For centuries, the Central Asian region has acted as a single geopolitical and spiritual space, possessing significant natural resources, powerful human capital, and a rich cultural and historical heritage.

I. COMMON DEVELOPMENT GOALS

The symbiosis of nomadic and settled ways of life became not only the basis of the region’s economic system, but also predetermined the formation of its own political and legal culture, its own system of values, which was distinguished by a high degree of tolerance and resistance to all kinds of changes. In the vastness of Central Asia, empires were created and collapsed, political and economic models evolved, but their unique identity was invariably preserved. From time immemorial, our peoples have interacted harmoniously with various civilizations.

It is thanks to this that the region played a key role in the history of the Great Silk Road and greater Eurasia as a whole, while maintaining its ethnocultural and spiritual identity.

At the stage of the modern history of development, our states have gone through many trials and difficulties. Pessimistic forecasts that the Central Asian republics will join the group of so-called “failed states” have not been confirmed.

The states of the region have proven their worth and taken their rightful place in the international community.

Thanks to the unity and wisdom of our peoples, we have strengthened our territorial integrity, freedom and independence.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that today each country in the region has accumulated its own unique experience in state building, development of a market economy, restoration of cultural heritage, and formation of national identity.

Public and state institutions have been modernized. A developed infrastructure and industry have been created, thousands of kilometers of new railways and roads have been laid, and important social facilities have been built. Our course towards openness and renewal has ensured the progressive growth of national economies and integration into world economic relations.

The systematic development of education, health care and pension systems has led to a significant improvement in the socio-economic situation of the population.

Interstate relations within the region have also undergone dramatic changes. Constructive bilateral and multilateral dialogues have been established between the countries at all levels, and mutually beneficial cooperation is developing.

Progress in resolving problematic issues, which previously often led to contradictions and hampered the comprehensive development of regional cooperation, is of fundamental importance.

Success in finding mutually beneficial solutions in the water and energy sector deserves high praise. Favorable conditions are being created for the gradual advancement of issues of delimitation of state borders, improving the work of border checkpoints, expanding transport links, launching new routes and facilitating mutual travel of citizens.

The processes of rapprochement aimed at combining efforts in the name of ensuring long-term security and prosperity of the region have become consistent and irreversible.

Today, relations between the five states have reached the level of in-depth strategic partnership and alliance, filled with specific content in both the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.

The Central Asian states were able to develop their own pragmatic strategy for foreign policy relations, which created a stabilizing balance of intercountry and interregional interests and allowed us to become full participants in global processes.

“Central Asians,” strengthening the status of peace-loving states, actively promote their ideas and projects in multilateral structures, are the founders of such successful and influential organizations as the CIS, SCO, CICA, ECO, EAEU, UTC and others.

All this allows us to speak with confidence about the “Central Asian Five” as a group of steadily developing and self-sufficient countries in the very heart of the Eurasian continent.

There is no doubt that the common historical past, centuries-old traditions of friendship and good neighborliness will continue to serve as an unshakable basis for the rapprochement of our fraternal peoples.

II. THE ROLE OF THE REGION IN A NEW STEP OF DEVELOPMENT

Thanks to their geographical location, the states and peoples of Central Asia have for centuries contributed to mutual cultural enrichment and the establishment of intercivilizational dialogue on the continent. They made a significant contribution to the preservation of peace and mutual understanding. Today, Central Asia continues to successfully fulfill this noble and responsible mission.

Our states hold similar views on issues such as global sustainable development, ensuring global security and stability, provide each other with support within regional and international structures, co-sponsoring important resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly.

The increase in the political weight of Central Asia as a subject of international politics is also indicated by the emergence of new dialogue platforms in the “Central Asia Plus” format.

To date, nine summits and summits have been held in this format. Over the past two years, the first summits of “Central Asia – Russia” (Astana), “Central Asia – China” (Xi’an), “Central Asia – USA” (New York), “Central Asia – Germany” (Berlin), and two meetings of the heads of state of Central Asia were held and the European Union (Astana, Cholpon-Ata), the first “Central Asia – GCC” summit (Jeddah), as well as “Central Asia – India” (online). This year the first “Central Asia – Japan” summit will be held in Astana.

We note that other countries, as well as international organizations, are also showing interest in interaction in this format. Thus, an important step has been taken towards consolidating the region’s subjectivity on the world stage.

The vector of development of Central Asia is commitment to traditional values ​​coupled with the desire for modernization and advanced knowledge. This makes our region a self-sufficient and influential participant in the renewed international system. Today we are aimed at strengthening our role as the Eurasian epicenter of international geopolitical and geo-economic transformations.

Growing economic weight, openness to innovation and intellectual potential create the prerequisites for the transformation of the region into one of the drivers of the modern world order. Moreover, our states have all the resources and capabilities for this.

