The seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia took place in the capital of Uzbekistan. President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, participated in the event and delivered a keynote address.

According to the Tajik president’s official website, the meeting covered a wide range of pressing issues concerning the development of interstate relations, the strengthening of friendship and good-neighborliness, as well as the expansion of regional cooperation. Special attention was given to sustainable economic growth, cultural and humanitarian exchange, and regional integration.

President Rahmon expressed gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan for the traditional hospitality and the high level of organization. He reportedly also congratulated the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, on his country’s accession to the Consultative Meeting format.

In his speech to regional leaders, Emomali Rahmon emphasized the importance of this platform in building trust, coordinating actions, and advancing a common regional agenda. He noted that the Consultative Meetings have firmly established their relevance in both international and regional processes.

“Interstate relations are strengthening, and we are actively maintaining contacts with external partners,” he said.

President Rahmon reaffirmed Tajikistan’s commitment to deepening political dialogue and integration within Central Asia. He recalled the significance of the previously signed Treaty on Friendship, Good-Neighborliness and Cooperation for the Sustainable Development of Central Asia, calling it evidence of the parties’ shared political will.

According to him, Central Asia is now becoming a space of active diplomatic engagement, constructive initiatives, and the formation of new cooperative ties.

Continuing his address, President Emomali Rahmon noted that the region holds substantial potential and can become a center for the development of trade, transit, energy, science, and tourism. He emphasized that the agreements reflected in the “Central Asia–2040” Regional Cooperation Development Concept provide a solid foundation for such progress.

The Tajik leader underscored the importance of adopting the Concept on Ensuring Regional Security, Stability, and Sustainable Development, which he said opens broad opportunities for strengthening security, deepening economic cooperation, and implementing joint initiatives. This constructive regional cooperation, he added, should work in the interests of future generations.

President Rahmon identified economic development as the key pillar of future prosperity and stressed the need to expand regional economic cooperation through innovation. He proposed enhancing industrial integration, strengthening regional mechanisms of industrial cooperation, modernizing railway corridors, and expanding air and multimodal transport. In this context, he suggested establishing a unified Central Asian transport and logistics space.

Among other initiatives, Rahmon highlighted the importance of utilizing free economic zones more effectively and expanding cooperation in the digital economy. He proposed establishing a Regional Center for Artificial Intelligence in Dushanbe to develop research programs related to the application of AI in key sectors.

He expressed gratitude for the adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution initiated by Tajikistan, titled “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Creating New Opportunities for Sustainable Development in Central Asia.”

The president also called for the creation of a unified digital platform to enhance e-commerce, which he said would help strengthen economic integration and diversify regional trade flows.

Security issues received particular attention. Rahmon noted that terrorism, extremism, radicalism, cybercrime, and drug trafficking continue to pose serious threats. He proposed strengthening institutional capacities and expanding professional training for security personnel.

Given the rise in cyber threats, he emphasized the need to intensify joint measures to bolster cybersecurity using advanced technologies.

In the fields of science, education, and culture, Rahmon proposed establishing an international innovation and education center in Central Asia. He also highlighted the importance of using the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage to boost tourism and enhance good‑neighborly relations.

The president stressed the urgency of addressing environmental challenges, pointing to the impact of climate change, glacier melt, and prolonged dust storms on regional food security.

In conclusion, President Rahmon stated that the future prosperity of Central Asia depends on close cooperation aimed primarily at improving the quality of life of its citizens.

Following the meeting, the heads of state signed a Joint Statement and several other significant documents.