Central Asia's current agenda includes the strategic objective of transforming the region into a key geoeconomic hub. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov presented a comprehensive vision for achieving this goal—through strengthening economic partnerships, creating combined transport corridors, and developing the electric power sector—in his address to the heads of state. These approaches were articulated in detail at the 7th Consultative Meeting in Tashkent on November 16.

The head of Turkmenistan emphasized that the country's position is focused on the need to strengthen regional economic cooperation and the joint positioning of Central Asia as a strategic player in the Eurasian space. He also welcomed Azerbaijan's accession to this format as a full member.

Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined strategic approaches to the further development of the region. Among the priorities requiring active economic cooperation in the interests of all states are transport, energy, trade, industrial and technological cooperation.

From Corridor to Hub: The Transit Potential of the East-West and North-South Corridors

In his speech, President Berdimuhamedov placed particular emphasis on developing the region's transport and transit potential, noting that this role for Central Asia will steadily increase. This trend is driven by the global shift in economic and investment activity toward East and South Asia, as well as the Middle East.

The President of Turkmenistan called on his colleagues to significantly intensify the transport component of cooperation, proposing a focus on practical work.

"To achieve this, we believe we should begin effective and meaningful participation in the creation of combined corridors along the East-West and North-South routes," the head of state stated.

Combining regional potential in creating a modern, extensive, efficient, and sustainable transport and logistics infrastructure is considered a worthy strategic goal that meets the long-term interests of all participating countries.

Energy of the Future: Focus on Electricity Grids

In the area of energy partnership, traditionally a priority for the region, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed expanding beyond pipeline projects. Attention was shifted to the electric power sector as the foundation of Central Asia's future sustainability.

Turkmenistan is prepared to discuss concrete steps to create a powerful network for the production, supply, and consumption of electricity in the region. The goal of these steps is to create a reliable material base for the sustainability of the entire electricity supply system, which will provide guarantees against the impact of potential negative external factors.

Along with energy and transport, the President of Turkmenistan called for strengthening industrial cooperation, emphasizing the need to create cooperative chains in industry and agriculture. Significant importance is also attached to the more active participation of businesses in the creation of joint ventures in various sectors and the expansion of cross-border and regional trade.

Regional Cohesion: From Cooperation to Coordinated Environmental Diplomacy

The speech addressed the sensitive issue of water and environmental resources. Turkmenistan expressed its readiness to further strengthen cooperation on water issues, emphasizing that this should be built on the principles of equality, respect for each other's interests, mutual understanding, and solidarity.

Environmental issues, including saving the Aral Sea and desertification, also require joint efforts. Welcoming the activities of UN agencies and the establishment of their specialized offices in the region, the head of state put forward an initiative calling for the consolidation of foreign policy resources.

"We are convinced of the need for our countries to develop a coordinated environmental diplomacy within the UN and to attract increasing international attention to the problems of Central Asia," Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized.

Concluding his speech, the President noted that humanitarian cooperation will always remain relevant and significant. In assuming the chairmanship of the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, Turkmenistan intends to make every effort to strengthen the unity and cohesion of the region, as well as to increase its attractiveness for significant foreign investment and the implementation of large-scale international projects.

ORIENT