VI Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State Confirms Integration Course

The VI Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia took place on August 9, 2024, under the leadership of Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The meeting, deemed a significant milestone in regional cooperation, emphasized a new era of collaboration characterized by mutual trust and comprehensive interaction.

President Tokayev highlighted the unprecedented level of regional cooperation achieved through these consultative meetings, emphasizing their systematic and trust-based nature. "Through joint efforts, we are resolving longstanding key issues," he stated, noting progress in regional stability, security, border management, water supply, and migration. Economic barriers are being dismantled, border checkpoints are being improved, transport links are being expanded, and new routes are being opened, fostering dynamic trade, economic, and investment partnerships.

Cultural and humanitarian ties are also flourishing, with regular cross-cultural events, exhibitions, and youth forums strengthening regional unity. Tokayev described these meetings as a platform that underscores the region's international subjectivity and unity. "We are shaping a new image of Central Asia as a region of great opportunities, looking to the future," he declared.

Under Kazakhstan's presidency, significant achievements have been made in security, economic partnerships, and gender equality, with joint events strengthening these areas. A notable development is the approval of a Roadmap for regional cooperation until 2027, aimed at enhancing intergovernmental coordination. The signing of the "Central Asia – 2040" development concept reflects a shared commitment to comprehensive regional cooperation.

President Tokayev emphasized the importance of maintaining cooperation amid challenging geopolitical and economic conditions. He pointed to the necessity of political dialogue and confidence-building measures, noting the high level of cooperation demonstrated by recent mutual visits among Central Asian leaders. Tokayev also advocated for increasing trade turnover, targeting $15 billion in the near future, through large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Kambarata HPP-1 and the Rogun HPP.

The President proposed establishing a Business Council of Central Asian countries to further develop the region's transit and transport potential. He underscored the importance of projects like the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and the Trans-Afghan Railway, which promise to improve connectivity and open new markets.

Water and energy resource management was another focal point, with Tokayev advocating for a consolidated water policy based on equitable use and mutual obligations. The potential for multilateral cooperation through joint hydropower initiatives and a Water and Energy Consortium was also discussed.

Kazakhstan is promoting educational and cultural exchanges, with a growing number of Central Asian students studying in the country. Tokayev invited young people to take advantage of Kazakhstan's educational partnerships with universities across the globe, emphasizing the expansion of research universities and technology centers.

In the media sphere, Tokayev called for collaborative efforts to create joint media products that promote regional solidarity and friendship. Proposals for a regional TV channel or news portal were discussed to strengthen media cooperation.

The meeting concluded with speeches from other Central Asian leaders, including President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyzstan, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan, and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. President Tokayev wished Mirziyoyev success as the next chairman of the Consultative Meeting.

Key documents signed at the meeting included a Joint Statement on the results and the "Central Asia – 2040" development concept, outlining the priorities for regional convergence, primarily aimed at expanding five-party interaction and strengthening Central Asia's international subjectivity.

The VI Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia continued in an expanded format. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Kaha Imnadze, head of the United Nations Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, joined the event as honored guests.

At the meeting, Aliyev stated that under Azerbaijan's presidency at COP29, the country is ready to support joint initiatives with Central Asian countries to address climate change challenges in the region. "I have already sent official invitation letters to the presidents of Central Asian countries and look forward to meeting again in Baku in November," the president said.