The Seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, delivered a landmark outcome: Leaders unanimously approved the accession of Azerbaijan as a full member of the format.
Leaders of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan described the decision as historical and stressed that it officially brings the South Caucasus into the Central Asian cooperation framework, laying the foundation for a broader space of connectivity stretching from the Caspian to world markets.
Azerbaijan’s participation, as it was described, will give the format new momentum, expanding trade, investment, cultural ties, and coordinated development across two strategically important regions.
Seven proposals by Uzbekistan’s President
The Tashkent meeting also focused on strengthening the institutional foundations of regional cooperation.
Proposals were made to transform the current consultative system into a long-term strategic platform—the “Community of Central Asia”—complete with a rotating Secretariat, a Council of Elders, and enhanced roles for national coordinators.
Economic integration remained a central theme as Uzbekistan’s President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, delivered 7 key proposals at the meeting:
1**. Regional integration:** borders reopened, disputes resolved, and regional trade reaching $10.7 billion (more than 9.20 billion euros) with a 17% growth in investment.
2. Stronger institutions: creation of a Central Asian Community, with a Secretariat and Council of Elders.
3. Economy and investment: plans for a 2035 regional trade program, a common investment space, and cooperation in e-commerce.
4. Transport connectivity: joint work on major corridors, including the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and the Trans-Afghan route.
5. Security and Afghanistan: adoption of a regional security concept and support for involving Afghanistan in energy and transport projects.
6. Climate and water: a proposed Decade for Rational Water Use (2026–2036) and a regional water excellence centre.
7. Humanitarian exchange: annual congresses on spiritual heritage and new scientific initiatives.
President Mirziyoyev closed by stressing unity as the foundation of regional success and congratulated Turkmenistan on taking over the chairmanship of the new Central Asia–Azerbaijan format.
Strategic partnership
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev emphasised that these relations have evolved into a strategic partnership, strengthened by active political dialogue and growing economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation.
Aliyev noted Azerbaijan’s expanding role in regional connectivity, citing major infrastructure projects, rapid growth of transit through the Middle Corridor, and new initiatives such as the Digital Silk Road and Caspian energy links.
He praised Central Asian countries for their support “in rebuilding Azerbaijan’s liberated territories” and stressed that shared geopolitical and geo-economic interests now unite the region.
Aliyev welcomed Azerbaijan’s accession as a full participant in the Central Asia format, calling it a historic step that will further deepen cooperation and solidarity.
Stronger regional coordination
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for stronger regional coordination on key issues, highlighting water security, transport connectivity, and economic integration.
He proposed a Central Asian Framework Convention on Water Use, a unified cargo-tracking system, and a comprehensive transport strategy to unlock the region’s transit potential.
Tokayev also emphasised cooperation in rare earth metals, artificial intelligence, and tourism, while welcoming Azerbaijan’s accession to the format and praising the region’s growing unity and openness.
Signing of key agreements
The Tashkent summit concluded with leaders signing a set of key documents that further consolidate regional cooperation.
The heads of state adopted a joint statement outlining shared priorities, endorsed Azerbaijan’s accession as a full participant in the consultative format, and supported Kyrgyzstan’s candidacy for the UN Security Council for 2027–2028.
They also approved the Concept of Regional Security, Stability, and Sustainable Development in Central Asia, along with a Catalogue of Security Risks and preventive measures for 2026–2028.
Visit to the Centre of Islamic Civilisation
On Saturday afternoon, the presidents of the Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, who had arrived in Uzbekistan, visited the brand-new Centre for Islamic Civilisation, which brings together unique artefacts, scientific, educational, and research aspects dedicated to saving and popularising the rich heritage of Islamic civilisation.
They visited the Holy Quran Hall, where one of the greatest spiritual relics of the Islamic world, the Mushaf Usman, is kept, as well as the sections “Pre-Islamic Civilisations,” “The Age of the First Renaissance,” “The Age of the Second Renaissance,” and “New Uzbekistan—New Renaissance.”