Uzbekistan’s key role in stability of Central Asia stressed

TASHKENT, Aug 19 (UzA/APP) : Addressing the high-level meeting “Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Europe – Cooperation for Common Development” in Tashkent, former President of Serbia (2004-2012) Boris Tadić noted the strategic importance of the country for the whole of Central Asia.
As the speaker stressed, today the region “is one of the most important from the point of view of geostrategy”, and “without Uzbekistan there is no stability in Central Asia, as well as the maximum pace of its development is impossible”. According to him, it is not only about politics, but also about digitalization, economic growth, technological progress, and education.
Tadić recalled the role of international platforms, including the Baku Forum, which “gathers politicians and intellectuals from around the world” and serves as a channel for dialogue and practical solutions. He expressed readiness to “be at the disposal” of the Uzbek side and act as an “intellectual mediator” between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, as well as between Tashkent and multilateral institutions. “We have two countries on both sides of the Caspian Sea that can be very close friends”, he noted.
According to the expert, demographic dynamics and human capital are the key to long-term success. He described Uzbekistan as a country “with a young, well-educated and ambitious population striving to participate in global development”. The influence of the Uzbek diaspora and the contribution of the Uzbek people to turning points in world history were highlighted separately. “We know about your cultural heritage – Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva – and historical leaders”, he said.
According to the speaker, the transformations implemented under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev “are of great importance” and strengthen the country’s position as a bridge between cultures and states. “With due respect, we would like to be helpful and promote a convergence of positions, especially where the interests of politics, energy, technology, and global peace intersect”, Tadić said.
During the discussions, the participants will focus on the interconnection of transport and logistics routes in Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Europe, climate sustainability (including water resources, energy security, and sustainable agriculture), as well as digital transformation and the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies. These directions are directly correlated with Boris Tadić’s thesis on the role of Uzbekistan and the potential of regional partnership.
In conclusion, the speaker thanked the organizers for their hospitality and confirmed his willingness to “make a practical contribution” to the discussion of the future of Uzbekistan during the forum’s panel sessions. Following the event, further specifications of cooperation formats between Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and European partners are expected.