Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – On 20 July 2022, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov took part in the meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Central Asian countries in Cholpon-Ata (Kyrgyz Republic).

The participants of the event discussed the organizational and substantive aspects of preparation for the upcoming Consultative Meeting of the Heads of States of Central Asia. In particular, the agenda and program of the Summit, draft final documents submitted for consideration by the heads of state were considered and approved.

An exchange of views took place on the current state and prospects of interstate cooperation in Central Asia in the areas of politics, trade, investment, industry, transport, ecology, energy, ensuring regional security and jointly combating modern challenges and threats.

Vladimir Norov said in his speech that today in Central Asia, thanks to the political will of the heads of state, a fundamentally new atmosphere of friendship, cooperation and mutual trust has been formed. The countries of the region share common positions on many international issues and find mutually acceptable solutions even on the most difficult issues.

At the same time, taking into account modern realities, the need was noted for taking decisive steps to strengthen cooperation in Central Asia, developing relevant initiatives and new approaches for a timely response to emerging challenges and mitigating their consequences. In particular, the importance of pursuing a close trade, economic and investment policy, building up direct contacts between business entities and regions, developing the region's transport and transit potential, and effective joint management of natural resources was emphasized. Successful implementation of joint measures in these areas, as noted, will have a multiplier effect for the sustainable development of the entire Central Asian space.

Particular attention was paid to the emerging situation in Afghanistan. The relevance of continuing cooperation in providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people was stated.