Oriented on making people closer

A landmark Round Table was held on the sidelines of the VIII Central Asian Expert Forum in Tashkent, which brought together leading analysts, diplomats and representatives of international organizations. The topic of the discussion - "Prospects for the Development of Cooperation in the Format of "Central Asia - Northern Europe" - immediately set a high tone and aroused the keen interest of the audience.

Experts from leading analytical centers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, as well as professors and researchers from Finland and Denmark took part in the discussion. This meeting, without excessive formality, but deeply analytical in essence, became a clear example of how regional and international expertise are united to find new growth points.

Among the speakers at the first session, dedicated to the search for common interests, was Dovletmurat Mammedov, a lecturer at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. His report presented a conceptual roadmap for the development of this new format of cooperation.

The expert noted that in the context of global turbulence and rapid technological changes, the need to form new, sustainable interaction formats is growing. The dialogue between Central Asia and Northern Europe, in his opinion, has enormous potential, since, despite geographical differences, the regions are united by common values of sustainable development, pragmatism and the desire for innovation.

Dovletmurat Mammedov emphasized that economic cooperation is already actively developing between the countries of the region and Northern Europe, citing as an example the projects of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in the field of digitalization, ecology and green technologies.

The Turkmen expert paid special attention to the role of his country in this interaction. He noted that, despite limited contacts in the "Nordic" format, Turkmenistan is developing ties with the Baltic states and is actively using the Trans-Caspian international route, which connects Central Asia with Northern and Western Europe. This, according to him, is a solid basis for further integration.

In his analysis, the speaker highlighted several key points of contact that could become a driving force for partnership:

Green economy: Both sides are interested in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and developing renewable energy.

Digitalization and innovation: Scandinavian countries are ready to share their experience in creating smart infrastructure and digital public administration, which is extremely important for Turkmenistan.

Humanitarian and scientific cooperation: There is great potential for student exchanges and joint research.

Logistics and transport: The development of routes such as TRACECA opens up prospects for investment and modernization of transport hubs.

As practical recommendations, the Turkmen representative proposed to create a Sustainable Development Council within the Nordic format, which would serve as an expert and business platform. He also advocated for regular business forums and academic symposiums that could intensify direct contacts.

In conclusion, Dovletmurat Mammedov emphasized that, despite the fact that the Central Asia – Northern Europe format is just beginning to take shape, it has powerful potential for new, balanced international interaction. For Turkmenistan, this is a chance not only to fit into new chains of cooperation, but also to contribute to the formation of a world order where economic development benefits all nations.

The discussions within the framework of the CAEF, which ended today, August 15, once again confirmed that such meetings, where colleagues from the countries of the region and foreign experts can openly exchange opinions and conclusions, are of great importance. It is here, in an atmosphere of trust and professional dialogue, that new ideas and practical solutions are formed, which can later be used at the highest level.

This is the main value of the Central Asian Expert Forum, which traditionally precedes the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia. This year it will be held in Tashkent, and the expert groundwork created at the forum will undoubtedly become a solid basis for discussions at the level of the leaders of the countries.

Bekdurdy AMANSARYEV

Center for Strategic Studies of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan

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