At the sixth consultative meeting of Central Asian heads of state on August 9, 2024, in Astana, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined a comprehensive strategy for strengthening regional cooperation and boosting Central Asia's global influence. Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to the principle that a prosperous Central Asia equates to Kazakhstan's own success, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts to address both internal and external challenges. He highlighted the imminent approval of the Roadmap for regional cooperation up to 2027 and the Central Asia 2040 Strategy, which aim to enhance intergovernmental coordination and develop effective regional collaboration mechanisms. Tokayev praised the increased trade volume in the region, which reached $11 billion and is targeted to rise to $15 billion, and pointed to significant joint infrastructure projects such as the Kambarata Hydro Power Plant in Kyrgyzstan, the Rogun Hydro Power Plant in Tajikistan, and various gas projects across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. He also supported the establishment of a Central Asian Business Council and emphasized the development of regional transport and transit networks, including the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, the North-South Corridor, and the Belt and Road Initiative. Tokayev advocated for a unified water policy, proposing the formation of a Water and Energy Consortium to manage equitable water use and promote scientific advancements. Additionally, he recommended expanding cooperation in education, culture, and human capital, as well as enhancing information and analytical collaboration, including the creation of joint media products and possibly a regional TV channel or internet news portal. The meeting concluded with the signing of several important documents: a joint statement summarizing the discussions, the Central Asia 2040 concept for regional development, and agreements on regional cooperation and industrial collaboration for 2025-2027. A memorandum of understanding on the development of transport and logistics centers and communiqués from meetings of Central Asian energy and transport ministers were also endorsed.
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https://astanatimes.com/2024/08/tokayev-outlines-central-asias-vision-for-regional-cooperation-and-growth/
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