Rashid Alimov: Once regarded as a "dead-end region," Central Asia today is at the center of attention of the international community

On August 18-19, Tashkent is hosting a high-level meeting between Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Europe under the motto "Cooperation for Common Development" In an exclusive interview with "Dunyo" information agency Rashid Alimov, former Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and participant in the event representing Tajikistan, shared his insights on the conference.

– Today’s forum serves as an important platform for discussing promising directions in strategic cooperation. Moreover, this event can undoubtedly be viewed within the context of the ongoing rapprochement and long-term strategic partnership efforts being advanced by the leaders of the Central Asian states and the European Union.

The participation of former presidents, prime ministers, renowned public figures from the European Union, as well as other distinguished representatives at the forum, underscores the serious attention being paid to the region’s role in global geopolitical processes.

The choice of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, as the venue for the meeting is by no means accidental. This selection can be seen as a recognition of the country’s policy of openness and effective reforms implemented over the past eight years. As one of the five landlocked countries in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is gradually becoming a pivotal hub that can bring closer global trade routes across the entire region.

Notably, Uzbekistan’s significant progress in the economic and social spheres has come as an unexpected development for many, especially given that it borders two other landlocked states. This remarkable advancement is undoubtedly a result of the wise and forward-looking policies pursued by the country’s leadership, particularly under the esteemed President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The development formula proposed by your President, which benefits all Central Asian countries, is now yielding positive results. This formula is not just the movement of a single "locomotive," but rather the collective progress of the entire "train" – that is, the unified advancement of the entire region.

The upcoming meeting of the Central Asian heads of state in Tashkent this year has attracted considerable attention. Although initially met with skepticism, this format has now demonstrated effectiveness comparable to official mechanisms of international organizations. This serves as a vivid example of the region’s strategic mindset and its capacity for long-term vision.

Geographically surrounded by mountains and rivers, Central Asia was once considered a "dead-end" region. Today, however, it stands at the center of global attention. The existence of at least ten cooperation formats effectively engaging major partners such as the European Union confirms this shift.

The reforms and policy of openness underway in Uzbekistan bear many similarities to the economic reforms initiated in China 45 years ago. Once a poor country beset by internal challenges, China has today become one of the world’s leading economic powers. Similarly, Uzbekistan is rapidly developing. At the heart of this transformation is leadership that trusts its people, possesses long-term vision, and maintains a careful balance in both domestic and foreign policy.

This country has not isolated itself from the world; on the contrary, it has oriented itself towards regional and international cooperation. While Central Asia’s "locomotive" may not move swiftly, the most important thing is that it does not stop moving. These words have become a fundamental principle underpinning sustainable development in the region today.

The current forum brings together heads of state and government—seasoned individuals whose experience and knowledge can chart new directions for development. Throughout the discussions, they reaffirm the belief in a prosperous future for Central Asia. Despite existing challenges such as climate issues, transportation infrastructure, and population growth, all of these problems have solutions.

Most importantly, these solutions must be beneficial to all countries and ensure sustainable development. In this regard, Uzbekistan can serve as the most appropriate platform. The address delivered by the President of Uzbekistan to the forum participants provided clear direction for the event’s discussions.

Furthermore, the assessments expressed by Maria Fernanda Espinosa, former President of the United Nations General Assembly, once again confirmed the depth and impact of your country’s leader’s address. As emphasized in the address, today’s discussions are not merely about establishing new connections. Rather, they focus on restoring and strengthening the economic and spiritual ties that have existed for centuries between Europe and Central Asia.

Therefore, I believe it is crucial to elevate dialogue and cooperation to a new level based on a foundation of modern technologies. Above all, this will serve to strengthen mutual understanding and trust among nations.