SHANGHAI, January 31. /Dunyo IA/.  A delegation from the Center for Foreign Policy Research and Initiatives under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan held a series of substantive meetings with representatives of leading research and expert institutions in Shanghai, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The visit provided an effective platform for dialogue on key regional and global issues. During the roundtable “SCO: Prospects after the Tianjin Summit” organized jointly with the SCO Capacity-Building Platform at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, participants discussed ways to enhance the effectiveness of multilateral cooperation in the areas of security and development.

Particular attention was given to meetings with the leadership of Shanghai’s leading think tanks, including the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, Shanghai Academy of International Studies, Academy of Global Governance and Regional Studies at Shanghai International Studies University as well as relevant departments at Fudan University and East China Normal University. A central theme of the discussions was the increasing strategic importance of Central Asia and prospects for deepening partnership between China and countries in the region, including within the framework of the SCO.

Following the Uzbek delegation’s working visit to Shanghai, a foundation has been laid for further deepening cooperation between the leading analytical centers of the two countries. An agreement was reached on the regular exchange of research materials, conducting joint assessments and consultations on pressing issues of international relations, security, and regional development. The parties confirmed their readiness to implement joint projects focused on analysing current challenges and opportunities in Central Asia and Eurasia.

Practical forms of cooperation were also agreed upon, including reciprocal expert visits, the organization of seminars and conferences and support for applied initiatives.

Representatives of the Chinese side noted that the agreements reached mark a new stage in the interaction between the expert communities of Uzbekistan and China and aim to transform joint analytical potential into actionable recommendations that contribute to strengthening stability and development in the region.