Termez (TDI): The first session of the Termez Dialogue on Connectivity between Central and South Asia convened on the theme “Building a Common Space of Peace, Friendship and Prosperity,” from May 19-21, in the city of Termez in Uzbekistan.
In his welcoming speech, Eldor Aripov, Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies (ISRS) under the President of Uzbekistan , emphasized the significance of holding the forum in the city of Termez.
“Located at the junction of Central and South Asia, this ancient city has served as a “nodal point” of interregional connectivity since time immemorial,” he noted.
Eldor Aripov also added that Termez was a center of intercultural and religious dialogue, where the traditions of Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam were born and developed.
Today, the city is actively modernizing and reviving its role as the southern gate of Uzbekistan, once again becoming an important link between Central and South Asia.
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“The rich historical heritage of Termez creates a solid foundation for the formation of a single space for cooperation, opening up new strategic opportunities for common development,” he added.
“Today, all the necessary conditions have been created for this,” Aripov noted. A strong consensus has been formed in Central Asia regarding joint deepening of cooperation with South Asia, which is confirmed by the support for the CASA-1000, TAPI and Trans-Afghan Corridor projects.
Speaking about the interaction between Central and South Asia, Eldor Aripov noted that in recent years it has been developing steadily, with the economic agenda playing a key role in this process. According to the results of last year, mutual trade turnover exceeded five billion dollars.
In this context, special attention was paid to the strategic importance of the speedy implementation of the Trans-Afghan Corridor construction project. It was emphasized that its implementation will provide the countries of the region with the shortest access to the ports of the Indian Ocean, and will connect South Asia with the markets of Central Asia, Russia, China and Europe.
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Concluding his speech, ISRS director quoted the words of President Mirziyoyev, “the historical and civilizational community of Central and South Asia, the coinciding interests of our countries and peoples are a solid foundation on which we can build a common prosperous future.”
The Termez Dialogue was jointly organized by ISRS, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan.
The forum brought together about 200 participants from Central and South Asia, Europe, the CIS, Asia Pacific, America, and the Middle East.
Among them were representatives of political and economic circles, business circles, financial institutions, international and regional organizations, as well as prominent experts from analytical and research centers around the world.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
