PRESIDENT TOKAYEV CALLS FOR INCREASED REGIONAL COOPERATION AT THE CONSULTATIVE MEETING OF CENTRAL ASIAN LEADERS

Cholpon-Ata (Kyrgyzstan), 21 July 2022 – President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, attended the Fourth Consultative meeting of the heads of Central Asian states in Cholpon-Ata (Kyrgyzstan). Noting the importance of increasing regional cooperation, the President stated that “the most important mission of Central Asia is to build bridges between the competing poles of global politics and economics.”

Kazakhstan’s leader emphasized that strengthening cooperation in security and diplomacy remains crucial. He said: “The Central Asian region must become a vast area of sustainable socio-economic development, comprehensive cooperation, peace and prosperity.” President Tokayev also stressed that the resolution of disputed border issues in Central Asia is possible only through peaceful means, noting that Kazakhstan, as the only post-Soviet state that has completely delimited its border, is ready to provide all possible assistance in finding mutually acceptable solutions.

Turning his attention to trade and economic relations, President Tokayev stated that the threat of a global recession brings to the fore the issue of accelerated development of regional economic cooperation. In this regard, the Head of State emphasized the importance of establishing close cooperation to eliminate structural and infrastructural constraints. He said: “It would be useful to take effective measures to launch a network of cross-border trade and economic hubs that would serve as anchor points of the Common Goods Transmission System of Central Asian countries.” He also noted the role that the Astana International Financial Centre could play in encouraging direct and portfolio investments into regional projects.

The President also covered the region's transport connectivity and transit conditions, noting that “in the new geopolitical realities, the role of our region in promoting and developing transcontinental trade is increasing rapidly.” In this regard, Kazakhstan is actively developing the Trans-Caspian international transport route. Tokayev also mentioned other projects with Kazakhstan’s participation and support, including the construction of the Mazar-e-Sharif - Kabul - Peshawar railroad, the new highway "Turkmenbashi – Garabogaz (Turkmenistan) - border of Kazakhstan", and the railway line "Darbaza (Uzbekistan) – Maktaaral (Kazakhstan)".

The Head of Kazakhstan also raised climatic challenges, and growing demand for water and energy resources. He said: “I am deeply convinced that it is no longer possible to overcome the consequences of climate change in Central Asia without consolidating our efforts.” In this regard, the President proposed to establish a Central Asian project office for environmental protection and implementation of a coordinated policy on climate change in the region.

Expanding ties in cultural and humanitarian spheres is also of particular importance. As such, President Tokayev proposed several initiatives, including establishing close ties between the academies of sciences of Central Asian countries, creating a joint online platform for exchange of archive and research, and launching a region-wide TV channel or an online news site focused on life in Central Asia.

Ending his speech, the President expressed his belief that “the Summit will open a new page in the development of regional cooperation for peace, security and progress in Central Asia.”

The meeting was attended by the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation for the Development of Central Asia in the 21st century was agreed upon and the procedure for its signing began.

For reference

The first Consultative Meeting of the Central Asian heads was held for the first time in the history of the region in Nur-Sultan on March 15, 2018. The second Consultative Meeting was held in Tashkent on November 29, 2019. On August 6, 2021, the third Consultative Meeting was held in Turkmenbashi, which focused on strengthening interconnectedness in trade, economic, energy, transport and communication areas, among other issues.

Factsheet IV Consultative Meeting of the Central Asian Leaders