Central Asia on the Threshold of a New Era: Programmatic Article by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Ahead of the upcoming Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States in Tashkent, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev published a programmatic article titled “Central Asia on the Threshold of a New Era.”

The article serves not only as an analytical overview of current regional developments but also as a strategic manifesto for a new stage of regional policy—grounded in trust, pragmatism, and shared responsibility for future generations.

From an Atmosphere of Trust to Sustainable Partnership

President Mirziyoyev notes that over the past eight years, Central Asia has undergone unprecedented changes: complex issues—from border delimitation and water management to joint responses to environmental and economic challenges—have been successfully resolved.

Thanks to the political will of all regional leaders, a new model of good-neighborliness has been established, based on dialogue and mutual support. The region, once viewed as a zone of geopolitical competition, is now transforming into a space of cooperation and sustainable development.

“We have succeeded in creating an atmosphere of openness, genuine trust, and readiness for compromise. This is Central Asia’s greatest achievement in decades,” the President emphasizes.

A New Stage of Regional Integration

The article underscores that Central Asia has, for the first time, acquired its own political agency on the international stage. Formats such as “Central Asia Plus” with key partners—China, Russia, the European Union, the United States, South Korea, Japan, and Middle Eastern countries—reflect the region’s recognition as a unified and responsible participant in global processes.

Mirziyoyev stresses that regional interaction must be based on three unshakable principles: sovereignty, equality, and non-interference in domestic affairs. Integration should remain voluntary and pragmatic, aimed at practical results rather than creating supranational structures.

Economy, Investment, and Transport: Priority Areas

The President highlights economic cooperation as a top priority. In recent years, mutual trade among regional countries has increased nearly fivefold. Joint industrial zones are being established, and energy and transport connectivity is expanding.

Particular attention is given to projects developing transport corridors linking Central Asia with South Asia, the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Europe. In this context, the strategic importance of the Termez–Mazar-i-Sharif–Kabul–Peshawar railway route is emphasized, capable of fundamentally transforming the Eurasian logistics landscape.

Energy and Environment: A Green Future

The article outlines the transition toward a “green” economy and shared use of energy resources. The region possesses enormous potential in solar, wind, and hydro energy, and Uzbekistan intends to become a key driver of this process.

The President also highlights the Aral Sea issue, calling it “a global symbol of the consequences of environmental irresponsibility,” and proposes regional cooperation to restore the Aral ecosystem and develop a Central Asian “green belt.”

Humanitarian Dimension: A Shared Cultural Space

Mirziyoyev stresses the importance of building a common cultural and educational identity for Central Asia. He calls for expanded academic exchanges, joint universities, and humanitarian initiatives that strengthen mutual understanding among peoples.

Central Asia, he notes, “should become a region where young people see their future—not abroad, but here, on their own land.”

Afghanistan as Part of the Region

The article emphasizes that Afghanistan is a natural part of Central Asia and that sustainable regional development is impossible without Kabul’s inclusion in shared economic and humanitarian processes.

“We advocate for Afghanistan to become a bridge connecting Central and South Asia, rather than a source of threats and instability,” Mirziyoyev writes.

Responsibility for a Shared Future

The President concludes with a call to preserve the historical momentum of unity and solidarity:
“The processes unfolding in our region are a conscious and irreversible choice. This path requires not only joint efforts but also a readiness to take responsibility for our common future.”

Shavkat Mirziyoyev underlines that the new Central Asia must become a region of peace, creation, and prosperity, where human development is the main priority, and mutual trust forms the foundation of all policies.