Mirziyoyev proposes development of “Central Asia–Russia Energy Partnership” program

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forward a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening strategic partnership, expanding economic cooperation, and jointly ensuring regional stability at the second summit of the “Central Asia–Russia” format held in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, on October 9.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev:

•  proposed the establishment of a Coordination Council at the level of deputy heads of government to accelerate the implementation of jointly adopted decisions and projects;
•  proposed the launch of the “Central Asia–Russia Agroexpress” project to increase trade turnover and facilitate the delivery of agricultural products;
•  put forward an initiative to develop a Transport and Logistics Framework for the participating countries to harmonize national programs in road, rail, and air communications;
•  proposed the establishment of a “Central Asia–Russia” industrial engineering hub in the city of Bukhara to develop and implement advanced engineering solutions;
•  proposed granting the exhibition forum “Innoprom. Central Asia” in Tashkent the status of the region’s main industrial and innovation platform;
•  proposed the establishment of a Regional Competence Center in nuclear energy in Uzbekistan and the adoption of a Personnel Training Program based on the Tashkent branch of the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute;
•  proposed developing a comprehensive “Central Asia–Russia Energy Partnership” program, as well as expanding cooperation in hydrocarbon exploration and processing, the introduction of energy-saving and green technologies;
•  proposed creating a Regional Expert Council on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies, along with opening branches of the Skolkovo Innovation Center in the region’s countries;
•  proposed forming a consortium called “Engineers of the Future” to unite the potential of leading universities and research centers in Central Asia and Russia, and establishing a Special Grants Program for young researchers and scientists;
•  proposed organizing an annual festival of culture, art, and creativity of the peoples of Central Asia and Russia — the Ethnocultural Forum;
•  emphasized the importance of joint measures to combat terrorism, extremism, cyber threats, and human trafficking, and proposed holding high-level consultations on Afghanistan.

The Uzbek leader stressed that cooperation with Russia in the energy sector remains a key factor for regional stability. Currently, strategic projects on the development of gas pipelines and energy infrastructure are being implemented.

“A historic event will take place these days — the launch of joint projects for the construction of the first reactor of the nuclear power plant and a multi-sector nuclear medicine center to be built in Uzbekistan,” the President said.

It was also proposed to strengthen scientific and practical cooperation in this field by establishing a regional competence center for atomic energy in Uzbekistan and adopting a training program based on the Tashkent branch of the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute. The intention to expand cooperation in hydrocarbon exploration and processing, modernization of the power industry, and introduction of energy-efficient solutions was reaffirmed.

The event, chaired by President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, was attended by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Tomorrow, October 10, a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS will be held in Dushanbe. It will be attended by the leaders of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. The meeting will begin with a closed session attended only by the heads of state and CIS Secretary General Sergei Lebedev, followed by an expanded session at midday, during which Sergei Lebedev and Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova will deliver speeches.

At the summit, the heads of state are expected to discuss the establishment of a new format, “CIS+,” which envisages the inclusion of third countries — a system similar to those used by BRICS and the SCO. During his speech, Vladimir Putin invited CIS leaders to an informal meeting in St. Petersburg, traditionally held at the end of December. The exact date has not yet been determined.