The consultative meeting of the Central Asian heads of state in Astana was the sixth in a row. This fact suggests that such meetings have not only proved their relevance but also become systematic and consistent. And of course, in this context it is important to preserve the original meaning of this format of communication, namely its consultative nature and regional dimension.
This is what the President of Turkmenistan, the country that initiated the consultative meetings, had in mind when he spoke at the Astana summit, referring to such meetings as a platform for political communication without strictly regulated rules and procedures. This approach proves its value, as it provides for a more objective, broad and “panoramic” view of the course of interaction, making proposals and adjustments, expressing thoughts and assessments in a free exchange mode. That is why it is not expedient to create any multilateral structures and institutions within this format. “We understand each other perfectly well, each of our meetings ends with a clear final document, on the basis of which we work further. We believe that from both political and practical points of view, there is no need to overburden this format with the establishment of additional superstructures,” Serdar Berdimuhamedov said.
Another important element of the consultative meetings is that it envisages participation of the heads of Central Asian states only. This is primarily due to the strictly regional nature of the five-party political dialogue. Undoubtedly, issues arising from the international agenda have always been topical for the Central Asian leaders in terms of their discussion and development of consolidated positions on interregional, continental and global issues. However, the focus on issues relating to cooperation between the five Central Asian states remains the major substantive feature of the five-party dialogue.
The preservation of peace, harmony and stability in the region is chief among them. “We share the view that we want to see our region prosperous, highly developed and deeply integrated into modern global relations, while preserving its identity, independence and the right to choose the national and foreign models of development. I am convinced that only under such conditions our states and peoples will be able to ensure a dignified and confident future for themselves,” the President of Turkmenistan emphasized.
It is obvious that stability and tranquility along the perimeter of its external borders are an essential condition for maintaining security in the region. And in this regard, interaction on Afghan issues is of primary importance.
Turkmenistan has its own principled and clearly defined approaches to the entire range of issues in Afghanistan. At the same time, respecting the position of each country in the region, Ashgabat believes that as neighbors of Afghanistan they need to use the emerging opportunities and signs of stabilization to develop a common positive, constructive and realistic line in relation to the current Afghan administration. The interests and aspirations of the Afghan people, their desire for lasting peace and constructive nationwide work to rebuild the economy and social sphere should be put at the forefront.
Obviously, the Central Asian countries play a key role in this process. Only in cooperation with them one can talk in practical terms about Afghanistan’s integration into the international economic community and implementation of infrastructure and logistics projects. The deep historical, spiritual and kinship ties between Central Asian states and Afghanistan cannot be ignored. “It is our common duty and responsibility to use them to help create a new, peaceful and stable Afghanistan,” the President of Turkmenistan said.
The concerted action of the Central Asian states in the political and diplomatic, law enforcement and specialized spheres is another determinant of regional stability. The foreign ministries of the Central Asian states play an important role in developing consolidated approaches to countering new threats and destabilization of the region, protecting the information space, preventing and neutralizing the infiltration attempts by radical and extremist force.
Speaking about economic cooperation, Serdar Berdimuhamedov focused on transport and communications, calling for timely and effective integration of the region into the processes of forming East – West and North – South corridors, using geographical, logistical and other advantages of the Central Asian states. This primarily concerns routes through Central Asia from China to Europe and the Middle East, strengthening transport connectivity between Asia and Europe. This provides for the establishment of modern logistics in the territories of the countries of the region, harmonization of legislation, mutual provision of customs, tariff and other preferences. There is much to work on, and Turkmenistan proposes to start the practical implementation of these tasks in the very near future.
Meeting the growing energy needs of the Central Asian states, taking into account the availability and emergence in future of new industrial and agricultural capacities, infrastructure facilities, as well as joint industrial projects is another strategic goal in the context of the global geoeconomics. Turkmenistan has repeatedly declared its readiness to work together with the Central Asian states in the energy sector. Such cooperation should protect Central Asia from possible negative scenarios in the world energy market, minimize their consequences, create the necessary safety margin for national energy systems in the event of unforeseen man-made and natural circumstances. In this regard, mutual benefit, consideration of each other’s interests and strict fulfillment of the existing agreements should be the determining criteria in this work.
Issues relating to mutual trade and partnership in the sphere of small and medium-size businesses were also discussed. In this sphere, guided by good joint experience and traditions of good neighborliness, the regional countries can ensure relevant incentives to increase trade turnover, create and actively use new channels of interaction between business communities, encourage joint investments in projects and develop cross-border trade.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov informed the heads of state about the upcoming international forum “Interconnection of Times and Civilizations – the Foundation of the Modern World and Development” in Turkmenistan, marking the 300th birth anniversary of the classic of Turkmen literature, outstanding thinker of the East Magtymguly Fraghi, and invited them to participate in this important event. He emphasized that Turkmenistan views this event not only as a tribute to Magtymguly but also as a significant and timely opportunity for a broad and respectful international dialogue, a platform for presenting constructive, creative approaches and points of view on the fate of the world, the state of current global political, socio-cultural, geo-economic and humanitarian ties, their trends and prospects. “Such a dialogue is especially relevant nowadays. And we attach great importance to ensuring that the positions of the fraternal states of Central Asia are voiced weightily and authoritatively, heard and understood,” the President of Turkmenistan noted.
This is a very important message. Against the background of the serious processes the world is going through, Central Asia, with its enormous resource potential and strategically important geographical location, objectively attracts attention both from the point of view of global geopolitics and quite understandable economic interests. In these conditions, the states of the region are required to be extremely responsible, balanced and farsighted, relying on the rich experience and traditions of statehood, relations with each other and outside world. The President of Turkmenistan put it eloquently to the summit participants. “The attempts to draw our region into some spheres of influence, especially into conflicts, to give reason to doubt the independence and subjectivity of Central Asia as a geopolitical, economic, cultural and civilizational space with a centuries-old history should not be allowed to materialize. Our peoples have their own agenda: peace, good-neighbourliness, brotherhood and cooperation.”