Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – On 25 June, an expert online conference was held on the topic: “Russia and Central Asia: Efforts after a Pandemic”.

The event was organized by the MSU Information and Analytical Center for the Study of Social and Political Processes in the Post-Soviet Space with the support of the Public Diplomacy Support Fund named after A.M. Gorchakov.

The event was attended by leading experts in the field of economic development, humanitarian cooperation and healthcare from Russia and Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan).

During the videoconference, a thorough exchange of views took place on the prospects for cooperation between Russia and Central Asia in a pandemic, issues and key areas of possible interaction in the post-coronavirus period were discussed.

Opening the first panel session, the deputy director of ISMI under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sanjar Valiev noted that the coronavirus crisis posed the countries of Central Asia and Russia, as well as other countries of the world, complex tasks of a multidimensional nature. State governments need to quickly address a wide range of growing problems and at the same time lay the foundation for long-term development.

In order to give an adequate response to these challenges, joint and coordinated efforts are needed. At the same time, a collective response is required within the framework of regional organizations and formats of multilateral cooperation (Consultative meetings of the heads of state of Central Asia, the CIS, the SCO, etc.).

The expert noted that today around the world there is a tendency of a powerful structural adjustment of socio-economic models. The acceleration of technological modernization is coming, the revision of the organization of global production and supply chains.

In these conditions, the need for reliance on regional partners and traditional markets became apparent. Uzbekistan, within the framework of the upcoming contacts at the highest and highest levels, as well as the planned platforms for cooperation, is ready to present a wide range of practical initiatives aimed at strengthening ties with fraternal neighboring states and strategic international partners.

In the course of this discussion, Central Asian and Russian experts exchanged assessments of the experience gained in combating the pandemic and its socio-economic consequences.

It was stated that the countries of Central Asia were able to avoid the catastrophic development of the situation, which was largely facilitated by the timely adoption of the necessary quarantine measures and the development of post-crisis economic recovery plans.

Participants in the online conference emphasized that at the present stage, the parties need to intensify joint efforts aimed at overcoming the consequences of the crisis.

In this context, a high assessment was given to the dynamics of the interaction of Central Asian countries with Russia. The importance of maintaining a high level of relations and maintaining an intensive exchange of contacts at the highest and intersectoral levels, strengthening trade and humanitarian ties was emphasized.

An important step in this direction is the deepening of cooperation in the medical field and the coordination of measures in the field of health. The countries of Central Asia need to focus on regional cooperation in the production of medicines, tests, vaccines and medical equipment, using the potential available in each country in the region.

According to economists, coronavirus restrictions should not lead to a strong drop in the level of trade relations between Central Asian countries and Russia. On the contrary, the situation may provide an impetus for increasing exports of agricultural and other products.

Participants in the event also noted that the widespread use of digital technologies is a powerful driving force in strengthening relations during the pandemic. Thus, as a result of the suspension of academic mobility, online conferences and online seminars have become a central element of interaction.

This opens up new opportunities for improving the quality of higher education and research, integrating the education system, and also allows the use of open research data.

In conclusion, the participants in the discussion came to the conclusion that it is necessary to work on creating a sustainable and holistic model of the interconnectedness of Central Asia with Russia and other partners. Moreover, the format of such cooperation should be based on a strategic vision for further joint development.