Mirziyoyev: Azerbaijan's accession to consultative meetings elevates cooperation to new level

The accession of Azerbaijan to the Consultative Meetings format of Central Asian countries brings cooperation to a qualitatively new macro-regional level, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said at the informal Consultative Meeting "Central Asia - Azerbaijan".

"We have a historic opportunity to create a common development space uniting Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and our close neighbor Afghanistan. We must fully use this moment and, through joint efforts, lay strong foundations for sustainable development, connectivity, and good-neighborly relations in the heart of Eurasia," he said.

He recalled that the current meeting is being held ahead of the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the independence of Central Asian countries.

"Over these years, each republic has gone through its own unique path of state-building, economic growth, and national revival. Thanks to joint efforts, Central Asia, which was once fragmented, is now consolidating in pursuit of a common development goal. At the same time, a complex and unpredictable reality requires decisive action and closer coordination from us," the Uzbek president said.

He also emphasized that Central Asia should become a competitive hub for education, science, and innovation. Mirziyoyev explained that this can be achieved through the creation of comprehensive infrastructure.

He also called for a joint solution to climate change, adding that abnormal heat is becoming a factor affecting the economy and public health.