On November 21, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a delegation of the People’s Republic of China headed by a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, Minister of foreign affairs Wang Yi, who’s currently in our country to participate in the regular meeting of the strategic dialogue between the heads of external affairs agencies of the two countries. 

The practical aspects of further deepening the Uzbek–Chinese relations of comprehensive, all-weather strategic partnership in a new era were reviewed, as well as expanding multifaceted cooperation in the context of implementing high-level agreements.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Chinese Foreign Minister conveyed to the leader of our country the sincere greetings and best wishes of PRC President Xi Jinping.

It was noted with particular satisfaction that thanks to the political will and joint efforts of the heads of state, bilateral relations have reached an unprecedentedly high level.

Last year, trade turnover reached $14 billion, the number of joint ventures amounted to about 5 thousand , and since the beginning of this year, nearly $15 billion of Chinese investments have been utilized. The portfolio of technological partnership projects has approached $90 billion.

Attention was drawn to the advancement of cooperation in high technologies, green and nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, transport, infrastructure, the agricultural sector, geology, chemistry, and other areas.

Contacts at all levels have intensified, regions of the two countries are interacting effectively, and meaningful educational and cultural-humanitarian exchanges continue.

The leader of Uzbekistan noted the need for thorough preparations for the upcoming high-level events and for enriching bilateral cooperation with new practical content.

The importance of actively implementing the project to build the Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan–China railway and integrating it with other transport routes was emphasized.

Special attention was given to coordination on issues of Afghanistan’s socio-economic recovery and security. The need to continue close political dialogue and cooperation in multilateral formats was highlighted, along with supporting inter-university partnerships, poverty-reduction projects, tourism development, and other areas.

Confidence was expressed in the successful holding of the Days of Chinese Culture in Uzbekistan at the end of November this year.

An exchange of views also took place on the issues of international and regional agenda.

An article by A.Khashimov, Head of the Department of the Diplomatic Academy under the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, titled “Consultative Meeting: Another Step Toward Building a Trustworthy and United Region” was published on the pages of the Uzbekistan National News Agency.

On November 19, the newspaper “Pravda Vostoka” published an interview with A.Khaydarov, Director of the Diplomatic Academy under the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, titled “Central Asia: The Historical Process of Regional Consolidation.”

On 15-16 November 2025, Tashkent hosted the Seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, marking a new stage in the history of the region. The meeting was opened by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and was attended by the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, as well as the President of Azerbaijan as a guest. The final communiqué announced the decision on Azerbaijan’s full accession to the Consultative Meeting format as a full-fledged member. This decision has opened up new opportunities for geo-economic and strategic cooperation along the Central Asia–Caspian–Caucasus axis.

On the eve of the summit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev published an article titled “Central Asia on the Verge of a New Era,” in which he outlined clear ideas regarding a development model based on shared regional interests, a joint approach to address security challenges, and the necessity of deepening integration processes. The strategic principles reflected in the President’s article - stability, harmony, openness, and mutually beneficial integration - formed the foundation of the summit’s political agenda.

One of the key initiatives of the Tashkent summit was the proposal to set up for the “Community of Central Asian” format. This model envisions the establishment of an institutional basis for regional cooperation and the transformation of the Consultative Meetings into a structure with a permanent operational mechanism. The creation of such an institution is expected to contribute to the formation of a new, institutionalized framework for cooperation in Central Asia.

Economic issues were central to the summit agenda. The President of Uzbekistan proposed the elaboration of a regional trade and economic programme until 2035. This programme includes tasks aimed at creating favourable conditions for the free movement of goods, services, and capital; establishing a unified investment space; harmonizing e-commerce infrastructure; and organizing joint industrial cooperation centres. These ideas are also presented in detail in the President’s aforementioned article, underscoring the strategic goal of shaping the region as a single market.

In the sphere of transport and logistics, agreements were reached on expanding cooperation along the International Trans-Caspian Corridor, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway line, as well as routes linking Turkey and Europe through Azerbaijan.

In our view, these initiatives have the potential to enhance Central Asia’s role as a significant actor on the global transit map.

The summit also devoted considerable attention to issues of water and climate security. The proposal to declare 2026-2036 as the “Decade of Practical Actions for the Rational Use of Water in Central Asia,” as well as the initiative to establish a regional centre of competence in water resource management in Tashkent, represent important steps toward ensuring the region’s environmental sustainability. These initiatives aim to provide sustainable solutions to transboundary water challenges and to develop strategies for climate change adaptation.

