Uzbekistan’s President Calls for Expanded Regional Cooperation Centered on Afghanistan
Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, has emphasized expanding regional cooperation with a focus on Afghanistan, stating that the foundation for forming a shared development space in the heart of Eurasia has been established.
On Friday, during an informal consultative meeting of Central Asian and Azerbaijani leaders in Kyrgyzstan, he remarked that current developments demand Central Asia be considered within a broader geopolitical framework.
According to Mirziyoyev, a region that was previously fragmented and lacked coordination is now gradually moving towards a shared development agenda, and Azerbaijan’s presence has extended this cooperation beyond Central Asia’s borders.
The President of Uzbekistan said, “A historic opportunity lies before us to create a common development space linking Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Afghanistan. We must seize this opportunity to establish sustainable relations and good neighborly ties in the heart of Eurasia.”
He also stressed strengthening regional connectivity, boosting economic cooperation, and consolidating long-term relations among neighboring countries.
In recent years, Uzbekistan has sought to play a more active role in regional transit and economic projects. Afghanistan, due to its geographical location, can serve as a communication gateway between Central and South Asia in these dynamics.
