The VIII Central Asian Expert Forum (CAEF), which is held under the motto "Central Asia - a Common Space of Trust, Security and Sustainable Development", continues its work in Tashkent. Today, on the second day of the forum, a scientific and practical conference dedicated to the practical aspects of the formation of regional identity in Central Asia was held.

During the conference, a presentation of the Concept of Formation and Strengthening of Regional Identity, prepared by the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, took place. This was followed by a lively discussion, in which experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, as well as leading analysts from Finland, the USA, Great Britain, Malaysia and a number of international organizations, including the UN, took part.

One of the speakers at the conference was Bekdurdy Amansaryev, an expert at the Scientific Center for Strategic Studies of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. In his speech, he emphasized that in the modern world, full of turbulence and mutual mistrust, issues of regional identity are acquiring not only cultural, but also strategic significance.

The speaker quoted the words of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov: "Central Asia is one of the cradles of world civilization. Today, the task is to create a single political, economic and cultural space in the region as a system of comprehensive, multifaceted interaction between our communities."

The Turkmen expert noted that the discussed Concept for the Formation and Strengthening of Regional Identity is not just a declarative document, but a platform for specific actions. He emphasized that its value lies in the recognition of the historical and cultural unity of the region while respecting the sovereignty of each state, as well as in voluntariness and equality in the implementation of joint programs.

Key aspects of the Concept

In his report, Amansaryev focused on several important blocks of the document:

— Educational and information contours. He stated that the Concept envisages the creation of a common humanitarian space, including through the exchange of textbooks and joint scientific publications. This, according to him, will help "to read the past in the same way" and open the way to a common future.

— Cultural rapprochement. The expert noted that this is a way to "speak to each other and about ourselves in the same language of cultural symbols." Joint exhibition projects, digitalization of cultural heritage, and the development of inter-museum cooperation are important in this area.

— Work with youth. Particular emphasis was placed on involving the younger generation in regional volunteer and educational programs so that they develop a “regional consciousness.”

— Synergy of humanitarian and economic aspects. Bekdurdy Amansaryev emphasized that identity should be “lively and useful” and closely linked to the economy, for example, through the development of cross-border tourism and the promotion of regional brands.

The role of Turkmenistan in the implementation of the Concept

The expert emphasized that Turkmenistan, thanks to its policy of positive neutrality, occupies a unique position in the region and is ready to act as a "bridge" between different approaches. He noted the country's active participation in cultural and humanitarian initiatives, including the promotion of the idea of creating a Center for Regional Cultural Dialogue.

Turkmenistan is also ready to use its experience of peaceful coexistence and interethnic harmony, to promote ideas related to the ecological identity of the region - primarily in the context of the Aral Sea problem and sustainable water use.

In general, Turkmenistan not only supports the conceptual provisions of the document, but is also able to offer infrastructural, intellectual and diplomatic resources for their implementation. In this context, specific proposals were made.

According to Bekdurdy Amansaryev, the discussed Concept is a chance for Central Asia to declare itself as a unique civilizational model. He expressed confidence that its implementation will allow the region to "speak with one voice in a variety of shades" with a common intonation of confidence, peace and mutual understanding.

ORIENT