In the field of security, the adoption of the “Concept of Regional Security and Stability in Central Asia” and the 2026-2028 risk catalogue establishes a framework for assessing common regional threats based on a unified methodology. Coordinated measures were identified to counter key threats, including terrorism, extremism, cybersecurity, drug and human trafficking, migration, and water-climate challenges. This document is expected to play a crucial role in shaping an interconnected mechanism of cooperation on regional security issues.

In the sphere of cultural and scientific cooperation, the President proposed holding an annual international congress on spiritual heritage and education, as well as adopting a special the UN General Assembly resolution recognising the contribution of the region’s prominent scholars and intellectuals to the development of global knowledge. This initiative aims to shape the region not only as an economic or political entity, but also as a community that strengthens spiritual and scientific unity.

Overall, the Seventh Consultative Meeting in Tashkent outlined new strategic directions for the geopolitical, economic, and cultural development of Central Asia. Azerbaijan’s accession expanded the format and opened new opportunities for logistics, trade, and political cooperation in the region.

The practical implementation of these initiatives will enable Central Asia to become a stable, interconnected, and actively engaged strategic space within global geopolitical and geo-economic processes in the coming decades.

M.Mamajonova

Leading Specialist Information Resource Center

Diplomatic Academy under the University of World Economy and Diplomacy

Distinguished heads of state!

Dear participants of the summit!

I sincerely welcome you at the Seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia.

Welcome to Uzbekistan!

Today is a truly historic day for our fraternal peoples. We are making a principal decision on the accession of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the format of Consultative Meetings as a full-fledged member.

This strategic step fully meets the interests of our peoples, who are firmly bound by a shared history, family ties, spiritual and cultural affinity.

I am firmly convinced that the accession of fraternal Azerbaijan will give the Consultative Meetings a powerful impetus and open new horizons for expanding trade, economic, investment, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation, as well as for developing consolidated solutions on the issues of sustainable development.

In essence, we will build a strong bridge between Central Asia and the South Caucasus, paving the way for the formation of a unified space for cooperation, which will undoubtedly strengthen the strategic connectivity and resilience of both regions.

I would like to sincerely thank all my esteemed colleagues for making this important decision and congratulate President Ilham Aliyev on acceding to the Consultative Meetings format as a full participant.

We welcome the participation of Mr. Kaha Imnadze, Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in this historic summit.

I am confident that in such an inspiring atmosphere today, we will thoroughly exchange views and make crucial decisions on the further advancement of our cooperation.

Dear heads of delegations!

Dear friends!

During the short period since our first meeting, we have traveled a very long way, truly historic in its significance.

Thanks to open dialogue and active joint efforts, we have been able to find effective solutions to a number of pressing issues in our region.

Territorial issues have been finally resolved, border crossings have been opened, mutually beneficial cooperation in the water and energy sectors has been established, transport links have been resumed, favorable conditions have been created for active trade, investment, and humanitarian contacts among our countries.

Today, Central Asia has become a space of dynamic development and fruitful cooperation, which opens up new opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity.

The region is rapidly integrating into the global economy: its investment attractiveness is growing, export opportunities to third markets are expanding, and transit potential is strengthening.

Last year mutual trade among our countries reached $10.7 billion, the total volume of investment in Central Asia increased by 17 percent.

Our countries are taking systemic measures to ensure security and stability, counter the threats of terrorism and extremism, and cross-border crime.

Strengthening solidarity and the commitment to common development contribute to fostering Central Asia's international standing and enhancing its profile globally.

Engagement as part of "Central Asia Plus" formats has intensified. The region is taking a unified position at high-profile international forums. 

Undoubtedly, with the accession of Azerbaijan to our format, our region's voice in the global community will become yet more significant.

Dear colleagues!

During Uzbekistan's chairmanship, more than 20 major events were held to further enhance the potential of our cooperation.

 The Interregional Cooperation Forum was launched at the deputy prime ministers’ level, and meetings of the heads of defense ministries, heads of special services, and ministers of geology, industry, agriculture, ecology, and culture were held for the first time.

The Central Asian Women Leaders' Dialogue was successfully held in Tashkent. 

All of this clearly demonstrates the systematic strengthening of the institutional foundations and mechanisms of regional partnership.

Taking this opportunity, I express my gratitude to all of you for your support in successfully holding the historically important 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, which was held for the first time in our region – in the city of Samarkand.

This unique event is undoubtedly yet another confirmation of Central Asia's image as a reliable and significant partner.

