Currently, the Central Asian countries have significantly intensified the coordination of joint actions to create sustainable mechanisms for the implementation of bilateral and multilateral interstate and interdepartmental agreements, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals until 2030. Within the framework of regional programs, projects and action plans, it is planned to adopt additional practical measures aimed at increasing the effectiveness of cooperation.
Joint strategic documents of the Central Asian countries in the field of combating various threats and challenges also indicate the improvement of regional cooperation for the implementation of coordinated actions to reduce risks and maintain stability in the region.
Strengthening the institutional foundations for regional and cross-border cooperation of countries, developing a common information space, supporting the development of human resources, reducing economic risks at the regional, national and local levels, attracting investments and interested partners - these are just a few of the key drivers that will determine the future course of integration processes in the Central Asian countries.
Today, it can be argued that the gloomy predictions that the countries of the region, which faced serious political, economic and social problems after gaining independence, could be plunged into chaos and turn into the «Eurasian Balkans» did not come true. However, it is worth remembering that throughout their history, the countries of Central Asia have repeatedly been subjected to devastating disasters, accompanied by serious human and economic losses. In the current difficult conditions of interstate relations, as in the past, the interests and attention of global players are again directed to the Central Asian countries.
Since 1991, global and regional actors have been actively engaged in political activities in the region with varying degrees of intensity, seeking to reformat the region in accordance with their values and interests. The region's geopolitical position, its resource potential, and transit opportunities have determined the tough nature of competition between geopolitical players in the region.
Against the background of rivalry between the leading centres of world politics for influence in the region, the countries of Central Asia initially sought to strengthen their subjectivity, to conduct independent domestic and foreign policies. Previously, the principle of multi-vectorality was the basis of the foreign policy of the countries of the region, allowing them to balance in the international arena and build cooperation in all foreign policy azimuths. If in the first years the main attention of the countries was paid to the issues of resolving the accumulated problems related to the legal registration of state borders, the resumption of the work of checkpoints for citizens at border points, the abolition of visas, as well as the launch of transport links that were interrupted in the mid-90s, then in subsequent years the main attention was focused on the issues of deepening cooperation in the political, trade and economic, investment, water and energy, cultural and humanitarian and other important spheres.
It cannot be said that in the first decade after the collapse of the USSR, the political leaders of the republics did not make attempts to bring the countries of the region closer together in some form of intra-regional integration, however, these efforts did not produce the desired results. At the present stage, according to the majority of political scientists and international experts, a new stage in the development of Central Asian regionalism is being observed. Five Central Asian countries have recently agreed to increase the effectiveness of interaction in the sphere of politics, economics and cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as the implementation of numerous large integration projects in which each state of the region is interested.
Speaking about the intraregional measures taken by the Central Asian countries, it is important to note that the result of the general changes was close coordination of the countries on international platforms, including the UN and other international organizations. Thanks to the achievement of mutual understanding, the countries demonstrate consolidated positions on external platforms on a number of topical issues of the global and regional agenda. A clear indicator of this should be considered the adoption by the Central Asian countries of 11 joint UN resolutions since 2017, which directly affect the interests of the countries and serve the issues of further rapprochement and ensuring the development of the region.
Strengthening the unity of the region was also facilitated by the development by the Central Asian countries of a common approach to building relations with leading states and centres of power within the framework of the dialogue format «Central Asia Plus». Currently, such formats are already in effect with 11 leading states of the world and associations. Today, we can confidently talk not only about consistent rapprochement and strengthening of the interconnectedness between the five states, but also strengthening the international subjectivity and economic attractiveness of the region, an increase in the number of countries interested in building ties with us. The holding of Consultative Meetings and active work within the framework of the five-sided platforms associated with them, as well as the real and tangible fruits of such interaction once again demonstrate that the countries are seriously and purposefully intending to build up relations within the Central Asian «five». The holding of such summits and the consensus decisions made at them make it possible to identify the main priorities, the solution of which contributes to the centripetal tendencies in the region.
Changes in the political climate and the focus of countries on building up ties, both in bilateral and multilateral formats, contributed to the overall improvement of the business climate in the region, which played a key role in increasing the inflow of foreign direct investment into the countries of Central Asia.
The emergence of regional cooperation at a new level is already evidenced by economic indicators that have a positive impact on the state of development of states, as well as the life of their citizens. The countries of the region have begun work on the creation of border trade zones. Cultural and humanitarian exchange has noticeably intensified, which contributes to the strengthening of political trust and practical interaction between the peoples of the countries of the region.
Today, cross-years of culture, cinema days, exhibitions, concerts and tours, joint sports events have become regular. A clear indicator of this is the growth of intraregional tourism, which has already reached 79% of all tourist destinations preferred by citizens of our countries. The states of the region began to pay special attention to issues of strengthening youth ties, educational exchange and cooperation in increasing the potential of the younger generation. The holding of events in this important area has acquired a systemic nature, which contributed to the creation of the Central Asian Youth Dialogue platform. Moreover, during the last Consultative meetings, the parties signed an Agreement on General Directions of Youth Policy of the Countries of the Region, which opened up the opportunity to coordinate and direct work in this area.
An equally important area of humanitarian cooperation has become the development of women's exchange mechanisms aimed at both expanding the participation of women in political, economic, public, social and other spheres of activity, and strengthening their role in regional cooperation. Since 2021, the Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asian Countries has been launched, which has already held four meetings. In the field of education and science, Forums of Rectors of Universities of Central Asian Countries and Forums of Scientists of the Region have also begun to be held. Interaction in the field of tourism and issues of regulating migration processes between countries, cooperation of analytical centres, as well as holding joint events in the field of media and media space, such as the Central Asian Media Forum, have intensified.
When discussing the measures taken by the CA countries within the framework of regional cooperation after they gained independence, it is necessary to predict the future and prepare in advance the basis for sustainable development of the situation in order to maintain peace and stability in the region. In this regard, the best option and favourable prospect seems to be, first of all, strengthening the economic ties of the countries of the region. Today, this is already a reality that cannot be avoided.
Great progress is observed in the most complex issues of water-energy, climate and other ties. The countries of the region have managed to create effective cooperation mechanisms in a variety of formats, where current and future areas of cooperation are discussed in detail. Great attention is paid to the importance of transport and logistics potential. Control over multimodal corridors passing through the countries of the region will reduce the influence of geopolitical competitors and strengthen their own presence. Today, not in words but in deeds, joint measures are being implemented to harmonize regulatory legal acts to improve the efficiency of implementing interstate agreements, attracting investments to the region, strengthening regional identity, based on the historical, cultural and civilizational community of our region. Of particular importance in all this, of course, will be the further increase in the level of trust between the leaders of the countries of the region.
Our region has stood the test of time, and the agenda promoted by the five CA countries has acquired a sustainable and irreversible character, opening the way for further deepening of integration. These are the very drivers that will determine the further course of integration processes.
Currently, the importance of Central Asia is rapidly increasing against the backdrop of the emerging new international political reality, and this cannot but please, because together it is easier to build a fair, correct world based on true human values.
