The sides discussed opportunities for developing cooperation between IICA and CERES, including joint expert events, analytical publications, academic exchanges, and broader engagement between research communities in Uzbekistan and the United States.

Javlon Vakhabov noted that Central Asia is increasingly emerging as an important actor in international affairs and should be viewed not only through the lens of broader Eurasian developments, but also as a region with its own priorities, agenda, and intellectual voice. In this context, he emphasized the importance of promoting a deeper and more balanced understanding of Central Asia’s transformation within the American academic and expert community.

Particular attention was given to regional cooperation in Central Asia, U.S. relations with the countries of the region, transport connectivity, Afghanistan, migration, water and climate security, and the changing geopolitical landscape in Eurasia. It was noted that joint research and expert discussions could bring together perspectives from Tashkent and Washington and give bilateral dialogue a more practical dimension.

For his part, Professor David-Fox expressed interest in establishing a regular channel of cooperation between IICA and CERES. Possible areas of future work included roundtables, guest lectures, research consultations, and support for young experts and students engaged in the study of Central Asia.