Termez, Uzbekistan, May 20 | ORIENT. The Termez Dialogue on the Interconnectedness of Central and South Asia kicked off today. The forum, held under the motto “Building a Common Space of Peace, Friendship and Prosperity,” demonstrated from the very first minutes impeccable organization and high interest of all its participants in a constructive dialogue.

The event is attended by more than 200 participants from the countries of these two regions, as well as representatives from Europe, America, the Middle East, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Asia-Pacific region. Among them are representatives of political and economic, business circles, financial institutions, international and regional organizations, as well as prominent experts from analytical and research centers around the world. The professionalism of the organizing team, including the unnoticeable but key work of translators, ensured effective communication between the delegates.

The opening ceremony of the forum was marked by speeches by Director of the Institute of Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan Eldor Aripov and Khokim of the Surkhandarya region Ulugbek Kosimov.

Security, Stability and Development – Senior Diplomats’ Dialogue

The first session was devoted to comprehensive dialogue and multilateral cooperation for security, stability and sustainable development. It was moderated by First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bahromjon Aloev.

As part of this key discussion, Deputy Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan (Muhammad Naim Wardak), Kazakhstan (Yermuhambet Konuspayev), Kyrgyzstan (Temirbek Erkinov) and Tajikistan (Special Representative Khisrav Sohibzoda) spoke. Particular attention was drawn to the speech of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Akhmet Gurbanov, who outlined Ashgabat’s official position on current issues on the regional and international agenda.

Turkmenistan's Position: Peace, Trust and Interconnectedness as the Basis for Prosperity

In his report, Akhmet Gurbanov emphasized the deep historical roots and centuries-old friendly relations that bind the peoples of Central and South Asia, and the importance of exchanging views for future partnership. He emphasized that modern challenges require coordinated solutions and deep mutual understanding, as well as consolidated efforts to maintain global peace, strategic stability and security in the Asian region.

According to the Turkmen side, the key condition for countering threats is the restoration and strengthening of trust between countries, which should become the basis for the formation of political and diplomatic prerequisites for a constructive dialogue. In this context, the importance and timeliness of the resolution "International Year of Peace and Trust, 2025" initiated by Turkmenistan and unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly was especially emphasized. Turkmenistan views it as a real opportunity for a qualitative transition to a new stage in international relations, proposing to focus on regional security issues, relying on UN resolutions such as the “Zone of Peace, Trust and Cooperation in Central Asia.”

The Afghan issue was called the most important for peace and security. The Deputy Minister emphasized that Turkmenistan, as a neutral state, supports the efforts of the international community to achieve peace, civil accord and restore the economy of Afghanistan. He noted that Ashgabat's policy on this issue is well thought out, consistent with the actions of the Afghan authorities, objective realities and is based on dialogue, taking into account the positions of the UN.

Gurbanov directly linked the idea of peace and trust with economic development. Turkmenistan highly appreciates the potential for cooperation between Central and South Asia in the economy, investment, energy, transport and trade, considering these areas a priority. Large projects aimed at uniting the regions were especially noted, such as:

Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline: A project to provide gas to 1.75 billion people, with a 214-kilometer section built through the territory of Turkmenistan and active construction of a 153-kilometer section Serhetabat-Herat. Currently, its construction is underway on the territory of Afghanistan. Its implementation, creating 12 thousand jobs, contributes to strengthening peace and economic cooperation.

Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) high-voltage power transmission line: Already supplies power to Herat, work is underway to extend the line to Pakistan, and a fiber-optic communication line is being laid in parallel.

Development of transport infrastructure: Turkmenistan is creating an extensive network of combined transport and logistics corridors (East-West, North-South), including the construction of railways and roads, such as the 115-km Kerki (Turkmenistan) - Andkhoy (Afghanistan) railway, and consideration of a branch to Herat.

In conclusion, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan confirmed that the interconnectedness between Central and South Asia implies not only physical ties, but also the maintenance of peace, security, close cooperation in the economy, production, the creation of integration technological and digital platforms, as well as the exchange of experience. He expressed his firm belief that this work will ensure sustainable development, strengthen friendship and create an atmosphere of trust, emphasizing Turkmenistan's readiness for productive cooperation within the framework of the policy of permanent neutrality and "open doors".

The first session was also attended by Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Uzbekistan Ahmed Farooq, representatives of leading international organizations: Head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia Kakha Imnadze, Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan Roza Otunbayeva, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan Sabina Mahl, CIS Deputy Secretary-General Denis Trefilov, SCO Deputy Secretary-General Piao Yanfan, CICA Deputy Secretary-General Farid Damirli, UNHCR Representative in Central Asia Dumitru Lipcanu, UNDP Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan Akiko Fujii and Head of the International Organization for Migration mission Andrew Gray. Their participation emphasized the global significance of the issues discussed and the desire for consolidated solutions.

On the first day of the forum, participants will also discuss the role of the private sector and financial institutions in strengthening connectivity and ensuring economic growth.

These discussions bring together diplomats, experts, representatives of international organizations and the business community in finding ways to achieve common prosperity in Central and South Asia, emphasizing the importance of involving all regional players in this process.

In this context, Afghanistan’s active presence at the forum is of particular importance: Deputy Minister of Finance and Administration of the Afghan Foreign Ministry Mohammad Naeem called on the international community, regional countries and international organizations to effectively cooperate in the field of infrastructure investment, capacity building and promoting the economic well-being of the Afghan people.

The work of the Termez Dialogue continues, and ORIENT remains at the center of events to promptly inform readers about the progress of its sessions and key initiatives.

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