Esteemed colleagues!

Amid complex and unpredictable international political processes, strengthening our unity and mutual support is particularly important.

I am convinced that today we are on the threshold of a historic revival of the region as a New Central Asia.

We have set ourselves the task of further strengthening the institutional foundations of our cooperation and developing a coordinated response to the challenges of security and sustainable development. It is important for us to have a clear vision of what the region should look like in 10-20 years. 

In this regard, I would like to put forward a number of proposals.

Firstly. Further improvement of the mechanisms and legal framework of our engagement is of fundamental importance.

The times demand that we transform our meetings from a consultative format of regional dialogue into a strategic format "The Community of Central Asia." 

To this end, we propose developing a Regulation on Consultative Meetings, providing for the consistent strengthening of the institutional and organizational foundations of the format; establishing a Secretariat operating on a rotating basis; elevating the status of national coordinators to Special Representatives of the Presidents.

Furthermore, based on our values and traditions of public diplomacy, we believe it would be appropriate to create a Council of Elders consisting of renowned public figures with extensive life experience. We believe this will contribute to generational continuity in our countries, as well as
to strengthening regional solidarity and identity.

Secondly. Achieving a qualitatively new level of trade, economic, and investment cooperation remains a priority.

The potential for mutual trade and the overall foreign trade of the region’s countries can ensure at least 1.5-2-fold increase in the medium term. 

I believe measures to eliminate administrative barriers, simplify tax and customs procedures, and promote the joint use of free economic and industrial zones are long overdue.

In our view, the development and adoption of a Comprehensive Regional Program for Trade and Economic Cooperation until 2035, covering the above-mentioned areas, will create favorable conditions for a significant increase in trade volumes.

We believe that in the near future, it is especially important to adopt
a Declaration on a Common Investment Space. This would strengthen the general principles of our investment policy, ensure comprehensive protection of investors' rights, and create the preconditions for the development of a unified investment climate in our vast region.

We believe it is important to fulfill the potential and new opportunities in e-commerce. According to various estimates, the e-commerce market in Central Asia alone could grow to $150 billion in the next decade. 

In this regard, it would be beneficial to develop a Program of Joint Measures for the Development of Electronic Commerce, which will harmonize our approaches and facilitate the creation of virtual trading platforms and reliable digital payment systems.

Thirdly. The joint development of high-tech regional infrastructure and transport and logistics potential is of paramount importance for the future of the region.

We propose to consolidate efforts to implement strategically significant regional projects for the construction and modernization of power plants, transmission lines, highways and railways, border crossing points, green corridors, fiber-optic lines, and others.

In order to strengthen interregional transport connectivity, we prioritize projects such as the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, as well as the Trans-Afghan Transport Corridor.

Trans-Caspian routes linking the region with European countries offer huge opportunities. 

To coordinate work in these areas, we believe it would be appropriate to establish an Infrastructure Development Council at the level of deputy prime ministers of our countries.

Fourthly. The prosperity and well-being of our region directly depend on our efforts to ensure regional security and stability.

I am confident that the Concept of Regional Security and Stability, as well as the Catalogue of Risks and Threats, adopted today will significantly enhance the effectiveness of our cooperation in this area.

The situation in Afghanistan, which directly influences the security and sustainable development of the entire region, deserves special attention.

We firmly believe that Afghanistan's integration into our infrastructure, energy, and transport projects should become an integral part of our overall regional policy.

I take this opportunity to express my special gratitude for your support of the recently held Fergana Peace Forum. We would like to transform this expert platform, which promotes close communication and strengthens mutual trust in our region, into a regular International Forum. 

Fifthly. We should maintain focus on the issues of ecology, climate, and water scarcity. 

The Concept for Green Development of Central Asia was presented at the first Samarkand Climate Forum. We count on your support in adopting this document.

Considering the growing water shortage in the region and its negative consequences for sustainable development, we propose declaring 2026-2036 a "Decade of practical actions for rational use of water in Central Asia."

We believe it is important to actively engage neighboring Afghanistan in the regional dialogue on the shared use of water resources in the Amu Darya basin.

Effective water management is impossible without investment in the professional training of relevant personnel. 

To this end, we intend to establish a Regional Water Management Competence Center under the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers.

As you know, we are hosting the World Water Efficiency Forum in our country next year. We look forward to your support and active participation.

Dear participants!

Expanding cultural and humanitarian cooperation fully meets the shared aspirations of our fraternal peoples.

