Results of the Dushanbe Summit : documents and agreements
A briefing for media representatives on the results of the Fifth Anniversary Consultative Meeting of the heads of Central Asian states, held on Thursday, September 14, was held in Dushanbe.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sirodjiddin Mukhriddin informed the representatives of the press community about the main results of the summit, noting that the current meeting of the presidents is of particular importance, and the decisions taken at it are designed to make a significant contribution to the development of the region.
The summit adopted a package of five documents, the main of which was the Joint Statement of the heads of state. This strategic document confirms the exceptional importance of the mechanism of Consultative Meetings for strengthening friendly relations between the Central Asian countries.
The Heads of State called for the solution of all regional issues exclusively by political and diplomatic means on the basis of equality and respect for each other's interests. They stressed that the UN is the only universal organization of global reach and universally recognized legitimacy, playing a central role in preserving peace and security on the planet and promoting universal development.
In the context of security issues, the heads of State stated that countering terrorism and extremism, drug trafficking, as well as other challenges will remain the focus of their attention. In this regard, they agreed to step up efforts at the national and regional levels to counter the spread of extremist ideas, primarily among young people.
The situation in neighboring Afghanistan was considered in detail. The Presidents reaffirmed the exceptional importance of resolving the situation in this country and advocated its establishment as an independent, unified and peaceful State. The importance of creating an inclusive Government in Afghanistan with the participation of representatives of the main ethnic, religious and political groups of the Afghan society was once again emphasized. The commitment to assist the fraternal Afghan people in overcoming the humanitarian and economic crisis was confirmed.
The Presidents stated that the primary task of the countries of the region is to develop cooperation in the trade and economic field and create favorable conditions for trade and investment.
The possibility of establishing cooperation on a gradual increase in the share of national currencies in mutual settlements between the states of the region will be considered.
Particular attention was paid to the need to intensify cooperation in the field of industry and industrial cooperation, and it was also instructed to focus on improving the efficiency of using the transit potential of Central Asia.
The Heads of State called for strengthening regional cooperation on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Within the framework of the summit, the high level of development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation was particularly noted. This direction has considerable potential as an effective factor in strengthening mutual understanding between fraternal peoples.
The Heads of State supported the efforts of the countries of the region to demonstrate examples of respectful, tolerant attitude to each other's national traditions and values, as well as the intensification of cooperation in the exchange of experience in the scientific, technical and humanitarian spheres, in the tourism industry. They stressed the importance of cooperation in order to jointly submit and promote applications for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List, expressed support for efforts to ensure the broad participation of women in all spheres of activity.
In addition to the main political declaration, the summit resulted in the signing and adoption of four additional important documents.
The first is an agreement on strengthening the Interconnectedness of Land Transport in Central Asia. The document will create favorable conditions for the development of international land transport, provide a competitive environment in the transport services market in the region.
The second is an agreement between the Central Asian countries on common areas of youth policy. This will provide conditions for further involvement of young people in the social, cultural, political, social and economic life of the region.
The third is the Regulation on the Council of National Coordinators for Consultative Meetings of the Heads of Central Asian States. Thus, the Institute of national coordinators has been established, which will monitor the implementation of agreements and the development of new proposals.
And the fourth document is the approved Roadmap to Support Health and Well–being in Central Asia for 2022-2025. It was developed by countries together with WHO and will be the first health and welfare strategy in the region.
These days, Dushanbe also hosted 14 parallel events at the same time: EXPO Central Asia 2023, the gala concert "Evening of Friendship", the Economic Forum, the 2nd Forum of University Rectors, the 1st Meeting of Transport Ministers, the Regional Meeting of the Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asia, an Exhibition of works by artists, a Forum of Scientists, a Festival of National Dishes, An international swimming tournament, a Forum of volunteers, a Forum of youth organizations, a Forum of Young entrepreneurs and a Forum of heads of state bodies for youth Affairs.
In agreement with the states of the region and at the invitation of the President of Tajikistan, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev took part in the Fifth Consultative Meeting as guests of honor.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the heads of state with a video message, on whose behalf his special representative, the head of the Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia, Kakha Imnadze, and the Director of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, Hans Kluge, were present directly in Dushanbe.
By a unanimous decision, the national leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was awarded the Honorary Badge of the heads of Central Asian states.
The proposal of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to hold the Sixth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States in 2024 in Kazakhstan was supported.
The Dushanbe Summit gave a new impetus to the development of multifaceted cooperation in the region. At the same time, our goals remain unchanged, clear and simple - peace, stability and progress in Central Asia, concluded Sirodjiddin Mukhriddin.
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