TASHKENT, June 26 /Dunyo IA/. Anna Vassilieva, Director of the Monterey Initiative at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (United States), addressed the Tashkent Dialogue on the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone during an expert discussion entitled “A Safe Nuclear Future for Central Asia: From Non-Proliferation to Risk Management”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

In her remarks, Anna Vassilieva underscored the symbolic significance of holding the forum in Uzbekistan, the country where the idea of establishing a Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (CANWFZ) first originated. She noted that the initiative, initially proposed by Uzbekistan at the United Nations, laid the foundation for a process that ultimately united all countries of the region.

She recalled that in 1997, the Central Asian states convened in Tashkent for the first time to discuss the initiative, while the treaty was later signed in Semipalatinsk, a site that had endured hundreds of nuclear tests. She also highlighted Kazakhstan’s historic decision to voluntarily renounce one of the world’s largest nuclear arsenals and permanently close the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site.

According to the Director of the Monterey Initiative, the establishment of the nuclear-weapon-free zone represents a rare example of an international commitment that has been consistently fulfilled by all participating states. She described the process as not only a major political achievement but also an important step toward the historical healing of the region.

Anna Vassilieva described Central Asia as a “tectonic plate of peace”, emphasizing that the region is increasingly becoming a space of stability, sustainable development, and constructive cooperation. In her assessment, Central Asia is gradually transforming from an arena of geopolitical competition into one of the leading advocates of a culture of peaceful coexistence and global nuclear disarmament.

She devoted particular attention to the role of the younger generation, expressing confidence that today’s young participants in the dialogue will soon be responsible for making key decisions. According to her, preserving peace will be among the foremost responsibilities of future leaders.

The expert also stressed that lasting peace cannot be achieved without the daily dedication of scientists, diplomats, non-proliferation specialists, regulators, inspectors, and all those responsible for ensuring compliance with international obligations. In her view, peace requires not only political will and international agreements but also sustained professional commitment.

Concluding her remarks, Anna Vassilieva stated that the idea conceived in Tashkent and realized through the joint efforts of the Central Asian states has now returned to Uzbekistan’s capital as a symbol of unity and shared responsibility. She expressed hope that the anniversary of the establishment of the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone would serve not only as an opportunity to reflect on past achievements but also as a reaffirmation of the region’s enduring commitment to strengthening peace, security, and the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.