Uzbek president calls for greater regional integration with Azerbaijan

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has called for the creation of a common development space linking Central Asia, the South Caucasus and Afghanistan, saying Azerbaijan's accession to the Consultative Meetings format elevates regional cooperation to a new macro-regional level.

Speaking at the informal Central Asia–Azerbaijan Consultative Meeting in Cholpon-Ata, Mirziyoyev said Azerbaijan's participation in the format marks a significant step forward for regional cooperation, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

"We have a historic opportunity to create a common development space uniting Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and our close neighbour Afghanistan. We must fully use this moment and, through joint efforts, lay strong foundations for sustainable development, connectivity, and good-neighbourly relations in the heart of Eurasia," he noted.

The Uzbek leader added that the meeting is taking place ahead of the 35th anniversary of the independence of the Central Asian states.

"Over these years, each republic has gone through its own unique path of state-building, economic growth, and national revival. Thanks to joint efforts, Central Asia, which was once fragmented, is now consolidating in pursuit of a common development goal. At the same time, a complex and unpredictable reality requires decisive action and closer coordination from us," Mirziyoyev remarked.

He also stressed that Central Asia should become a competitive hub for education, science and innovation through the creation of comprehensive infrastructure.

Mirziyoyev further called for a coordinated response to climate change, warning that extreme heat is increasingly affecting both the economy and public health.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov