During the event, participants exchanged views on pressing issues of regional cooperation and emphasized the enduring nature of the partnership between the Central Asian countries and the Russian Federation.

In his opening remarks, IICA Director J. Vakhabov noted that the meeting was taking place during a significant year — 2025 marks 20 years since the signing of the Treaty on Allied Relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Russian Federation, which laid a solid foundation for strategic cooperation.

RISS Director Mikhail Fradkov, in turn, highlighted the importance of strengthening multilateral dialogue and advancing practical cooperation between the Central Asian countries and Russia in the current context. He also emphasized the special role of the expert community in shaping balanced approaches to regional security and sustainable development.

Chief Adviser to the Director of RISS I. Borovkov shared his views on the impact of foreign policy processes on the interests of the Central Asian countries and underscored the importance of maintaining dialogue and coordination between the region and Moscow.

Deputy Director of IICA Sh. Fayziev delivered a report on the priorities of Uzbekistan’s chairmanship in the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia. He elaborated on efforts to promote regional consolidation, the advancement of the CA–2040 strategy, issues of water resources, sustainable development, and the “CA+” format.

Adviser to the Director of RISS V. Kholodkov presented approaches to expanding Russia’s cultural and humanitarian cooperation with the countries of the region, including academic exchanges, joint educational initiatives, and humanitarian projects.

Chief Research Fellow at IICA N.Mansurova presented a report titled “Central Asia and Russia: Strategic Cooperation in a Changing World,” in which she emphasized the importance of adapting partnership relations to new global challenges and regional realities.

During the discussions, participants stressed the importance of developing partnerships between research institutions in Russia and Central Asia. In this context, the roundtable became a practical step in implementing the Joint Action Plan between IICA and RISS, signed in February this year, and contributed to enhancing expert cooperation and the exchange of analytical views on regional issues.