- We are the luckiest children of our people. We are fortunate to see the days dreamed of by our Jadid ancestors and to build the future they desired. During the events of the seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, I was once again convinced of this.
We stand at the dawn of a new historical epoch, one prophesied by our Jadid ancestors and now being realized through the unwavering political will and strategic vision of New Uzbekistan. The recent seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia was not merely a diplomatic event; it was a powerful testament to a region reborn, united, and charting its own destiny on the world stage.
While other regions are mired in conflict and zero-sum politics, Central Asia is emerging as a beacon of stability, partnership, and shared prosperity. This transformative shift is no accident. It is the direct result of a deliberate and magnanimous foreign policy championed by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which has reawakened the common spirit that has always bound our peoples together.
From Cultural Kinship to Strategic Unity
Our President masterfully recognized that true integration begins not in boardrooms, but in the hearts and minds of our people. He initiated a profound cultural renaissance, using our shared heritage—the immortal words of Navoi, the wisdom of Al-Biruni, the melodies of our ancestors—as the bedrock for a new political reality. The tradition of gifting books, the grand festivals of art, and the joint celebration of our literary giants were strategic masterstrokes that rebuilt trust and reminded us that we are not merely neighbors, but one family.
This cultural diplomacy has paved the way for unprecedented political and economic convergence. The adoption of the Concept for Regional Security and Stability in Central Asia is a landmark achievement. In an unpredictable world, we have declared our region a zone of peace—a “lifeboat” of sanity and cooperation. This is the foundation upon which all future prosperity will be built.
The Uzbekistan Doctrine: A Blueprint for Regional Success
The Consultative Meeting itself, an initiative born in Tashkent, has evolved into the core engine of regional integration. Under Uzbekistan’s chairmanship, it has transformed from a forum for dialogue into a platform for decisive action.
The results speak for themselves:
- A surging mutual trade volume of $10.7 billion.
- A 17% increase in foreign investment into the region.
- The launch of groundbreaking sector-specific cooperation, from industry and agriculture to ecology and geology.
The most visionary proposal—to elevate the Consultative Meeting into a “Central Asian Community”—signals our collective ambition. We are no longer five separate states navigating global currents alone; we are a single, unified force with a shared voice and a common strategic future.
The Intellectual and Moral Vanguard: Our Enduring Strength
Our power lies not only in our natural resources or economic potential but in our human capital and our timeless values. The initiative to establish a Council of Elders, rooted in the traditions of people’s diplomacy, will provide the wisdom and moral compass for our continued journey.
Furthermore, the President’s decree to establish the first International Congress on Spiritual Heritage and Enlightenment as an annual event cements our region’s role as a global center for intellectual and humanistic thought. While others may prioritize material gain, we are building a future anchored in enlightenment—a “Central Asian Cultural Brand” that is both our legacy and our most valuable export.
Conclusion: The Horizon of New Uzbekistan is the Future of Central Asia
The educational and cultural policy of New Uzbekistan is not an internal affair; it is a regional strategy of immense power. By championing our common spiritual heritage, we have unlocked a unity that transcends transient material interests. We have proven that strength is in unity, and success is in cooperation.
Developed nations are now eager to engage with us not as a source of labor, but as an equal partner with broad economic power and an unshakeable moral foundation. This is the new reality that Uzbekistan’s leadership has forged.
As we move forward, our duty is clear: to protect this sacred unity, to advance with strategic coordination, and to ensure that the next generation is worthy of this historic awakening. The new horizons opening for Central Asia were charted by the vision of New Uzbekistan. It is now our collective responsibility to sail forward, together.
BY: Mr. Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan
