BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. Central Asia and
the member countries of the Central Asian Regional Economic
Cooperation (CAREC) are becoming more attractive amid growing
cooperation and increased predictability in the region’s
development, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis
of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Sodiq Safoyev, said at the CAMCA
Regional Forum in Baku, Trend's correspondent reports from the event.


“People are painting a sort of rosy picture of global
development. But, surprisingly, some countertrends are observed in
the CAREC region and Central Asia. I spoke about the declining role
of multilateral diplomacy, yet in the CAREC region, multilateral
diplomacy is strengthening year after year,” he said.


According to him, Central Asia is increasingly viewed today not
only as a post-Soviet space or a group of countries, but also as a
region connecting major markets and world powers. He noted that
Central Asia is gradually transforming from a landlocked region
into a region that connects territories.


He also noted the strengthening of cooperation among the
countries of Central Asia.


"While we are seeing fragmentation around the world, forces of
attraction are at work in the CAREC region that are bringing
countries together. This may have begun with the renewal of
Uzbekistan’s foreign policy under President Mirziyoyev. Today, in
Central Asia, we are seeing a very strong trend toward the
consolidation of cooperation. We are talking specifically about
strengthening and deepening cooperation, not about integration. I
am not talking about integration. Frederick Starr and I always
discuss what cooperation in Central Asia means. Perhaps today we
should refrain from using the word ‘integration,’ since it is too
strong a term, but stronger and deeper cooperation is indeed taking
place,” he noted.


According to Safoyev, the development of cooperation makes the
region more predictable.


“One aspect the world is overlooking today is predictability.
When we talk about geopolitical uncertainty in the world, we can be
more optimistic today regarding the CAREC region and Central Asia.
This means that Central Asia is becoming more attractive on the
global stage. Central Asia’s appeal is also increasing thanks to
its geographic location and more predictable development,” he
said.







Safoyev also noted the decision to admit Azerbaijan as a full
participant in the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of
Central Asia.


“I think the time has come to transform the Consultative
Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia into a kind of
council or other institution that would be more than just a
consultative meeting,” he said.


Meanwhile, Baku is hosting the first annual CAMCA (Central Asia,
Mongolia, Caucasus, and Afghanistan) Regional Forum, dedicated to
promoting dialogue, cooperation, and sustainable economic
development in Central Asia, Mongolia, the South Caucasus, and
Afghanistan.


The forum brought together representatives from the private and
public sectors, high-ranking officials, investors, entrepreneurs,
and experts.


During the two-day event, participants will discuss ways to
expand cooperation in the region and promote economic growth and
social development.