President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia

Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan

In his speech, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that the Consultative Meetings have become an important factor in international politics, allowing the heads of state to determine the further vector of the region's development in a confidential manner. According to him, in the context of geopolitical turbulence and instability of the world economy, today's summit demonstrates the cohesion of the countries of Central Asia and testifies to a common desire to jointly confront new challenges and threats.

“The special nature of our relations is enshrined in the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborliness and Cooperation for the Development of Central Asia in the 21st century, which is adopted today, unique in its content and historical perspective. It is deeply symbolic that it will be signed in the year of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. This historic document marks a new milestone in our five-sided strategic partnership,” the President of Kazakhstan emphasized.

The key issue on the agenda in the speech was the strengthening of cooperation in the field of security and diplomacy. As the Head of our state stated, the Central Asian region should become a vast zone of sustainable socio-economic development, comprehensive cooperation, peace and prosperity.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev believes that the leaders of states should do everything possible to eliminate the remaining factors of instability in the region as much as possible.

“Every shot at the interstate borders resounds heavily not only in the countries involved, but throughout the region. On the contrary, it is in the current crisis conditions that our states should demonstrate an example of a civilized, responsible overcoming of contradictions. We know from our own experience that the process of legal registration of borders is very complicated and thorny. The resolution of disputed issues is possible exclusively by peaceful means in the spirit of genuine good neighborliness and respect for the fundamental principles of international law. There is no other alternative,” the President is convinced.

According to him, Kazakhstan, as the only state in the post-Soviet space that has carried out a complete delimitation of its long border, is ready to provide all possible assistance in the search for mutually acceptable solutions.

The head of state believes that the formation of a solid economic base for multilateral cooperation remains an urgent task.

“Over the past 5 years, Kazakhstan's trade with other Central Asian countries has grown by 42%, reaching $6.3 billion. Considering the presence of huge reserves for increasing mutual trade, in the foreseeable future we intend to bring this figure to $15 billion,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev shared his plans.

As the leader of Kazakhstan said, in order to fully use the economic potential and advantages of an advantageous geographical position, it is important to establish close cooperation in order to eliminate structural and infrastructural constraints.

The President also considers it necessary to increase the transport connectivity of the region and consistently improve transit conditions.

In addition, the Head of State called for expanding cooperation in the field of science and education.

“I believe that the results of today's Summit will open a new page in the development of regional cooperation for the sake of peace, security and progress in Central Asia. The Kazakhs say: "Tatulyk - Tausylmas Bakyt", which means "Friendship is an Inexhaustible Wealth." I am sure that time-tested close and trusting relations, common historical and spiritual roots will always be an inexhaustible source of friendship between our countries,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev summed up his speech.

President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev also spoke at the Consultative Meeting.

As a result of the meeting, a Joint Statement of the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia was adopted, the Roadmap for the Development of Regional Cooperation for 2022-2024, the Concept of Interaction between the States of Central Asia in the framework of multilateral formats, and the Regional Green Agenda Program for Central Asia were approved.

In addition, the Treaty between the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan on friendship, good-neighborliness and cooperation for the development of Central Asia in the 21st century was agreed upon and the procedure for signing it began.

Also, the Decision of the Heads of States - founders of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea on the extension of the powers of the President of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea was signed.