Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Central Asian countries are committed to expanding multilateral cooperation in the region. This was stated by Colonel-General Bahodir Tashmatov, Candidate of Military Sciences, Associate Professor, and Deputy Secretary of the Security Council under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, during the VI International Scientific and Practical Conference on “Global Geopolitical and Geo-Economic Transformations and Their Impact on Regional Security and Conflict Prevention.”  

Discussing the current international situation, the expert noted that “the geopolitical and geo-economic architecture of the 21st century is undergoing complex and multifaceted transformations, the outcomes of which are difficult to predict.”  

According to Tashmatov, “the increasing number of wars and conflicts is a significant factor contributing to the spread of terrorism, extremism, and organized transnational crime.”  

Moreover, “the aggravation of global issues such as climate change, water and natural resource shortages, the consequences of pandemics, and challenges in energy and food security lead to economic imbalances and social upheavals,” Tashmatov added.  

In this context, the Deputy Secretary highlighted the special role of Uzbekistan’s policies under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in strengthening regional security and transforming Central Asia into a more stable and predictable region.  

“The Central Asian countries are demonstrating an increasingly consolidated position on regional and global agendas. They are showing growing commitment to further expanding multilateral cooperation in the region,” the expert emphasized.  

He underlined that the peoples of Central Asia are taking greater responsibility for the region’s future, showcasing their autonomy in interaction and decision-making.  

“Today, Central Asia serves as an example of constructive regionalism against the backdrop of deglobalization and the emergence of a new world order,” said the Colonel-General.  

Tashmatov stressed that Tashkent will continue to pursue this strategic approach, aimed at creating a "Strong Central Asia," and will coordinate efforts in the following key areas:  

1. Combating terrorism and extremism: Joint efforts to address radicalization among youth, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other forms of organized crime.  

2. Tackling new information threats: Coordinating actions to counter challenges in the information space, with Uzbekistan supporting the establishment of concrete mechanisms for cooperation with other Central Asian countries.  

3. Addressing climate change: Enhancing collaboration to mitigate the negative effects of climate change and promote the rational use of water resources.  

4. Developing a stable energy system: Consolidating joint efforts to create a sustainable energy infrastructure in Central Asia, primarily by advancing green energy initiatives.  

5. Supporting dialogue on Afghanistan: Tashmatov emphasized the importance of preventing Afghanistan from being left to face its problems alone, which could turn it into a renewed source of security threats for the region.  

In his closing remarks, the expert quoted President Shavkat Mirziyoyev: “We must consider the growing challenges in economic, social, political, and information security spheres to preserve the most valuable thing we have—our peaceful life. Protecting Uzbekistan’s state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of our borders is our sacred duty, which we must fulfill not only for our history but also for future generations.”  

The International Scientific and Practical Conference is organized annually by the Academy of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan in collaboration with the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan.

The event gathers leaders from state and non-state institutions in politics, security, economics, and international cooperation, international experts, representatives of regional and international organizations, and military attachés accredited to foreign embassies in Uzbekistan, with approximately 80 participants in total.