Today in Astana, leaders of strategic
research institutes of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and
the Kyrgyz Republic discussed integration processes in Central Asia,
emphasizing that regional cooperation is necessary at all levels and in all
spheres. This opens up new prospects for the countries, especially considering
the rapidly increasing global interest in the region, which cooperates with
major players such as the U.S., the EU, China, and Russia in the Central Asia
Plus format. According to analysts, to enhance cooperation effectiveness, it is
necessary to conduct joint sociological research and create a special fund
dedicated to studying youth issues, demographics, and job creation. Overall,
the event aims to develop practical proposals and expert recommendations for
the upcoming Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States slated
for August in Astana.
«This is our seventh meeting preceding the Consultative Meetings of
the Heads of State. I believe one of the crucial current issues is the
establishment of a secretariat, which will represent a tangible outcome of our
cooperation. Nowadays, it is impossible to advance important matters without
integration. This involves not only the development of trade and economic ties
or climate conditions, but also our security, identity, and understanding of
who we are as Central Asia,» said Yerkin Tukumov,
Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan.
