WNAM MONITORING : Within the framework of the ongoing C5+1 summit of Central Asian and U.S. leaders in Washington, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Rector of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, Sodiq Safoyev, shared his views on the significance and outcomes of the event in an interview.
“The Washington summit is an event of not only regional, but also global significance, and a major milestone in the development of the C5+1 format. For the first time, it is being held at the White House, with the participation of the President of the United States and all Central Asian heads of state. This marks a transition to a new, higher level of cooperation”, noted Mr. Safoyev.
The politician emphasized that the summit, marking the 10th anniversary of the C5+1 format, demonstrates how much the political dynamics in the region have changed in recent years. Central Asia has shown its ability to build partnerships independently and to put forward its own initiatives on the international stage. The country’s renewed foreign policy, pursued under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has laid the foundation for a new spirit in Central Asia – a spirit of openness, mutual trust, and regional cooperation. Just a few years ago, holding such a summit would have seemed impossible. Today, it has become a reality thanks to the Head of State’s initiatives to strengthen good neighborliness and develop regional projects. Another important factor in the intensifying dialogue between Central Asian countries and the United States was the recent meeting between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and U.S. President Donald Trump in New York. This contact can be seen as a turning point that enabled the American leadership to view the growing role of Central Asia and the importance of developing the C5+1 format in a new light.
“The Washington summit marks a shift from political dialogue to practical cooperation”, said Mr. Safoyev. “The format is taking on the characteristics of an institutional mechanism with specific funding sources aimed at implementing major projects that serve the interests of the peoples of the region, including Uzbekistan. Priority areas of cooperation will include natural resource development, energy, and the introduction of new technologies. The participation of American companies, which have advanced solutions and significant potential, will help achieve new results – increased labor productivity, reduced production costs, expanded export opportunities, and the implementation of stricter environmental standards. Today, the main driver of progress is regional development – no country can solve its challenges alone. Only through cooperation and joint efforts can available advantages be used most effectively. The C5+1 format reflects Uzbekistan’s multi-vector foreign policy. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has always emphasized that our country’s participation in any international associations is not directed against anyone, on the contrary, it is based on the principles of openness, inclusiveness, and mutually beneficial cooperation”.
In conclusion, Mr. Safoyev noted that the results of the Washington summit will represent an essential step toward advancing Uzbekistan’s national interests.
“This summit will undoubtedly strengthen Uzbekistan’s position on the international stage and bring tangible results that our people will feel – in the form of new opportunities, projects, and sustainable development”, the politician concluded.
