Consultative Meetings to be transformed into the “Central Asia Community”

The format of the meetings of Central Asian heads of state will be transformed into the strategic platform “Central Asia Community.” This initiative was put forward on 16 November, by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during the Seventh Consultative Meeting of the leaders of Central Asian states held in Tashkent under his chairmanship.

“It is of fundamental importance to further improve cooperation mechanisms and the contractual and legal framework. The time has come to transform our meetings from a consultative form of regional dialogue into the strategic format of the ‘Central Asia Community.’

To this end, we propose developing a regulation on the Consultative Meetings, which envisages strengthening the institutional and organizational foundations of our format; establishing a Secretariat to operate on a rotational basis; and elevating the status of national coordinators to that of special representatives of the Presidents,” Mirziyoyev stated.

He also noted that, based on the values and traditions of public diplomacy, it would be appropriate to establish a Council of Elders composed of respected public figures with rich experience and high standing.

“We believe this will help strengthen ties between generations in our countries and reinforce regional unity and a shared identity,” the Uzbek leader said.

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, speaking at the summit, expressed support for Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s proposals on strengthening the institutional foundations of the format.

“I believe we can discuss these issues in working order and achieve the approval of relevant proposals either through legislation or contractual procedures,” the President of Kazakhstan stated.

The summit was attended by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as well as Kaha Imnadze, the Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. In accordance with the agenda, the participants discussed further strengthening regional cooperation and implementing joint projects and initiatives in priority areas.

Following the Seventh Consultative Meeting of the leaders of Central Asian states, a joint statement was adopted. In addition, the Presidents signed the following important documents:

– An appeal to UN member states regarding the Kyrgyz Republic’s candidacy for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for 2027–2028;
– A decision granting the Republic of Azerbaijan full membership in the Consultative Meetings of Central Asian heads of state;
– The Concept for Regional Security and Stability in Central Asia;
– A Catalogue of Threats to Central Asia’s Security and measures for their prevention for 2026–2028.