan's commerce with nearby countries rose from €2.8 billion in 2017 to €6 billion in 2024.

In Central Asia, total GDP has risen 2.5 times to reach €450 billion, trade within the region has doubled to almost €10 billion, and collaborative businesses in Uzbekistan have surpassed 1,800. The area's industrial development grows by an average of 6 percent annually, which is double the worldwide rate.

Laziz Kudratov, the Uzbekistan minister responsible for investment, industry, and trade, stated that the conversation will provide "a positive boost to the integration of Central Asia."

Uzbekistan's commerce with Kazakhstan is nearing €3.5 billion, while trade with Kyrgyzstan stands at €603 million, with Tajikistan at €500 million, and with Turkmenistan at €1 billion, which is twice the amount from five years ago.

Collaboration with Azerbaijan is growing quickly, as the combined investment portfolio has now surpassed €4.2 billion. Bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan amounted to €275 million in the first nine months of 2025, marking an 87.5 percent rise compared to the previous year. The volume of transit shipments surpassed 1.3 million tonnes in 2024.

An action plan for industrial collaboration spanning 2025 to 2027, along with new zones for cross-border trade, is anticipated to boost continued expansion.

As Central Asia's population exceeds 80 million and is projected to hit 100 million by 2050, Mirziyoyev highlighted the significance of transforming youth capabilities into a catalyst for progress.

Origins of the format

The advisory meeting structure was first introduced by Mirziyoyev's proposal during the UN General Assembly in 2017, which called for ongoing high-level discussions among nations in Central Asia. The first gathering occurred in Astana in 2018.

Associate Professor Assyl Tuleubekov from Maqsut Narikbayev University in Astana mentioned that the gatherings "have established a positive tradition, demonstrating that Central Asian nations are becoming more united in tackling global and regional issues."

The meetings assist in aligning actions regarding cross-border water management, energy provision, and migration, while promoting discussion on security in light of the changing conditions in Afghanistan, he stated.

Azerbaijan's leader, Ilham Aliyev, stated to the Uzbekistan news agency that the meeting will mark "a crucial step in strengthening the long-standing friendship between our neighboring nations and enhancing cooperation across various areas including politics, economy, transportation, investment, energy, culture, humanitarian efforts, and digital innovation."

He pointed out that in the last three years, leaders from Central Asia have made almost 30 visits to Azerbaijan, whereas he has traveled to those nations 13 times.

Azerbaijan's involvement enhances regional connectivity, mainly via the Middle Corridor that connects Central Asia to Europe.