Particularly noteworthy is the consolidation of efforts within the framework of joint participation in regional projects with external partners for the comprehensive promotion of common positions on dialogue platforms.

I am convinced that the time has come to position Central Asia not only as a link between Asia and Europe, but also as a separate regional actor in international relations, capable of becoming a new center of global gravity.

III. NEW FORMAT OF INTERACTION

It is obvious that the next decade will be decisive for our region, and it depends only on us how effectively we will use this historic chance.

In the context of global geopolitical turbulence, we have created a space of trust and common indivisible security in the region, removed barriers to regional cooperation, and created the foundation for bringing our multifaceted cooperation to a qualitatively higher level.

Kazakhstan has established allied relations with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, and is systematically expanding its strategic partnership with Turkmenistan.

The desire of our peoples for rapprochement is also evidenced by the intensification of contacts at almost all levels. Mutual visits and meetings of heads of state are regular, which gives impetus to deepening interparliamentary, intergovernmental and interdepartmental ties.

Active political dialogue and good will have become the most important consolidating factor in the development of five-way interaction.

The states of the region have formed a unique Central Asian format of cooperation, based on such fundamental principles as mutual respect for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of possible disagreements.

Five Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia were held: in Astana, Tashkent, Turkmenbashi, Cholpon-Ata, Dushanbe. Their results, without exaggeration, deepened and expanded regional cooperation, brought it to an unprecedented level, giving integration processes a progressive, systemic and, most importantly, continuous nature.

At the first meeting in Astana in 2018, the main directions of interaction between the five countries of the region were identified. As a result, contacts in the field of ensuring regional security intensified.

During their second meeting in Tashkent in 2019, Central Asian leaders came up with a number of far-reaching initiatives to promote regional cooperation. In particular, Kazakhstan took the initiative on the need to sign the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborhood and Cooperation for the development of Central Asia in the 21st century and to hold regular meetings of the secretaries of the security councils of the countries of the region. An important result, undoubtedly, was the adoption of the Regulations for holding summits.

The agenda of the third summit in Turkmenbashi in 2021 has become very busy. The heads of state initiated the convening of the Interparliamentary and Youth Forums and the creation of the Business Council. The approval of the symbols of the Consultative Meetings was significant.

The main political results of the fourth meeting in Cholpon-Ata in 2022 were the beginning of the procedure for signing the five-party Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborhood and Cooperation for the Development of Central Asia in the 21st Century, as well as the approval of the Green Agenda Program for Central Asia and the Concept of interaction within the framework of multilateral formats.

At the fifth anniversary meeting in Dushanbe in 2023, the first step was taken towards institutionalizing the format of the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia. The leaders of the countries decided to establish a Council of National Coordinators (for the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia).

On the sidelines of the sixth Consultative Meeting in Astana, meetings of heads of transport departments will be further developed, the first meeting of energy ministers will take place, as well as a meeting of ministers and officials on media and information issues of the states of the region.

Overall, regular high-level meetings have given significant impetus to joint work in all areas. First of all, this is served by the adoption of “road maps” for the development of regional cooperation, which lay out measures to strengthen practical interaction.

As a result, trade, economic and business ties have significantly intensified in the region.

In a short period by historical standards, Central Asia has turned into an area of ​​mutually beneficial cooperation with dynamically developing trade, investment, transport and communication potential.

Over the past five years (2018–2023), the volume of mutual trade has almost doubled – from $5.7 billion to $11 billion. At the end of last year, domestic trade turnover increased by almost 25%. At the same time, Kazakhstan’s trade with Central Asian countries last year increased by 26.8%, reaching $8 billion.

Joint large projects not only bring tangible benefits to their participants, but also change the entire configuration of the Central Asian economy.

An important area of ​​cooperation is the development of a network of trade, logistics and industrial hubs in border areas, which can become new drivers of mutual trade and joint investment activities.

The implementation of the transport and logistics potential of our countries is acquiring strategic importance. This area is intended to become a new reference point for the rapid development of the region.

Much attention is paid to the creation of joint ventures in the fields of industry, energy, agriculture, transport and digitalization, which act as local growth points. An important step in this direction will be the approval this year of the Action Plan for the development of industrial cooperation among Central Asian states.

IV. GENERAL VISION OF PROSPECTS FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION

The previous summit in Dushanbe once again confirmed that the processes of consolidating the efforts of all five states in the name of transforming our “common home” give a powerful impetus to the transformation of Central Asia into an economically developed and prosperous region.

In this regard, the upcoming Astana meeting is intended to open a new chapter in the development of the states of the region for the next five-year period (2024–2028).

