The event was dedicated to the anniversary of the installation of the Friendship Stele at the junction of the state borders of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, symbolizing the strengthening of good neighborly relations, mutual trust, and regional unity.

The forum brought together representatives of governmental bodies, public organizations, and expert-analytical institutions from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan.

During the event, participants discussed priority and forward-looking areas of cooperation between Central Asian states and Azerbaijan, including the development of entrepreneurship, investment collaboration, and the “green” economy.

In his speech, the representative of the International Institute for Central Asia, S. Ismailov, emphasized the strategic partnership between Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, outlining new stages and prospects for further cooperation. It was noted that the countries of the region, together with Azerbaijan, are currently forming the institutional core of a “New Central Asia.”

Particular attention was given to the fact that Azerbaijan’s accession in 2025 to the format of the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia has opened new opportunities for strengthening connectivity between Central Asia and the South Caucasus – especially in the fields of transport and logistics, energy, investment, and industrial cooperation.

During the discussions, participants highly appreciated the role of analytical and expert institutions in strengthening friendship, trust, and mutual understanding among countries, as well as in developing practical proposals for further advancing interregional cooperation.

Following the conference, participants noted the high potential of the Consultative Meetings format for enhancing interregional connectivity and developing sustainable mechanisms of cooperation. It was emphasized that further expansion of expert, business, and humanitarian dialogue will contribute to the formation of a shared space of peace, sustainable development, and prosperity across the regions.