Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 21 May, as part of the inaugural session of the Termez Dialogue on connectivity between Central and South Asia, Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISRS) under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Eldor Aripov, held a series of meetings with leading experts from research institutions who had arrived to participate in the forum.

Aripov engaged in productive discussions with Edward Markus, Head of the Department at the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation (Finland); Shiri Shiriyev, Director of the Institute of International Relations of the Center for Strategic Studies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan; Basir Feda, Head of Department at the Berghof Foundation (Germany); Svante Cornell, Director of the Institute for Central Asia and the Caucasus (USA); and Zhang Ning, Head of the Department at the Institute of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

During the meetings, the participants highlighted the significance of the Termez Dialogue as a promising platform for strengthening connectivity between Central and South Asia.

Edward Markus emphasized that “enhancing interregional connectivity opens up unprecedented opportunities for ensuring security, stability, and sustainable economic growth. This is clearly demonstrated by the experience of Central Asian countries, whose achievements in multilateral cooperation have not only proven effective but can also serve as a model of interaction for other regions.”

Basir Feda of the Berghof Foundation acknowledged Uzbekistan’s growing role in fostering regional security, with a particular focus on the country’s foreign policy toward Afghanistan. He noted that under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has developed a strategic vision for Afghanistan’s future. Today, the country acts as a driver of peace initiatives and economic development in the region. According to Feda, one of the most crucial achievements has been the consistent integration of Afghanistan into regional processes.

Svante Cornell stressed the importance of reassessing Afghanistan’s role in the region and identifying paths for its meaningful integration into the international community. In this regard, the Termez Dialogue holds special significance and serves as a clear demonstration of Uzbekistan’s diplomatic leadership. “By maintaining balanced and robust relations with all global powers, Uzbekistan occupies a unique position that enables it to promote constructive and practical engagement with Afghan authorities,” the American expert noted.

He expressed confidence that the Termez Dialogue sets a powerful example of partnership based on mutual respect and shared regional interests.

Experts from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences emphasized that the Termez Dialogue represents an important step toward strengthening ties between Central and South Asia, contributing both to regional stability and economic integration. According to them, the dialogue also creates favorable conditions for the implementation of infrastructure projects and the development of transport corridors, aligning closely with the objectives of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

It is worth noting that the first session of the Termez Dialogue was organized by the ISRS, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The forum brought together around 200 participants from Central and South Asia, Europe, the CIS, the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, and the Americas. Delegations included representatives of political and business circles, international and regional organizations, financial institutions, as well as leading experts and analysts from world-class research centers.