Mirziyoyev: Borders that once divided us have become bridges of friendship

Central Asia is entering a new, historically significant stage of its development. This was stated in an article titled “Central Asia on the threshold of a new era” by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, published today, November 13, ahead of the Seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia to be held in Tashkent.

“Today, we are entering a genuine stage of solidarity. For the first time in many years, an atmosphere of mutual trust, good-neighborliness, and respect has formed in our region, serving as a foundation for moving forward together.

This process did not emerge on its own. It is the result of the deliberate efforts and political will of our countries’ leaders, who have realized the importance of our shared destiny and the potential for joint development. At the same time, the growing momentum of this process in an environment of mutual trust demonstrates that regional cooperation, supported by the peoples of Central Asia, has become an urgent and large-scale necessity,” the President wrote.

It is noted that the necessary conditions have been created at the state level to elevate cooperation to a new stage of regional rapprochement. The strategic task now is to turn the agreements reached into tangible benefits for citizens and businesses. Central Asia should become a shared space where decisions are not merely adopted as formal documents but serve to ensure sustainable development across the region and improve people’s daily lives through the joint use of opportunities.

According to the article, the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia — which have, in a relatively short period, evolved into an effective mechanism of regional cooperation and trust-based dialogue — vividly symbolize the ongoing transformation in the region. These meetings have become the main platform for developing common approaches to strategic issues concerning Central Asia's present and future.

“The upcoming Tashkent Summit will mark a new and important stage in jointly building a stable, interconnected, and prosperous Central Asia.

The meeting of heads of state in Tashkent should serve as a continuation of the path we have begun, reaffirming our countries’ commitment to the spirit of mutual understanding and partnership, and bringing about a turning point in deepening regional cooperation,” the article states.

According to the President, the large-scale transformation of the global order, the risks of fragmentation in the world economy, and the growing challenges associated with climate change, as well as food and energy security, have strengthened the drive toward uniting efforts. All these factors require the Central Asian countries to act with greater unity and cohesion. Therefore, strengthening cooperation today is not merely a political objective but a strategic necessity. Central Asia has become an example of a region of stability and progress, where regional interconnectedness serves as a solid foundation for sustainable development and security.

Mirziyoyev also noted that the year 2017, when the Consultative Meeting format was established, marked a turning point in the history of regional cooperation. For the first time in many years, the leaders of the region began a systematic and regular dialogue without external intermediaries. Thanks to the discussions held within the framework of these Consultative Meetings, several long-standing disagreements inherited from the past were resolved, paving the way from mutual distrust to genuine cooperation.

“One of the most important achievements of the new stage of regional cooperation is the final resolution of border issues. The problem, which until recently seemed impossible to solve, has now become a reality. The borders that once divided us have turned into bridges of friendship and cooperation. The signing in March 2025 of the Treaty on the Junction Point of the Borders of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, along with the Khujand Declaration, is a milestone event of historic significance. It can rightfully be called a momentous development.

For the first time in the history of the independent development of our countries, all mutual borders have been legally formalized, putting an end to an issue that for decades had been a source of tension,” the article states.

The President emphasized that the Fergana Peace Forum, held in October this year, became a clear and practical confirmation of the countries’ shared commitment to strengthening peace and harmony in the Fergana Valley, as well as a vivid reflection of the constructive processes unfolding across Central Asia.

“Significant positive changes are also taking place in the water and energy sector, which in the past had been a source of serious disagreements and disputes. The agreement between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan on the joint implementation of the Kambarata HPP-1 project has opened a new chapter in the practice of shared use of the region’s water and energy resources. This serves as a vivid example of fraternal cooperation.

The agreement between Tashkent and Bishkek on the joint use of the Chashma spring can also be cited as an example of wise compromise,” Mirziyoyev stated.

The article highlights that cooperation between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in constructing the Yovon and Fondaryo hydropower plants on the Zarafshan River is advancing. Agreements have also been reached among Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan on the coordinated operation of the Bahri Tojik reservoir during the vegetation season. Within the framework of an intergovernmental agreement with Turkmenistan, consensus has been achieved on the rational use of the Amudarya’s water resources, which is expected to improve joint management of water resources and reduce environmental risks.

“All these efforts are forming a new spirit of cooperation based on trust, mutual benefit, and fair access to shared resources. Such projects open up new opportunities to support economic activity among the population and to strengthen the region’s energy security.

At the same time, significant changes are taking place in border procedures and humanitarian ties. Since September 2023, citizens of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have been able to cross the border using ID cards, which represents an important step toward forming a zone of free movement for people. Similar agreements are being developed with Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. Interregional ties are expanding, cross-border trade volumes are increasing, and humanitarian and cultural relations are being further strengthened,” Mirziyoyev said.