For millennia, our region has been a center of world civilization, the birthplace of great ideas, and mutual cultural and spiritual enrichment.

Yesterday, we visited the Islamic Civilization Center. This is a unique platform for generating scientific knowledge and ideas, conducting research, and promoting our shared cultural and historical heritage.

We hope that the Center will become a magnet for our youth, their scientific and spiritual enlightenment.

Yesterday Tashkent also hosted the first International Congress
on Spiritual Heritage and Enlightenment. I believe such meetings should become regular. We propose make the Congress an annual event to be hosted by the country chairing the format.

In this context, we count on your support for Uzbekistan's initiative to adopt a Special Resolution of the UN General Assembly dedicated to the contribution of prominent scientists and thinkers from our region to the development of global enlightenment.

We also advocate for the establishment of a Scientific Research Fund. This would enable us to finance interstate scientific projects, stimulate and encourage the academic community, strengthen the region's intellectual potential, and expand our capabilities to implement artificial intelligence technologies to address the priority socioeconomic development challenges of our countries.

Dear friends!

The documents adopted today and the initiatives put forward embody our shared goal of building a sustainable, secure, and prosperous Central Asia.

I would like to especially emphasize that our strength is in unity, our path to success is in friendship and cooperation. 

Only by uniting, building on mutual respect, solidarity and strategic vision, can we achieve our noble goals. 

Dear colleagues!

I would like to once again express my sincere gratitude for your statements, which were open and collaborative, and for the constructive ideas and concrete action plans you put forward.

I take this opportunity to thank everyone for their warm words about Uzbekistan and our people, regarding the reforms being carried out in our country, and our chairmanship.

Undoubtedly, the implementation of all your proposals will make a worthy contribution to strengthening friendship, mutual trust and comprehensive cooperation in Central Asia.

Dear friends!

I take this opportunity to sincerely congratulate the President of Turkmenistan, the esteemed Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on assuming the chairmanship of the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State in 2026, which will be held in the new "Central Asia and Azerbaijan" format.

We stand ready to fully support Turkmenistan's efforts during their upcoming chairmanship and wish every success in this endeavor. 

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This article is available only in Uzbek and Russian.

On November 11, a telephone conversation was held between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

Topical issues of further development and strengthening of Uzbek-Russian relations of comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance in the context of practical implementation of high-level agreements, were discussed.

Special attention was paid to maintaining the dynamics of trade turnover growth, promoting cooperation in priority economic sectors, including joint projects in energy, expanding cooperation between regions, cultural and humanitarian exchange. 

The fruitful results of the second session of the Council of regions between Uzbekistan and Russia held in Moscow region on October 22 this year, were noted with satisfaction. 

The importance of fruitful organization of the upcoming regular session of the Uzbek-Russian intergovernmental commission and joint business-forum, was noted.

The sides also exchanged views on the topical issues of international and regional agenda, discussed the schedule of upcoming events.

   On November 7, 2025, a delegation from the College of Defence Management under the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of India, led by Lt Gen Harjeet Singh Sahi, visited the Diplomatic Academy under the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED).

   During the meeting, the Director of the Diplomatic Academy, A.Khaydarov highlighted the steady development of friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between Uzbekistan and India. The guests were also briefed on the Academy’s structure, educational programs, and international cooperation, including joint initiatives with India’s MERI Group of Institutions, with which a book entitled “India-Uzbekistan perspectives on connectivity between South and Central Asia” was jointly released at the end of 2024. In addition, presentations were delivered on Uzbekistan’s renewed foreign policy strategy and current trends in cooperation in Central Asia.

   The discussion also covered issues related to the situation in Afghanistan, joint efforts to combat terrorism and extremism, the development of Uzbekistan’s transport and communications sectors, as well as the potential opportunities and prospects for further strengthening Uzbek–Indian relations.

On November 6, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, participated in the summit of Central Asia and the United States leaders in the “C5+1” format, held at the White House – the official residence of the President of the United States in Washington, D.C.

The event, chaired by the President of the United States Donald Trump, was also attended by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

The President of Uzbekistan expressed appreciation to the President of the United States for organizing the “C5+1” summit, which over the past 10 years since its establishment has become an effective mechanism for developing regional trade, transport and energy connections. It was emphasized that the current summit marks a new stage in the development of strategic dialogue between Central Asia and the United States.

To further expand cooperation within the “C5+1” framework, the Head of our state proposed a number of initiatives.

