MOSCOW, October 11. /Dunyo IA/. Alexander Vorobyov, Research Fellow at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Director of the Center for Public Diplomacy and Global Politics Analysis, and an expert at the Russian International Affairs Council, commented in an interview to Dunyo IA on the outcomes of the working visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan on October 7–9:

— The Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan is an important event for the countries of the region, including Uzbekistan. Therefore, the Uzbek leadership’s attention to this meeting is fully justified. For Uzbekistan, the development of transport and logistics routes, the expansion of trade with neighbouring countries, and the strengthening of industrial cooperation are particularly important.

It is no coincidence that the President of Uzbekistan emphasized that the development of relations should be based not only on expanding transport routes, but also on comprehensive economic and industrial cooperation within a broader economic region – the so-called ‘Central Asia Five + Azerbaijan’ format.

At the same time, Tashkent’s approach is noteworthy for its focus not so much on creating a new regional structure as on ensuring its effective functioning and addressing the region’s key priorities while preserving the flexibility of the format itself.

The outcomes of the meeting undoubtedly contribute significantly to the development of relations between Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan in several areas. These include the development of flexible logistics infrastructure, the establishment of transport hubs, stronger industrial cooperation, and joint efforts to address water-related challenges in Central Asia. Essentially, this involves coordinating positions and developing an action plan for the near future.

Ultimately, Uzbekistan, its regional neighbours, and Azerbaijan will benefit, as will both regions – Central Asia and the South Caucasus.