Mirziyoyev Gave a Speech at the “Central Asia - China” Summit

Today, on the 19th of May, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan participated in the inaugural "Central Asia - China" summit in Xi'an and delivered a speech.  President Mirziyoyev emphasized the significance of Xi'an as the symbolic starting point of the Great Silk Road - a vital driver of civilization, interdependence, and development across Eurasia for centuries.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by countries that have overcome the trials of the pandemic, President Mirziyoyev highlighted the global crisis of confidence and its negative repercussions.  Disruptions in crucial transportation and logistics chains in Central Asia, threats to food and energy security, increased risks of social tensions due to inflationary imports, and other issues necessitate closer coordination a practical cooperation among nations, he asserted.

Today, it is gratifying to observe that Central Asia stands as a strong, harmonious, and open region for dialogue and extensive cooperation.  To further enhance coordination and strengthen practical collaboration, President Mirziyoyev proposed several initiatives and suggestions aimed at fostering regional partnerships in trade, investment, transport, and humanitarian sectors, based on a long-term agenda, perspective plan, and defined tasks.

Recognizing the need to develop strategic approaches, comprehensive recommendations, transformative projects, and achieve significant regional and global changes, officials stressed the importance of establishing cooperation between the leading "intelligence" centers of the six countries involved.  As a forum for discussing this matter, it was suggested to host an international conference of experts in Samarkand next year, focusing on the interconnection of national development strategies.

President Mirziyoyev emphasized the creation of favorable conditions for the sustainable development of countries, with a particular focus on effectively combating poverty.  He emphasized that by adopting and implementing a joint program with specific objectives to enhance living standards and prioritize development, particularly in rural areas, their efforts will gain the support of their respective peoples and contribute collectively to achieving the goals of the 2030 agenda.

The President emphasized that expanding industrial cooperation, attracting digital technologies, and fostering innovation can be effectively addressed through direct interregional relations with the Chinese authorities.  To promote practical cooperation and strengthen brotherhood and partnership, Mirziyoyev proposed hosting a forum and exhibition of cities and regions from the six countries in Uzbekistan this year. 

"The development of secure and efficient transport corridors linking China with our region, leading to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, holds strategic importance.  The Trans-Eurasian highway project is a priority in the reconstruction of the Great Silk Road, and the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan highway and railway will be vital components," stated the President.

The first step highlighted was the need to interconnect national programs for transport communication development and establish a long-term unified strategy based on this foundation.  Additionally, special attention was proposed for cooperation on the climate agenda and "green" energy issues.

"Unfortunately, the pace of energy infrastructure development in Central Asia lags behind the rapid industrialization, urbanization, and demographic growth.  This poses a threat to long-term stable development," expressed President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan.

Considering China's technological leadership in solar, wind, and water energy, as well as its available financial resources, Mirziyoyev put forward a proposal for closer scientific and practical partnership in alternative energy.

Furthermore, efforts were made to effectively collaborate in solving environmental problems such as the Aral Bay, biodiversity preservation, glacier protection, soil conservation, and the implementation of water-saving technologies.

The President of Uzbekistan expressed support for China's global initiative based on the principles of security indivisibility a peaceful development as outlined in the Charter of the United Nations.  He highly appreciated the ongoing dialogue on stability and security issues in the region.

"We believe it is important to fully utilize the dialogue group within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and engage in dialogue with neighboring countries of Afghanistan to develop a mutually agreed position and take measures to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in this country," emphasized the Head of Uzbekistan.

The President emphasized the importance of continuing international exchanges, exhibitions, concerts, creative tours, and sports competitions, with a particular emphasis on involving young people in these activities.  As part of these efforts, it was proposed to hold the Young Talents Forum next year.  As part of these efforts, it was proposed to hold the Young Talents Forum next year. 

Concluding his speech, the head of state highlighted that these countries are not only strategic partners, but also reliable friends.  "In today's increasingly conflict-ridden and uncertain international landscape, we stand together, supporting one another, and working towards a prosperous future for our peoples," stated the President.

In this regard, the officials expressed their support for the Chinese side's initiative to regularly convene such meetings to strengthen friendship and partnership between Central Asian countries and China.