Today, in the context of deglobalization, intraregional interaction between the countries of Central Asia is acquiring great relevance both for its self-preservation as a special civilizational area and for stabilizing the region as an integral organism. The unifying principle should be the complementarity of the five states, conditioned by the historical and cultural commonality of our countries and peoples.

As the great al-Farabi said: “The whole earth will become virtuous if peoples help each other to achieve happiness.”

At the new stage of development, we are faced with a number of significant goals and objectives, the solution of which will determine the fate of the region and the peoples living here.

FIRST.  Maintaining peace and stability not only in Central Asia, but also in neighboring regions as a key condition for long-term development and progress.

One of the priority aspects of Kazakhstan's foreign policy is the desire for balance. We always adhere to the principle of "Peace First".

As a responsible participant in the world community, Kazakhstan stands for strict adherence to the principles of international law, respect for sovereignty and the inviolability of borders.

I can say with confidence that there are many countries that share Kazakhstan’s point of view. The positions of many countries are complementary and aimed at creating a fair, predictable world order. In our turbulent times, this is a reliable foundation on which to build a constructive vision of the future.

Against the backdrop of the continuing difficult military-political situation along the perimeter of Central Asia, there is a need for cooperation in the field of defense policy and security.

The creation of a regional security architecture, including through the development of a Catalog of Security Risks for Central Asia and measures to prevent them, is of particular relevance.

The key priorities of the states of the region are the formation of an indivisible security space in Central Asia, the search for comprehensive approaches to solving key issues in the fight against traditional and new threats, the development of response and prevention measures, as well as active interaction with the UN and other international and regional organizations in this area.

SECOND.  Further development of economic potential, deepening cooperation ties.

The constant task of our countries, of course, remains the formation of a solid economic basis for multilateral cooperation.

Today, thanks to the joint efforts of the countries of the region and its powerful economic potential, Central Asia is becoming an area of ​​great opportunities in trade, investment, science and innovation.

The total territory of our states is 3,882,000 square meters. km, population - more than 80 million people, total gross domestic product reaches 450 billion dollars. The region contains about 20% of the world's uranium reserves, 17.2% of oil, and 7% of natural gas. In terms of coal production and electricity generation, Central Asia ranks 10th and 19th in the world, respectively.

The complementarity of our economies allows us to ensure their resistance to external shocks and diversify trade and production cycles. This process can be facilitated by the effective implementation of joint economic projects.

An important task is the technological development of our economies. It is necessary to gradually move away from resource dependence. In this context, digitalization and the creative industry, which cover media, cinema, music, design, education, and the field of information technology, can become points of economic growth. The countries of the region have good potential for creating joint projects in this direction.

The boom of the digital and creative industries will contribute to a consistent transition from a resource-based economy to smart manufacturing.

I am convinced that Central Asian economic cooperation may well become, if not the main, then at least one of the key sources of growth for our national economies.

THIRD.  The region has every opportunity to become one of the most important transport, logistics and transit hubs on the planet.

Central Asia is rapidly becoming a key link in global transport communications. First of all, this is the promising Chinese project “One Belt, One Road” and the international transport corridor “North-South”, in which all countries of the region are involved to one degree or another.

Today, our states are promoting other promising ideas for the formation of new transport corridors.

Kazakhstan, together with its partners, is actively developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), traffic volumes along which can be increased fivefold in the medium term.

New opportunities are opening up in connection with the development of the maritime infrastructure of Kazakhstan - the ports of Aktau and Kuryk, through which increasing volumes of cargo pass from China, Central Asian countries to the South Caucasus, Turkey and further to Europe.

Transport corridors being developed through the territory of Afghanistan will provide access to the promising markets of South Asian countries and the ports of the Indian Ocean. This is in the interests of the entire region.

By uniting and expanding cooperation in the field of transport within Central Asia and with countries beyond its borders, we will be able to achieve many of our goals.

For the coming period, the key areas of interaction between our countries in the transit and transport sector should be a comprehensive improvement of transport links (increasing the frequency of flights, launching new air and railway routes, modernizing border crossings, and so on); ensuring rapid development of transport infrastructure with the introduction of innovative technologies; expansion of transit opportunities and effective use of the region’s transit and logistics potential.

FOURTH.  Development of common approaches to ensuring water, energy and food security.

The problem of water shortage, which in recent years has affected almost all countries of the region, has a negative impact on the socio-economic situation of farmers and leads to serious economic damage for the population.

In this context, I would like to emphasize the exceptional role of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea as a unique regional platform for discussing and solving the most important water, energy, environmental and socio-economic problems.

As the current chairman of IFAS, Kazakhstan proposed to intensify cooperation within the Fund, as well as jointly begin to create an International Water and Energy Consortium, in which it is also important to include a food component, since the water issue is inextricably linked to the food security of the region. Our country traditionally stands for a constructive and open dialogue to resolve these issues.

