Mirziyoyev: Transport-related issues persist across the CIS region

The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, today, October 10, took part in the regular meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), held in Dushanbe.

The summit, chaired by President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, was attended by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Russia Vladimir Putin, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, and CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev.

In accordance with the agenda, the participants reviewed pressing issues related to further expanding practical cooperation within the CIS framework. At the beginning of his speech, the Uzbek leader noted that despite the unpredictable developments in global politics and the economy, as well as the weakening role of international institutions, the CIS continues to demonstrate its stability, effectiveness, and relevance.

It was stated that thanks to mechanisms and connections established over decades, the CIS countries maintain close cooperation in all areas of economic, social, and humanitarian development.

’’We are interested in further strengthening cooperation within the CIS and enhancing the effectiveness of practical partnerships with countries that are our natural allies,’’ the President of Uzbekistan said.

Mirziyoyev then put forward several proposals and initiatives aimed at further expanding practical cooperation within the Commonwealth. Taking into account the growing instability of the global economy, the rise of protectionism, and the emergence of new risks to sustainable development, it was emphasized that expanding economic partnership remains an unquestionable priority for the organization.

It was mentioned that Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with its CIS partners increased by 11 percent last year and continues to grow this year as well. Such results are attributed to the deepening of intersectoral cooperation and the growing flow of mutual investments. The President of Uzbekistan proposed focusing joint efforts on the following key areas to fully realize existing opportunities and maintain the current pace of cooperation.

First, it is necessary to create more favorable conditions for increasing mutual trade.

The need to simplify procedures and requirements in the supply of certain goods, primarily agricultural products, and to ensure access to national markets, including participation in public procurement, was emphasized.

It was also noted that within the framework of the CIS Economic Council, it would be appropriate to launch mechanisms for a prompt response to changes in external market conditions and to redirect trade flows when necessary. Attention was also drawn to the importance of accelerating efforts to finalize draft agreements on mutual recognition of documents related to technical barriers and conformity assessment.

Second, it is necessary to deepen cooperation in the field of transport.

’’Unfortunately, within the CIS space, there are still problematic issues that reduce the efficiency of existing transport corridors,’’ President Mirziyoyev said.

According to him, this situation requires the establishment of integrated information and logistics centers for all types of transport.

Taking into account the importance of attracting private investment to modernize freight infrastructure, the President proposed holding a conference in Uzbekistan dedicated to expanding public-private partnerships in the transport sector.

Third, it is necessary to promote the growth of mutual investments and support cooperative projects.

In this regard, it was proposed to develop a ’’roadmap’’ for supporting and expanding special economic and industrial zones, create a CIS Venture Platform to promote innovative startups with the involvement of businesses and deeper cooperation, and hold an Innovative Industry Forum next year in Tashkent within the framework of the ’’INNOPROM’’ exhibition.

Fourth, to develop cooperation in the energy sector.

As the President of Uzbekistan emphasized, major strategic projects are currently being implemented with CIS partners in the use of both traditional and alternative energy sources, including the construction of nuclear power plants.

Mirziyoyev proposed developing and implementing a long-term program for the innovative development of the energy sector in the CIS member states.

Fifth, cooperation in the field of digitalization.

The President of Uzbekistan noted that the international forum titled ’’Development of AI technologies in the CIS,’’ held in Samarkand this August, demonstrated the growing mutual interest and expanding opportunities for cooperation in this area. In this regard, he proposed developing a multilateral action plan to deepen practical cooperation in the digital sphere.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of expanding joint projects and programs in the fields of science, education, culture, and the arts.

’’Considering the rapid development of the education sector and labor market in our countries, we believe it is necessary to prepare a new interstate agreement on the mutual recognition of diplomas, qualifications, and academic programs, as well as to introduce a mechanism for harmonizing professional standards and qualification requirements,’’ the President said.

Uzbekistan expressed readiness to host the CIS Youth forum in Khiva, including on its agenda the issues of developing innovative ecosystems and creating a Youth Laboratory aimed at supporting the creative and intellectual potential of the younger generation in the coming year.

Touching upon regional security matters, President Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of maintaining systematic and close cooperation between foreign policy agencies and special services. He noted that the situation in Afghanistan requires particular attention.

’’I would like to emphasize that Uzbekistan firmly supports the establishment of lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development in Afghanistan. In this regard, we propose considering the possibilities of joint participation in the implementation of major investment and infrastructure projects in this country,’’ the Uzbek leader said. 

In conclusion, Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed his support for the reappointment of Sergey Lebedev as Secretary-General of the CIS and wished success to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan on assuming the chairmanship of the organization.

The heads of delegations from other CIS member states also delivered their remarks during the meeting. At the end of the summit, a package of agreements and decisions was signed, defining the priority areas of cooperation within the Commonwealth of Independent States.