On June 17, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, took part in the second “Central Asia – China” summit in Astana.

The event, chaired by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was also attended by the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

In accordance with the summit agenda, the participants discussed prospects for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation between the Central Asian countries and China in priority areas, as well as pressing international and regional issues.

At the beginning of his address, the President of Uzbekistan emphasized the key role of President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping in strengthening friendship and cooperation with the Central Asian states and in supporting the region’s sustainable development through concrete projects and programs.

The significant progress made in cooperation within the “Central Asia – China” format since the first summit in Xi’an in 2023 was noted with satisfaction.

In particular, a Secretariat has been established, effective mechanisms for meetings and consultations among ministers and experts are in place, and a legal framework for full-scale cooperation is being developed.

Trade turnover between Central Asian countries and China continues to grow and, according to estimates, is expected to reach $100 billion this year.

“In our view, the development of cooperation within this format is driven, on the one hand, by the profound transformation processes taking place within Central Asia itself, which has become a space of trust, good-neighborliness, and partnership. On the other hand, it is supported by the unwavering commitment of the Chinese leadership to fostering friendly relations with neighboring countries and advancing the global Belt and Road Initiative”, the President of Uzbekistan stated.

The President of Uzbekistan went on to present his vision for the further development of regional cooperation.

First and foremost, it was noted that the current meeting is taking place amid a noticeable deterioration of the international situation.

Growing rivalry leads to heightened tensions, the emergence of new challenges, and threats to security and sustainable development.

“We consider the use of force to resolve international disputes and conflicts unjustified and unacceptable”, the President emphasized. “I firmly believe that all disputes and disagreements must be resolved exclusively through diplomatic efforts – at the negotiating table, based on respect for sovereignty, international law, and the Charter of the United Nations”.

In this context, he highlighted the historical significance of adopting the Treaty on Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation during the summit, describing it as a shared contribution to ensuring regional stability. To build upon this Treaty, he proposed developing a Concept for Long-Term Partnership that would include specific mechanisms and joint projects.

As noted by the President of Uzbekistan, trade, investment, and technological partnership with China are powerful drivers for advancing the socio-economic development strategies of all Central Asian countries.

He emphasized that aligning the region’s growing potential with China’s industrial leadership could create a Common Space of Great Opportunities, supported by effective mechanisms for knowledge exchange and technology transfer.

Practical steps in this direction could include the prompt adoption of a New Economic Partnership Program and the establishment of an Interregional Council on Trade and Investment at the level of deputy prime ministers. The Uzbek side expressed its readiness to host the Council’s first meeting before the end of this year.

To stimulate trade relations, the President of Uzbekistan proposed the establishment of a multilateral trading platform, the Electronic Silk Road, within the framework of the Digital Belt and Road initiative.

He also emphasized the need to create a Regional Center for Industrial Standardization and Certification in Tashkent to harmonize regulations and standards and to certify export products in accordance with Chinese requirements.

Additionally, he suggested the adoption of a dedicated technology transfer roadmap, involving businesses, leading research institutions, and engineering centers.

The President of Uzbekistan also underscored the importance of strengthening industrial and infrastructure connectivity to unlock the region’s economic potential fully. To this end, he proposed developing a long-term strategy titled “Central Asia – China Industrial and Infrastructure Belt”.

The initiative envisions creating a system of interconnected industrial clusters, technoparks, and logistics hubs, involving Chinese investment, technology, and scientific expertise.

Careful attention must also be given to the integration of the energy systems of Central Asian countries and China, including the implementation of a major project to construct a high-voltage power transmission line.

The issue of introducing effective financial instruments to support large-scale regional projects was highlighted as particularly urgent.

“Current international mechanisms certainly play an important role, but they do not fully meet the region’s investment needs. According to expert estimates, the infrastructure investment gap in Central Asia amounts to hundreds of billions of dollars”, the President of Uzbekistan stated.

In this context, the President proposed considering the establishment of a Central Asia – China Development Fund, which could serve as an effective platform for advancing infrastructure initiatives.

Another key priority identified was the development of transport connectivity between Central Asia and China.

It was noted that the launch of construction on the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway represents a critical element of a new transport and transit communications system across the Eurasian space. At the same time, implementing the Trans-Afghan railway project would open up even broader opportunities.

“In the interest of developing a shared vision for this strategic sector, I believe it is necessary to instruct our respective transport ministries to form expert groups for conducting field research, exploring options for modernizing logistics infrastructure, and implementing pilot projects for cargo transportation via alternative corridors”, the President of Uzbekistan proposed.

Based on the work of these expert groups, concrete and well-justified proposals should be developed by the next summit to form a Unified Map of Transport Corridors and Modern Transit Infrastructure.

Highlighting the serious challenges posed by climate change to sustainable development, the President of Uzbekistan called for the acceleration of the adoption of a Green Development Program through 2030, as well as the establishment of an Environmental Alliance for dialogue and partnership in combating desertification, restoring degraded lands, and enhancing bioecological resilience in arid and desert areas.

“I would also like to highlight the opportunities for cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital technologies. These sectors are now the main drivers of long-term growth, defining the competitiveness of national economies”, the President emphasized.

To build a resilient digital infrastructure for economic cooperation, it was proposed to establish a network of mutually integrated big data banks and processing centers, as well as to construct a Digital Corridor, a fiber-optic communication line running along the primary energy and transport routes of the “Central Asia – China” region.

“Our most valuable asset is our shared aspiration for cultural enrichment and closer ties between our peoples. Today’s initiatives, the Facilitation of Mutual Travel and the Cultural and Humanitarian Program, are aimed precisely at these goals”, the President noted.

To strengthen cooperation in this sphere, it was proposed to create a unified digital platform, “Cultural Heritage of the Silk Road”, which would consolidate the historical and cultural resources of Central Asian countries and China. The portal would be accessible to researchers, students, tourists, and representatives of the creative industries.

The importance of establishing a joint scientific and educational platform through the development of a cooperation program in vocational education, the organization of university rectors’ forums, and meetings of heads of academies of sciences and research centers was also emphasized.

Security cooperation remains among the key priorities. In this regard, the President advocated for the establishment of multilateral mechanisms for information exchange among intelligence services and national security councils in the fight against terrorism, extremism, radicalism, drug trafficking, illegal migration, and cybercrime.

“We are deeply concerned by the declining attention of the international community to the problems of Afghanistan, which for us is not just a neighboring country, but an integral part of our shared historical, cultural, and economic space”, the President of Uzbekistan stated.

Highlighting the rich experience of China and the Central Asian states in engaging with Afghanistan, the President of Uzbekistan proposed the establishment of a High-Level Group within the current format to address issues related to supporting Afghanistan’s reconstruction and its integration into regional processes.

Readiness was expressed to host its meeting in Termez, with the participation of Afghanistan representatives.

In conclusion, the President reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to open dialogue and expanding pragmatic and mutually beneficial cooperation within the “Central Asia – China” format.

Following the summit, the heads of state signed the Astana Declaration and the Treaty on Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation.

A substantial package of intergovernmental and interagency documents was also adopted.

Following the summit, a ceremonial launch was held for newly established cooperation centers focused on poverty reduction, combating desertification, educational collaboration, and a cooperation platform aimed at facilitating unimpeded trade.

UzA