Tashkent: The 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia convened in Tashkent, chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan.

According to Qatar News Agency, the meeting brought together President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan, President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, and Kaha Imnadze, Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia.

The leaders focused on advancing regional cooperation and carrying out joint projects and initiatives across priority domains. President Mirziyoyev announced the accession of Azerbaijan as a full member of the Consultative Meetings. This step, he noted, reinforces the region's historical and cultural bonds while opening prospects in trade, economic engagement, investment, cultural exchange, and humanitarian cooperation.

He reviewed the region's recent progress in integration, including the opening of border crossings, strengthened cooperation in the water and energy sectors, the restoration of transport links, and the creation of conditions that have increased trade and investment. Intra-regional trade reached USD 10.7 billion last year, with investments rising 17 percent.

Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of advancing commercial and economic cooperation, removing administrative and customs barriers, expanding e-commerce, and pursuing strategic projects in infrastructure, transport, and energy. These efforts are aimed at connecting the region through railway corridors and transit routes across Afghanistan.

He also reaffirmed the centrality of regional security and stability, highlighting the importance of strengthening cultural and humanitarian collaboration, and promoting the role of the Center for Islamic Civilization.