Tokayev Calls for Security, Cooperation, and Economic Growth at Central Asian Summit

Astana, The Gulf Observer: During the VI Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called upon regional leaders to prioritize the Central Asian region as a zone of security, cooperation, and prosperity. The meeting, which brought together key regional leaders, was marked by discussions on enhancing multilateral cooperation and strengthening the economic foundation of the region.

President Tokayev emphasized the importance of focusing all efforts on maintaining a secure and cooperative environment in Central Asia. He highlighted the progress made in recent years, particularly in increasing the volume of interregional trade, which has now reached $11 billion. Tokayev underscored the necessity of further boosting commodity turnover, with a target of reaching $15 billion in the near future.

Addressing the participants, President Tokayev identified large joint infrastructure and transport projects as potential catalysts for economic growth within the region. He pointed to significant initiatives such as the construction of the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant in Kyrgyzstan, the Rogun Hydropower Plant in Tajikistan, and various gas projects in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of developing new transport corridors and other critical infrastructure projects.

“The development of trade-logistics and industrial hubs in near-border regions is of priority importance,” President Tokayev remarked. He also called for the reinforcement of comprehensive partnerships through new agreements in promising sectors such as agriculture, logistics, the textile and chemical industries, and construction.

The VI Consultative Meeting underscored the shared commitment of Central Asian nations to fostering closer ties and advancing regional prosperity through strategic economic cooperation and development. The discussions and agreements reached during the meeting are expected to pave the way for enhanced collaboration and sustained growth in the region.