President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will take part in the upcoming meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the next “Central Asia + Russia” summit, to be held on October 9–10 this year in Dushanbe.

Over the past eight years, Uzbekistan has been actively developing multilateral relations with CIS member countries. The strengthening of these ties is based not only on geographical proximity and economic interconnectedness, but also on deep historical roots, long-standing regional relations, and the shared destinies of our peoples throughout history.

High-level exchanges and visits between CIS countries have increased significantly, contributing to broader dialogue, cooperation, and the maintenance of peace and stability within the Commonwealth.

To ensure the timely and full implementation of the documents signed following President Mirziyoyev’s participation in the CIS summits between 2017 and 2024, “Roadmaps” were adopted. It is worth noting that the head of our state has put forward more than 100 initiatives serving the development of CIS countries and the well-being of their peoples. Uzbekistan also chaired the CIS for the first time in 2020.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has joined 24 multilateral documents, 22 decisions of CIS supreme bodies, and over 20 sectoral cooperation mechanisms. The country continues to maintain positive dynamics of cooperation in all areas within the Commonwealth.

Among the key directions, multilateral trade and economic cooperation has been of particular interest to Uzbekistan. According to available data, 35.1% of the country’s foreign trade turnover falls on CIS member states. In 2024, mutual trade with these countries reached USD 23.1 billion. Around 5,500 companies with CIS capital are operating successfully in Uzbekistan. To promote interregional trade, more than 130 special economic zones operate within the CIS, along with the creation of cross-border trade zones.

During his speech at the CIS summit held in Moscow on October 8, 2024, and the informal meeting of CIS leaders in St. Petersburg on December 25, President Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of strengthening joint efforts in the economic sphere. He noted that the signing of the Free Trade Zone Agreement, which creates favorable conditions for expanding trade and eliminating existing barriers, stands as one of the key achievements of the CIS in the trade and economic field.

Uzbekistan also maintains close cooperation with the Commonwealth countries in addressing modern threats and challenges. Within the CIS framework, the Anti-Terrorism Center was established — a specialized body that coordinates the interaction of authorized agencies of member states in combating terrorism and other forms of extremism.

In 2024, as part of initiatives put forward by President Mirziyoyev, several important documents were adopted — including an action plan for the development of international transport corridors and optimization of infrastructure within the CIS, and the 2025–2027 Cooperation Program in the field of deradicalization.

Furthermore, on the initiative of the head of our state, an international conference of CIS analytical centers titled “A New Agenda for Long-Term Cooperation” was held in Tashkent, during which significant proposals and initiatives were developed.

In April this year, Tashkent hosted the meeting of the CIS Economic Council, the First Interregional Forum of CIS Member States, and the First Forum on Innovative Development.

At the CIS Economic Council meeting, a wide range of issues related to economic cooperation among member states were discussed, including financing CIS institutions, statistics, and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

The First Interregional Forum of the CIS addressed measures to stimulate trade relations among member countries, taking into account global processes in world trade. Proposals included fully utilizing the potential of the CIS Free Trade Area Agreement, removing barriers to the movement of goods and services, digitalizing trade procedures and logistics, and expanding regional cooperation projects.

The forum’s business program included B2B negotiations and meetings. As a result, more than 10 documents were signed to promote friendly relations and enhance trade, economic, scientific-technical, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation between CIS regions.

Participants of the First Forum on Innovative Development discussed pressing issues of technological advancement and explored opportunities for promoting and commercializing promising innovation projects within the CIS Intergovernmental Program for Innovation Cooperation.

Additionally, on August 7–8 this year, Samarkand hosted an international forum on the development of artificial intelligence technologies in CIS countries. The two-day event included five sessions focusing on current issues and new trends in AI, business meetings, exchanges of experience and innovative solutions, and agreements on joint projects. This international forum became an important platform for deepening cooperation among CIS countries, aligning policies and standards, developing joint innovations, and defining new scientific and technical prospects.

The formation of a full-fledged free trade zone and the strengthening of transport connectivity within the CIS space are of key importance. Uzbekistan attaches special attention to developing these areas in both multilateral and bilateral formats with member states.

The peoples of the CIS countries are united by a shared cultural and historical heritage and numerous humanitarian ties, which continue to serve as a strong and reliable foundation for the Commonwealth. Cultural exchanges are rapidly expanding, with festivals, concerts, fairs, sports, and other events regularly held under the CIS framework.

Within the framework of the Dushanbe summit, another meeting will take place in the “Central Asia + Russia” format. The agenda will focus on international and regional issues, security, mutual support within international organisations, and joint initiatives in cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev previously participated in the first “Central Asia – Russia” summit held in Astana, Kazakhstan, on October 14, 2022. The discussions centered on cooperation in this format, regional and global issues of mutual interest. During the summit, the Uzbek leader proposed a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening regional partnerships in trade, economy, transport and communications, energy, culture, and environmental protection.

In summary, Uzbekistan’s participation in the activities of the CIS and its relations with member states have broad prospects. These mutually beneficial ties serve as a vivid example of good neighborliness, friendship, and mutual support. All of these efforts inspire optimism about the future of Uzbekistan–CIS relations.

It can be confidently stated that the upcoming summits in Dushanbe and their outcomes will further enhance the effectiveness of multilateral cooperation within the Commonwealth for the prosperity of our countries and peoples.

Source: Dunyo News Agency