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Central Asian leaders convened in Tashkent for the Seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia. All members unanimously approved Azerbaijan’s accession as a full member, a move they described as historic and strategically transformative.

Leaders from Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan emphasized that Azerbaijan’s inclusion would strengthen political dialogue, deepen economic integration, and enhance coordinated development across two regions that already share strong cultural and historical ties.

They highlighted the potential for expanded trade, investment, transport, and humanitarian cooperation under this new configuration.

Uzbekistan’s Seven Proposals for Regional Integration

Strengthening institutional foundations was a central theme throughout the Tashkent meeting. Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev presented seven detailed proposals aimed at transforming the current consultative system into a long-term strategic framework named the Community of Central Asia.

The proposed institutional structure includes a rotating Secretariat, a Council of Elders, and expanded roles for national coordinators to ensure sustained and coordinated cooperation.

Mirziyoyev’s proposals covered key pillars of regional development. The first emphasized achievements in regional integration, including reopened borders, resolution of previous disputes, and a rise in regional trade to $10.7 billion, supported by a 17 percent increase in investment flows.

The second outlined the creation of stronger institutions under the new Community of Central Asia framework. The third focused on economic growth, proposing a 2035 regional trade program, a common investment space, and increased collaboration in e-commerce.

An inspiring and truly historic VII Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of #CentralAsia has concluded today in #Tashkent.@President_Uz H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined a clear and ambitious vision for building a #NewCentralAsia — a region of unity, stability, and shared… pic.twitter.com/N4pK90b5XN

— Bakhtiyor Saidov 🇺🇿 (@FM_Saidov) November 16, 2025

Transport connectivity formed the fourth pillar, with Uzbekistan urging joint progress on strategic corridors such as the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and the Trans-Afghan route. The fifth proposal addressed security issues, supporting the adoption of a regional security concept and encouraging Afghanistan’s participation in major transport and energy projects.

Climate cooperation was the sixth priority, including a proposed Decade for Rational Water Use (2026–2036) and the establishment of a regional water excellence center. Finally, Mirziyoyev called for expanded humanitarian exchanges through annual cultural and scientific congresses.

The Uzbek president concluded by stressing that unity is the basis of regional success and congratulated Turkmenistan on assuming the chairmanship of the new Central Asia–Azerbaijan format.

Azerbaijan Emphasizes Strategic Partnership

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the deepening partnership between Azerbaijan and Central Asian states, describing the relationship as a strategic one underpinned by political dialogue and growing economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation.

He noted Azerbaijan’s rising role in regional connectivity through large-scale infrastructure investments, the rapid expansion of transit volumes along the Middle Corridor, and new initiatives such as the Digital Silk Road and Caspian energy links.

Aliyev expressed appreciation for the support shown by Central Asian countries in the reconstruction of Azerbaijan’s liberated territories.

He described Azerbaijan’s full membership in the Central Asia format as a historic development that would solidify cooperation and expand shared geopolitical and economic opportunities.

Calls for Stronger Coordination

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged deeper coordination on regional priorities, placing particular emphasis on water security, transport development, and economic integration.

He proposed a Central Asian Framework Convention on Water Use to manage the region’s shared water resources and recommended the creation of a unified cargo-tracking system to streamline trade.

Tokayev also called for a comprehensive regional transport strategy to enhance the region’s transit potential and facilitate east-west commercial routes.

Additionally, he outlined opportunities for collaboration in rare earth metals, artificial intelligence, and tourism. Tokayev welcomed Azerbaijan’s accession to the regional format, echoing the broader sentiment of unity expressed throughout the summit.

Key Agreements Signed at the Summit

The Tashkent meeting concluded with the signing of several significant documents intended to consolidate regional cooperation. Leaders adopted a joint statement reaffirming shared priorities and officially endorsed Azerbaijan’s accession as a full participant in the format. They also expressed support for Kyrgyzstan’s candidacy for the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.

The heads of state approved the Concept of Regional Security, Stability, and Sustainable Development in Central Asia, alongside a Catalogue of Security Risks and preventive measures for the 2026–2028 period. These documents aim to enhance coordination on emerging challenges and ensure long-term regional stability.

Visit to the Centre of Islamic Civilization

Following the official meetings, the presidents of Central Asian states and Azerbaijan visited Uzbekistan’s new Centre of Islamic Civilization. The modern complex combines historical artefacts with scientific, educational, and research functions designed to preserve and promote the region’s Islamic heritage.

Leaders toured several sections of the center, including the Holy Quran Hall housing the Mushaf Usman, one of the most significant relics in the Islamic world.

They also visited exhibits covering the Pre-Islamic era, the First Renaissance, the Second Renaissance, and the contemporary period known as “New Uzbekistan—New Renaissance.”

The Tashkent summit reaffirmed the growing cohesion of Central Asian states and opened a new chapter with the full inclusion of Azerbaijan.

Leaders framed the outcome as a step toward shaping a unified, stable, and economically interconnected region spanning from the Caspian Sea to major global markets.