Bakhromjon Aloyev: A new, effective mode of cooperation at all levels has essentially been implemented in Central Asia, allowing for coordinated responses to today’s complex challenges

The 8th Central Asian Expert Forum (CAEF), titled "Central Asia – a common space of trust, security and sustainable development" took place in Tashkent, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

In his welcoming remarks at the forum, the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Bakhromjon Aloyev, emphasized that this expert platform is the first five-party format established within the framework of the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of the region. The first session was held precisely here in Tashkent in 2018.

"Over the past years, this platform has earned recognition as an authoritative venue for the exchange of views and development of proposals on key regional issues", - he stated. "Thanks to joint efforts, significant progress has been made in strengthening mutual trust, political dialogue, expanding trade and economic cooperation, and advancing major projects across all spheres".

Drawing attention to the main objective of the ongoing forum — the development of practical proposals to enrich the agenda of the upcoming Seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, which will be held in Tashkent — Bakhromjon Aloyev noted that this forum brings the preparatory process for this most important regional event of the year closer to completion.

He stressed that since the establishment of the Consultative Meetings, systemic mechanisms for practical cooperation have been rapidly developed. A functional legal and regulatory framework has taken shape, sectoral interagency formats have been established, and the institution of National Coordinators has been introduced. A package of joint agreements, roadmaps, and concepts has been adopted, setting out the key priorities of long-term regional relations. A new, effective mode of cooperation at all levels has essentially been implemented, allowing for coordinated responses to today’s complex challenges. All of this has formed a multifaceted, systemic architecture of regional interaction.

"In a world where the situation is becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable, Central Asia remains a space of stability and sustainable development", - he said. "Today, the region acts as a single subject of global politics — with its own voice, vision of the future, and model of constructive cooperation".

The expansion of international engagement was noted, particularly through the "Central Asia plus" dialogue platforms — their number has increased nearly fourfold in recent years, from 3 to 11, many held at the level of heads of state. It was emphasized that this universal format now unites more than 80 million people from the participating countries and serves as a response to their shared desire to develop together.

The diplomat noted that under Uzbekistan’s chairmanship in the Consultative Meeting format, more than 20 events are planned. Special attention will be given to political consolidation and key sectoral issues essential for stable development.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 10 major events have already been held. These include meetings of security council secretaries, heads of special services, ministers of energy, water resources and ecology, industry, as well as forums on media and youth.

The First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the effectiveness of ongoing efforts largely depends on the quality of expert support and strategic planning.