Director of ISMI Spoke at Atlantic Council in Washington

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISMI) under the President of Uzbekistan, Eldor Aripov, delivered a speech at the Atlantic Council in Washington, one of the leading U.S. think tanks.

The event was held in the context of the C5+1 Summit “U.S. – Central Asia” at the White House. Participants included officials from the U.S. administration and Congress, as well as prominent members of the American expert and analytical community.

Congresswoman Dina Titus (D–Nevada) opened the session with a welcoming address. John Herbst, Senior Director of the Eurasia Center at the Atlantic Council and former U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan and Ukraine, moderated the discussion. The Uzbek delegation was represented by Sodik Safoev, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, and Eldor Aripov, ISMI Director.

In his remarks, Aripov emphasized that the summit marked the recognition of a new political and economic reality: the emergence of a New Central Asia.

“This summit was not just another dialogue. It reflected U.S. support for regional consolidation, the strengthening of independence and sovereignty of Central Asian states, and recognition of a New Central Asia—more cohesive, predictable, and capable of being an effective partner for major world powers,” he said.

He highlighted that the region has undergone one of the deepest transformations in the post-Soviet space in recent years. Uzbekistan’s policy of openness and good-neighborliness, under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has fostered trust and mutual support among countries in the region.

“Instead of competition, there is an understanding that sustainable development is only possible through cooperation. Today, the region speaks with one voice and demonstrates maturity and responsibility in addressing common challenges,” Aripov noted.

The ISMI Director reminded that regional trade has grown fivefold, mutual investments have doubled, and during the pandemic, Central Asian borders remained open for vital supplies—a testament to collective resilience.

He stressed that the summit underscored Central Asia’s emergence as a new center of geoeconomic dynamics in Eurasia, attracting growing attention from major powers due to its strategic location, resources, and rising potential.

“A new architecture of interaction is gradually forming, based on equality, openness, and balanced interests. Central Asia should remain a space for cooperation, not competition among major players,” he said.

Aripov also emphasized technological and educational cooperation with the U.S. as a key area of partnership:

“This is not just about access to advanced technologies, but also investment in human capital—knowledge, skills, and the professional development of our youth.”

In conclusion, he noted that Central Asia is entering a new stage where its voice is increasingly heard on the international stage:

“Our partnership with the U.S. should be built not against anyone, but for something—for development, stability, and prosperity. Today we have a historic opportunity to turn shared vision into shared achievement.”

During the visit, Eldor Aripov also held bilateral meetings with Frederick Starr, Chair of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute at the U.S. Foreign Policy Council; Afghan Nifti, Executive Director of the Caspian Policy Center; and John Herbst, Senior Director of the Eurasia Center at the Atlantic Council, to discuss potential cooperation projects in the near term.