By: ATN News & Astana Times-Saniya Sakenova
Astana, Kazakhstan: At the sixth consultative meeting of Central Asian heads of state held on August 9, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to enhancing regional partnerships and elevating Central Asia's influence on the global stage. The meeting, reported by Akorda, underscored Kazakhstan's strategic approach towards fostering cooperation and addressing both internal and external challenges within the region.
President Tokayev articulated Kazakhstan's vision of regional success, stating, "At the national level, we firmly adhere to the formula ‘A successful Central Asia is a successful Kazakhstan.’ I am convinced that our region’s future depends solely on a trusting dialogue and cooperation between our countries, a joint search for adequate responses to all internal and external challenges.”
Highlighting the progress made under Kazakhstan's chairmanship, Tokayev emphasized the critical importance of ongoing regional collaboration. Several joint initiatives have been undertaken, focusing on security, economic partnerships, the role of women in society, and expert interaction. The President lauded these efforts as foundational to the continued development of Central Asia's regional identity.
Roadmap for Regional Cooperation and Central Asia 2040 Strategy
A key focus of the meeting was the forthcoming approval of the roadmap for regional cooperation until 2027 and the Central Asia 2040 Strategy. These initiatives are designed to enhance intergovernmental coordination and solidify mechanisms for regional collaboration. Tokayev stressed the importance of these frameworks in navigating the complex geopolitical and economic landscape, highlighting the significance of recent mutual visits among Central Asian leaders, which have strengthened the bonds of friendship, good neighborliness, and alliance.
In his address, Tokayev urged the presidents of Central Asian nations to concentrate efforts on ensuring that the region remains a zone of security, cooperation, and prosperity. He identified the establishment of a robust economic foundation for multilateral cooperation as an urgent priority.
Emphasis on Economic Partnership and Transit Potential
Economic partnership was a central theme in Tokayev's remarks. He noted the region's growing trade volume, which has reached $11 billion, with a target of increasing it to $15 billion. The President also highlighted the potential of major joint infrastructure projects, including the Kambarata Hydro Power Plant (HPP-1) in Kyrgyzstan, Rogun HPP in Tajikistan, and various gas projects across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
Kazakhstan's leader expressed strong support for the creation of a Business Council of Central Asian countries, emphasizing the importance of further developing the region’s transit and transport capabilities. He called attention to strategic initiatives such as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, the North-South Corridor, and the Belt and Road Initiative, all of which are crucial to enhancing Central Asia's connectivity.
Tokayev underscored the significance of the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway, noting its role as the shortest route to the Persian Gulf countries. He also identified the construction of the Trans-Afghan Railway as a promising project, offering access to South Asian markets. Kazakhstan, he mentioned, is undertaking extensive internal work in the transport and transit sector, with plans to modernize 11,000 kilometers and build over 5,000 kilometers of new railways by 2030.
Consolidated Water Policy and Energy Cooperation
In addition to economic development, President Tokayev advocated for a new consolidated water policy, emphasizing the need for equitable and fair water use across the region. He proposed the creation of a Water and Energy Consortium for Central Asian countries, aiming to digitize water distribution, introduce space monitoring technologies, and promote systematic scientific research.
Tokayev also called for expanded cooperation in education, culture, and human capital development, highlighting Kazakhstan’s partnerships with leading universities and its invitation to Central Asian youth to study in the country. He suggested enhancing cooperation in the information and analytical spheres, proposing the creation of joint media products and the establishment of a pan-regional TV channel or an Internet news portal.
Outcomes of the Consultative Meeting
The consultative meeting concluded with the signing of several important documents, including a joint statement by the Central Asian heads of state, the Central Asia 2040 concept for regional cooperation, and a decision to award Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev with an Honorary Badge from the Central Asian heads of state.
In addition, the meeting endorsed a roadmap for regional cooperation for 2025-2027, an action plan for industrial cooperation among Central Asian states for 2025-2027, and a memorandum of understanding on the development of transport and logistics centers in Central Asia. The delegates also signed communiqués from the first meeting of Central Asian energy ministers and the second meeting of Central Asian transport ministers, further solidifying the region’s commitment to collective progress.
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