Aliyev condemns Islamophobia, Tokayev addresses gas issue, Presidents gather in Tashkent – Turkic Digest

What was discussed at the presidential meeting in Tashkent? Which initiatives did President Shavkat Mirziyoyev propose? While Aliyev described the Uzbek leader as a politician with long-term vision, Tokayev spoke about plans to increase gas transit volumes. Our latest digest highlights the key events of the week in the Turkic world.

Meeting in Tashkent

Over the weekend, Tashkent hosted another significant meeting. Guests were welcomed on November 15, and a series of meetings took place.

After a state visit to Russia on November 11–12, Tokayev arrived in Uzbekistan on November 14. He became the first foreign leader to land at the newly built “Tashkent Humo” airport.

President Mirziyoyev personally received Tokayev. They held discussions at the airport, exchanging views on strengthening strategic partnership and alliance relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Following this, a formal welcoming ceremony for the visiting Kazakh leader was held. Two national flags were raised, an honor guard was presented, and the national anthems of both countries were played by a military orchestra. Presidents Tokayev and Mirziyoyev inspected the honor guard and greeted the members of the official delegations.

On November 15, official events marking the Kazakh president’s visit began at the Kuksaroy residence. During closed-door talks, special attention was given to expanding mutually beneficial partnerships in energy, transport, chemical industry, agriculture and water management, environmental protection, information technologies, and other key sectors. The importance of enhancing interregional cooperation was emphasized. An agreement was reached to hold the first meeting of the leaders of regional administrations in Kazakhstan in 2026.

The second session of the supreme intergovernmental council focused on ensuring sustainable growth in bilateral trade, diversifying its structure, and creating favorable conditions for businesses.

It was noted that trade exchange has reached $4 billion since the beginning of the year, with a goal to increase it to $10 billion by 2030.

Following the meeting, the presidents attended the inauguration of major cooperative projects. Among them were the Central Asia International Industrial Cooperation Center and the new headquarters of Tenge Bank in Tashkent.

Additionally, the “Silkway Central Asia” multi-sector logistics center, capacities for linear alkylbenzene production, the “Astana” district in New Tashkent, and the construction of “Tashkent” and “Astana” hotel complexes in the capitals were launched.

The presidents expressed confidence that these projects would enhance mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Mirziyoyev awarded Tokayev the “High-Level Friendship” order, highlighting the Kazakh leader’s significant personal contribution to strengthening friendship, close neighborly relations, strategic partnership, and alliance ties between the two nations. Tokayev expressed gratitude for the award and emphasized his commitment to further solidifying relations based on friendship and alliance. Following the signing of several documents, they held a press briefing for media representatives.

Subsequently, the leaders of Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan arrived in Tashkent. Mirziyoyev hosted them at the Center of Islamic Civilization.

Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived one day later, after all other leaders had gathered.

Once all guests were present, the Seventh Consultative Meeting of Central Asian leaders commenced at the International Congress Center.

The summit also included the participation of Kaha Imnadze, head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia.

Mirziyoyev’s initiatives

The construction of the “China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan” railway and the Trans-Afghan transport corridor were highlighted as priority interregional transport projects. The summit emphasized the potential of Trans-Caspian routes connecting the region with European countries.

It was proposed to establish an Infrastructure Development Council at the deputy prime minister level to coordinate work on these routes.

Documents adopted at the summit, including the Regional Security and Stability Concept and the Catalogue of Threats and Risks, were highly appreciated from the perspective of regional security and stability.

Considering the security implications of the situation in Afghanistan and the need for sustainable regional development, the integration of the country into regional infrastructure, energy, and transport projects was deemed essential.

The president also emphasized the importance of turning the recently held Fergana Peace Forum into a traditional international forum. In view of increasing water scarcity in the region, he proposed designating 2026–2036 as the “Decade of Practical Actions for the Rational Use of Water in Central Asia.”

It was stressed that actively involving neighboring Afghanistan in regional dialogue on the joint use of Amu Darya water resources is appropriate. The president also congratulated the Turkmen leader for accepting the chairmanship of the 2026 Consultative Meeting of Heads of State in the new “Central Asia and Azerbaijan” format.

The summit concluded with a joint statement. In addition, presidents signed key documents on Kyrgyzstan’s candidacy for temporary UN Security Council membership in 2027–2028, Azerbaijan’s participation as a full member in the Consultative Meeting of Central Asian leaders, the regional security and stability concept, a catalogue of threats to Central Asian security, and measures for 2026–2028 to prevent them.

