ISLAMABAD, November 24. /Dunyo IA/. The Pakistani portal "The Diplomatic Insight" published an article titled "Uzbek President sets out ambitious cooperation vision at Central Asia Summit", reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The report notes that on 16 November this year, the seventh Consultative Meeting of the Central Asian Leaders was held under the chairmanship of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The article highlights the initiatives put forward by the President of Uzbekistan during his address at the summit. The Leader of Uzbekistan provided a concise analysis of regional integration processes implemented in recent years. He emphasized that, thanks to open dialogue and joint efforts, effective solutions have been found for a number of pressing regional issues. Territorial matters have been decisively resolved, border checkpoints opened, mutually beneficial cooperation established in the water and energy sectors, transport links restored, and favorable conditions created for active trade, investment, and humanitarian exchanges.

The Pakistani online publication cites the words of the President of Uzbekistan: "Today, Central Asia is a space of dynamic development and fruitful cooperation, offering us new opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity".

The Leader of Uzbekistan noted that the region is increasingly integrating into the global economy: investment attractiveness is rising, opportunities to export to third markets are expanding, and transit potential is growing. Last year, mutual trade among regional countries reached $10.7 billion, while total investment inflows into Central Asia increased by 17 percent.

Attention was also drawn to the systematic measures being undertaken to ensure security and stability, and to combat the threats of terrorism, extremism, and transnational crime.

The report emphasizes that the region’s position as an actor in international relations is being strengthened, its role in global affairs is increasing, and relations under the "Central Asia Plus" format are gaining momentum. The region is presenting a unified stance in prominent international arenas. The inclusion of Azerbaijan in this format is expected to further amplify the region’s voice in the global community.

According to the article published by "The Diplomatic Insight", more than 20 major events have been held during Uzbekistan’s chairmanship. An Interregional Cooperation Forum was launched at the level of deputy prime ministers, and, for the first time, meetings of heads of defense agencies, special services, as well as ministers of geology, industry, agriculture, environment, and culture were convened. Just yesterday, a successful meeting of leading women from Central Asian states took place in Tashkent.

The Head of State emphasized that, amid complex and unpredictable international political developments, it is particularly important to strengthen regional cohesion and mutual support among the countries of Central Asia.

The speech of the President of Uzbekistan is quoted as stating: "I am convinced that today we stand on the threshold of the region's historic revival as a New Central Asia. We have set ourselves the task of further strengthening the institutional foundations of our cooperation and developing a coordinated response to security and sustainable development challenges. It is important for us to have a clear understanding now of what we would like the region to look like in 10-20 years".

The article specifically highlights that the President of Uzbekistan put forward a series of initiatives aimed at further strengthening regional cooperation.

The report states: "It was proposed to transform today’s meetings from a consultative format of regional dialogue into a strategic framework for a "Central Asian Community". Developing regulations on the consultative meetings, establishing a rotating Secretariat, and elevating the status of national coordinators to that of Special Representatives of the Presidents were highlighted as possible initial steps in this direction. Additionally, President of Uzbekistan put forward an initiative to establish a Council of Elders, composed of experienced and respected public figures".