President Tokayev Hails Strengthened Regional Cooperation at VII Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Leaders
Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev participated in the VII Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, where he praised the warm hospitality of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and commended the high-level organisation of the summit, the Akorda press service reported.
In his address, President Tokayev welcomed President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, describing Azerbaijan’s accession to the consultative format as a full member as a “historic decision.” He expressed confidence that Baku’s participation will substantially contribute to advancing regional cooperation.
Highlighting the importance of the consultative meetings, President Tokayev said Central Asia is experiencing a period of profound transformation.
“We can say with confidence that the days of closed borders and isolation are behind us,” he noted. “The internal cohesion of the region, achieved through joint efforts, opens up broad horizons for development and international cooperation. The region’s important role in global processes is recognised by the world’s leading states.”
He underlined growing interest in “Central Asia+” formats, citing recent summits with major international partners. Tokayev said the core objectives of such partnerships include strengthening regional stability, ensuring sustainable progress, and promoting prosperity for the peoples of Central Asia.
“Our goal is to consolidate Central Asia’s status as a region of dynamic socio-economic development, comprehensive cooperation, peace and prosperity,” he stressed.
Focus on Rare Earth Metals and High-Tech Cooperation
A key topic raised by the President concerned expanding cooperation in the mining and processing of rare earth metals.
“Our countries possess significant, yet underexplored, reserves,” he said. Tokayev proposed establishing a Regional Research Centre for Rare Earth Metals in Astana to provide investors with accurate and updated information on deposits and technologies.
The President also underscored the growing opportunities offered by artificial intelligence, detailing Kazakhstan’s activities in the AI sector and ongoing cooperation with Uzbekistan.
“To advance our partnership in artificial intelligence, it is important to develop common standards,” he said, proposing the drafting of a Declaration on the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence by the Central Asian States to ensure transparency, trust, data security, and protection of rights within joint digital initiatives.
Cultural, Humanitarian and Tourism Cooperation
President Tokayev reaffirmed that strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties remains a priority. He congratulated President Mirziyoyev on hosting the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand and stressed the importance of preserving shared historical and cultural heritage. He also highlighted promising prospects in cinematography and Silk Road tourism.
Calling for coordinated regional tourism policy, Tokayev supported developing joint tourist routes and proposed advancing a single tourism brand for Central Asia, with an Agreement on Cooperation in Tourism forming the legal basis for a unified tourism space.
He also shared positive impressions of his visit to the Center for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent and backed Uzbekistan’s initiative to transform it into a shared scientific research platform.
Strengthening Regional Stability and Security
President Tokayev emphasised the need to boost the role of the Council of National Coordinators, especially amid global geopolitical turbulence. He welcomed the recent agreements on the state border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, as well as the accord on the junction point of the borders of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—calling them important steps toward strengthening regional stability.
He also highlighted the significance of Tajikistan’s recently signed Treaty on Friendship in the 21st Century.
Tokayev pointed to ongoing regional challenges—terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and transnational crime—stressing that these require coordinated action. He proposed that key work in this area be led by the region’s security council secretaries.
Enhancing the Consultative Format
In concluding remarks, President Tokayev underlined the effectiveness of the Council of National Coordinators and proposed expanding its mandate to include strategic planning for regional development, beyond monitoring implementation of decisions.
He supported Uzbekistan’s proposals aimed at strengthening the institutional foundations of the consultative format and suggested integrating the Central Asian Expert Forum into the regional cooperation system, transforming it into a central platform for research and unified policy approaches.
The meeting took place during President Tokayev’s state visit to Uzbekistan, during which he and President Mirziyoyev also addressed the II meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council, participated virtually in the launch of joint Kazakh-Uzbek projects, and witnessed the signing of several key bilateral agreements. President Mirziyoyev also presented the Kazakh leader with Uzbekistan’s highest state award.