Plans to increase gas transit

In his Tashkent speech, Tokayev highlighted the success of the joint Russia–Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan gas project and announced plans to expand gas transit volumes.

“The Russia–Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan gas project is showing successful results. Through joint efforts, we intend to increase gas transit. In addition, there are good prospects for expanding cooperation in oil and nuclear industries,” the Kazakh president’s press service quoted him as saying.

In June 2023, Uzbekistan signed a gas supply contract with Gazprom, with deliveries beginning in October. On October 16, the Russian government announced that Gazprom continues to fulfill its contract to supply Uzbekistan with 7.7 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year, noting the significant potential to increase supply, including liquefied natural gas.

Uzbekistan welcomes Kyrgyz President

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov expressed gratitude to President Mirziyoyev for his warm reception and hospitality and congratulated Uzbekistan on the successful holding of the 43rd UNESCO General Assembly session in Samarkand. He said he always comes to Uzbekistan with a special feeling.

“First of all, I sincerely thank President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for the traditional warm welcome and hospitality. We always come to Uzbekistan, which truly reflects Central Asia’s harmony, with a special feeling,” Japarov said.

He highlighted the importance of strengthening economic cooperation in the region. Last year, direct foreign investments in Kyrgyzstan from Central Asian states increased by 15 percent, reaching $135 million. In the past three years, Kyrgyzstan’s trade turnover with the region grew by 28 percent, totaling $1.7 billion from January to August this year, a 14 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Japarov also focused on developing transport infrastructure, emphasizing the strategic importance of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, which creates a new transport artery, shortens logistics routes, and opens access to major Asian and European markets. He noted that the Zangezur corridor project is a logical and strategic continuation of the railway, strengthening regional transport connections.

Tokayev’s impressions

Kazakh President Tokayev supported Mirziyoyev’s proposals at the Seventh Consultative Meeting of Central Asian leaders.

“In the context of global changes, our countries have a unique opportunity to transform the region into a key Euro-Asian transport and logistics hub, as President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has just confidently explained,” he said.

Tokayev congratulated Mirziyoyev on the successful UNESCO conference in Samarkand, noting its importance.

“It is particularly important today to strengthen the regional identity based on our peoples’ unique historical and cultural heritage. Yesterday we visited the Center of Islamic Civilization, a magnificent and unique structure. It is truly a scientific, tourist, and ethnocultural project,” he added.

The Kazakh leader also endorsed Mirziyoyev’s vision for the Tashkent Center of Islamic Civilization to become a shared space for scientific research.

“I support the Uzbek president’s proposals to strengthen the institutional foundations of our format. I believe that through working discussions we can review these issues and formalize agreements through legislation or contracts,” Tokayev said.

Leader with long-term vision

President Ilham Aliyev praised Mirziyoyev for his long-term vision, recognizing him as a forward-looking leader.

“First, I sincerely thank President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for the invitation to participate in the Seventh Consultative Meeting of Central Asian leaders and for Uzbekistan’s traditional hospitality. Under his wise leadership, Uzbekistan is progressing confidently on a path of development and construction,” Aliyev said.

According to Aliyev, Mirziyoyev’s high international standing, effective economic reforms, and large-scale projects in industry, transport, and agriculture have positioned Uzbekistan as a regional leader.

“Thanks to the president’s daily dedication, Uzbekistan has become one of the world’s leading sporting nations, as demonstrated in the recent Summer Olympics. Mirziyoyev is not only a wise statesman but also a person who has greatly contributed to developing Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan relations,” he added.

Aliyev emphasized that Mirziyoyev is respected and loved in Azerbaijan for his concrete actions and genuine care for the Azerbaijani people.

“President Mirziyoyev clearly understands the need for closer cooperation between Central Asia and Azerbaijan. Once again, I sincerely thank him for everything,” Aliyev said.

The Azerbaijani leader also highlighted the visit to the Center of Islamic Civilization, noting that the initiative reflects Mirziyoyev’s commitment to preserving Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage.

“In a time when attacks on our religion are intensifying in some countries and Islamophobia is becoming systematic, the opening of the Center of Islamic Civilization demonstrates to the world that Islam is a religion of creativity, tolerance, friendship, and brotherhood. Distinguished figures of the Islamic world have made significant contributions to global science and culture, and the center clearly showcases this. I am confident that the magnificent Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, with its unique exhibitions, will become a source of pride for the entire Islamic world,” Aliyev said.

After the meetings concluded, the state leaders were seen off by President Mirziyoyev.