The energy projects of the century for the entire region could be the construction of the Kambarata HPP-1 in Kyrgyzstan and the Rogun HPP in Tajikistan. The construction of these facilities will bring a multiplier effect for all parties.

Global food security is affected by the ongoing geopolitical crisis. In order to minimize the dependence of the Central Asian countries on external factors, there is a need for coordinated measures in this direction.

For these purposes, Kazakhstan proposed to develop a Strategic Plan to ensure food security in Central Asia until 2030 with the formation of a unified information platform for the analysis and exchange of data between the five countries.

An important tool in reducing the negative effect of global climate change is the transition to a “green” economy.

There is a desire in the region to realize the great natural potential of renewable energy that we have. Thus, in Kazakhstan they plan to increase the share of renewable energy sources to 15% by 2030, and by 2060 we intend to achieve carbon neutrality.

Widespread use of renewable energy will not only benefit the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but will also help improve energy security and create new jobs. Further exchange of knowledge, resources and best practices can help strengthen cooperation in this area.

FIFTH. The most important and most valuable resource of Central Asia is the young intellectual generation.

Central Asia is one of the “youngest” regions of the world. The average age of the population here is only 28.7 years.

According to UN estimates, by 2040 the average age of residents of the region will decrease even further and will be 28.3 years, which is significantly lower than forecasts for other regions, North America (41.5), Europe (46.8), China (48).

This is a unique competitive advantage that opens up vast opportunities for the economic and social development of all five countries. Youth can become the driving force behind renewal processes in the economic, technological and cultural spheres. It is in the hands of the younger generation that the key to success in a global competitive environment lies.

In this context, the urgent tasks are to deepen cooperation in the field of science and education, strengthen youth ties and form joint platforms aimed at expanding the opportunities and realizing the potential of the younger generation.

In turn, Kazakhstan actively supports the development of inter-university cooperation, the opening of cross-branches of universities and joint faculties.

We highly appreciate the desire of young people from neighboring countries to receive higher education in Kazakhstan and, for our part, are significantly increasing quotas for studying at our universities. Today, about nine thousand students from Central Asia are studying at Kazakhstani universities.

In recent years, representative offices of a number of leading foreign universities have been opened in our country. The number of universities carrying out scientific research is growing. Technology parks and engineering centers are opening.

This work is being carried out as part of our strategic goal to transform Kazakhstan into a regional educational hub.

Currently, through joint efforts, we are confidently moving towards building a unified Central Asian space of higher education.

SIXTH.  An important mission is the formation of the civilizational identity of our countries based on the harmonization of cultural and humanitarian ties of fraternal peoples.

By building the modern image of Central Asia, we are also creating a new look at the national and regional identity of our citizens.

We are connected by a special Central Asian mentality, on the basis of which a distinctive culture and traditions have been formed. The pillars of Central Asian identity are respect for common historical roots, intercultural dialogue and interfaith harmony.

Historical memory forms the foundation of the national identity of our peoples. Justified pride in the achievements of our ancestors and rich culture serve as a powerful impetus for the successful development of nations in the present, as well as for their confident rise in the future. Therefore, we must pay more attention to the bright pages of our common past.

I consider writing a general history of Central Asia based on Turkic, Persian, Arab, Chinese, Russian and Western European sources to be a very popular task.

To enhance our global competitiveness, we must relentlessly pursue common goals while maintaining our unity. As the great Abai said: “The beginning of success is unity.”

In the context of the advancement of geopolitical projects and ideologies in the world, the region needs to protect its spiritual and cultural code, which has absorbed the best traditions of hospitality, solidarity and mutual assistance, preservation of family values ​​and much more.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize: regional cooperation is not only an objective reality, but also a vital necessity.

In conditions of geopolitical uncertainty and degradation of the existing world order model, this is, in fact, the only pragmatic approach. Our future depends on strengthening cohesion, mutual trust and openness to the world. Only on the basis of these principles will we be able to ensure the renaissance of Central Asia as a dynamic, innovative and culturally rich region.

Strengthening the paradigm of regional unity will serve as the most optimal response to current and future challenges, will allow us to develop consolidated approaches to curbing negative trends, and will become the basis for effective measures to counter any external forces.

For these purposes, at the suggestion of Kazakhstan, the Concept for the development of regional cooperation “Central Asia-2040” was prepared, which reflects guidelines for the further development of multifaceted five-sided interaction.

For our part, we consistently adhere to the principle “Successful Central Asia - successful Kazakhstan” and are ready to further develop integration processes to the extent that our strategic partners and allies in the region are ready.

 

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