Uzbekistan Proposes Creation of Coordination Council and Transport-Logistics Framework in “Central Asia – Russia” Format

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the second “Central Asia – Russia” summit held on 9 October in Dushanbe under the chairmanship of President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. The event was also attended by the leaders of Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.

The heads of state discussed ways to further strengthen multilateral partnership, expand cooperation in political, economic, investment, and humanitarian fields, and addressed key issues on the international and regional agenda.

In his remarks, Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for his consistent support in developing strategic partnership with Central Asia, emphasizing that Russia remains a priority ally for Uzbekistan.

Against the backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions, the Uzbek leader underscored the need for countries of the region to reinforce political dialogue, intensify practical cooperation, and establish effective coordination mechanisms. He proposed holding annual leaders’ meetings and creating a Coordination Council at the level of deputy prime ministers to accelerate the implementation of joint initiatives.

Focusing on economic cooperation, President Mirziyoyev called for expanding trade, developing transport and logistics corridors — including the “North–South” project — and launching the “Central Asia – Russia Agroexpress” program. He also proposed drafting a comprehensive plan to form a unified transport and logistics framework across the region.

Among the key initiatives was the creation of a “Central Asia – Russia” Industrial Engineering Hub in Bukhara to deepen industrial cooperation. The President suggested granting “Innoprom. Central Asia” the status of the region’s main industrial platform for dialogue with Russia.

Addressing the energy sector, Mirziyoyev announced upcoming joint projects on building Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power reactor and a Nuclear Medicine Center, proposing the establishment of a Regional Competence Center for Nuclear Energy and a personnel training program based on the MEPhI branch in Tashkent.

Additional initiatives included the “Central Asia – Russia Energy Partnership Program,” the opening of Skolkovo Innovation Center branches in regional countries, the formation of an Expert Council on Artificial Intelligence, and the creation of a scientific-educational consortium “Engineers of the Future” alongside a grant program for young scientists.

Mirziyoyev also proposed holding an annual Ethno-Cultural Forum of the Peoples of Central Asia and Russia, and called for expanding cooperation in social policy, healthcare, tourism, and labor migration.

On security issues, the Uzbek President urged closer coordination among law enforcement agencies to combat terrorism, extremism, human trafficking, and cyber threats, as well as high-level consultations on Afghanistan to develop unified approaches to ensuring the country’s stability and development.

The summit concluded with the adoption of a Joint Communiqué and a Plan of Joint Actions for 2025–2027 aimed at further advancing cooperation in priority areas.