Primarily, it was suggested to establish a permanently functioning Secretariat, which would be hosted on a rotational basis among the participating countries.

The importance of creating a ministerial-level Coordinating council on investment and trade was highlighted to ensure a systematic dialogue between government institutions, companies and financial institutions. The launch of the “Central Asian Investment Partnership” Fund was also noted to be relevant.

The President of Uzbekistan also expressed readiness for active collaboration with the United States in implementing major transport, communication and energy projects connecting Central Asia with the South Caucasus and Europe.

It was proposed to establish a Special Committee to effectively coordinate efforts in the field of exploration, extraction, and deep processing of critical minerals, as well as the promotion of finished products in global supply chains.

In order to modernize agriculture in the region with the introduction of American technologies, the creation of a Regional partnership for agricultural technology innovation was initiated.

To strengthen humanitarian ties, the President of Uzbekistan advocated for the organization of a joint exhibition of the cultural heritage of Central Asian countries in leading American museums. 

The Head of our state proposed to hold the next summit in the city of Samarkand.

Other leaders also spoke at the event. 

Following the summit, a number of multilateral documents were adopted.

On November 6, as part of his working visit to Washington, D.C., President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks at the White House with President of the United States of America Donald Trump.

Issues of further strengthening Uzbek-American strategic partnership, enhancing political dialogue, and expanding trade, economic, investment and cultural-humanitarian cooperation were reviewed. Special attention was given to the practical implementation of agreements reached at the highest level in New York in September this year

The President of our country left an entry in the White House Guest Book.

Then, in the Oval Office, the leaders held talks during which they discussed issues related to further strengthening Uzbek-American strategic partnership relations, enhancing political dialogue, and expanding trade, economic, investment, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation. 

Special attention was paid to the practical implementation of high-level agreements reached in New York in September this year.

A thorough exchange of views took place on current global and regional issues, including deepening cooperation between Central Asia and the United States within the “C5+1” format.

The President of Uzbekistan sincerely congratulated Donald Trump on his significant achievements in domestic and foreign policy. His personal contribution and efforts toward the peaceful resolution of pressing international and regional conflicts was especially emphasized.

Donald Trump welcomed the productive outcomes of the meetings and negotiations held earlier between the leader of Uzbekistan, U.S. government officials, and heads of major American companies and financial institutions.

The leaders emphasized the importance of establishing and improving institutional mechanisms to advance joint projects.

At the conclusion of the negotiations, the Head of our state invited the President of the United States to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan at a convenient time.

At the conclusion of the business program of his working visit to Washington, D.C., President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with representatives of leading American companies, investment funds, and financial institutions.

The event was attended by US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Special Assistant to the U.S. President Ricky Gill, Special Envoy to the President Paolo Zampolli, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden, as well as leaders of the American-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and top managers of major corporations such as Traxys, FLSmidth, McKinsey, META, Google, Amazon, Boeing, Air Products, Axiom Space, Cove Capital, Freeport-McMoRan, Orion CMC, Cargill Cotton, John Deere, Honeywell, Valmont Industries, Flowserve Corporation, and many others.

At the beginning of the meeting, the leader of Uzbekistan noted that over the past eight years, trade turnover with the United States has grown fourfold, and more than 300 American companies are successfully operating in our country.

The President emphasized that the current level of cooperation is only the beginning of a new stage, opening up wide prospects for joint work. He noted that during the upcoming meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump, specific areas of economic interaction and new joint initiatives will be discussed.

In his address, the Head of State outlined the priority areas of strategic partnership between the two countries.

By 2030, Uzbekistan aims to establish a next-generation energy system with 18–20 gigawatts of renewable capacity, more than half of all electricity will be generated from solar and wind sources.

In this context, Uzbekistan and the United States will develop the extraction and deep processing of uranium, copper, tungsten, molybdenum, and graphite. It’s planned to build reliable supply chains and implement advanced American processing technologies.

In addition, a large-scale program is being implemented to modernize roads, railways, terminals, and airports. By 2030, more than $12 billion is planned to be invested in the development of transport infrastructure.

Digital cooperation with American companies Google, Meta and NVIDIA is expanding, including the implementation of Apple Pay and Google Pay, creation of a Digital Academy, and a network of startup hubs.

It was noted that the DFC Corporation and the U.S. Exim Bank will be involved in promoting and financially supporting such projects.

In conclusion, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed readiness to personally support investment initiatives of American companies, emphasizing that Uzbekistan remains a reliable partner and a guarantor of success for foreign investors.