Central Asia on the Threshold of a New Era

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Friday, November 14th, 2025

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Tashkent, November 2025 – Central Asia is entering a historic new phase of unity and cooperation. Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and other regional heads of state, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan are fostering an atmosphere of trust, good-neighborliness, and mutual respect, laying the foundation for sustainable growth and regional solidarity.
President Mirziyoyev emphasized that this transformation is the result of purposeful political will and public demand for closer cooperation. The upcoming Summit of the Heads of State in Tashkent is expected to reaffirm these commitments, advancing the “Central Asian Process” toward a stable, interconnected, and prosperous region.
Political and Diplomatic Milestones
Since the initiation of the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State in 2017, Central Asia has moved from fragmented relations to a trust-based dialogue. These meetings have become the main platform for developing shared approaches to regional security, energy, economic growth, and environmental challenges.
A landmark achievement came in March 2025 with the signing of the Treaty on the Junction of the Borders of Three States and the Khujand Declaration between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, finalizing long-standing border issues. The Fergana Peace Forum in October 2025 further highlighted the countries’ dedication to peace, stability, and regional harmony.
Institutional mechanisms, including the Council of National Coordinators, regular meetings of Security Council Secretaries, and the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborliness, and Cooperation (Cholpon-Ata, 2022; Tajikistan joined in 2025), have strengthened regional governance and coordination.
Economic Integration and Growth
Over the past eight years, Central Asia’s combined GDP has increased 2.5 times to $520 billion, while foreign trade reached $253 billion. Intra-regional trade has nearly doubled to $11 billion, and investments among regional partners have grown 5.6 times. Uzbekistan’s trade with its neighbors alone has tripled since 2016, and joint ventures now exceed 1,800.
Industrial cooperation is flourishing through joint investment funds and cross-border projects in automotive, textiles, electrical, and agricultural sectors. Border trade zones, industrial centers, and new transport and digital corridors are boosting economic interconnectivity and supporting small and medium-sized businesses.
Energy, Water, and Environmental Cooperation
Central Asia has transformed former points of contention into collaborative initiatives. Notable achievements include:
• Kambarata Hydropower Plant-1 (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan)
• Chashma spring agreement (Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan)
• Yavan and Fandarya HPPs and Bahri Tojik reservoir coordination (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan)
• Rational use of the Amudarya River (Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan)
These projects ensure sustainable energy, water security, and fair resource sharing, strengthening regional resilience.
Humanitarian, Cultural, and Youth Initiatives
People-to-people ties are expanding through the Dialogue of Women Leaders, Regional Youth Platform, academic forums, exhibitions, concerts, and sports events. Free movement agreements between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, with similar arrangements planned with Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, have increased cross-border travel, trade, and cultural exchange. Intra-regional tourism now accounts for over 80% of total tourist flows, fostering a shared Central Asian identity.
International Engagement and Afghanistan
Central Asia is emerging as a strong regional actor. Participation in over ten “Central Asia Plus” formats — including CA–EU, CA–China, CA–US, and CA–Russia dialogues — has strengthened its global standing.
Regional stability is closely linked to Afghanistan’s recovery. Projects such as the Trans-Afghan Railway will enhance trade, investment, and connectivity. Humanitarian aid, education, and professional training continue to ensure that Afghanistan contributes to peace and shared prosperity in the wider region.
Looking Ahead: Shared Responsibility and Future Growth
Central Asia faces shared challenges — climate change, energy transition, water and food security, and digital transformation. Cooperation will remain voluntary, results-oriented, and grounded in sovereignty and equality.
President Mirziyoyev highlighted the role of youth as a key driver of progress in a region projected to exceed 100 million people by 2050. “The New Central Asia is not building walls — it is building bridges,” he affirmed. “Our unity, trust, and shared destiny are the pillars of peace, stability, and prosperity for our common homeland.”