Central Asian Nations Sign Declaration to Strengthen Sovereignty and Connectivity
The second trilateral meeting of the Foreign Affairs, Economy, Trade, and Transport Ministers of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye took place in Ankara on January 29. The countries reaffirmed their commitment to jointly combat threats to sovereignty, simplify trade, and support Uzbekistan in transporting cargo via the Middle Corridor. The Ankara Declaration was adopted and signed at the end of the meeting, outlining key areas of cooperation.
The declaration emphasizes the countries’ dedication to supporting each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and borders. It highlights the importance of joint projects in trade, investment, industry, energy, transport, logistics, digitalization, and communications. The Middle Corridor, spanning all three countries, plays a crucial role in enhancing their transit potential.
Efforts to strengthen the “Europe-Caucasus-Asia” transport corridor and enhance operational efficiency were also discussed. The declaration underscores the need for cooperation against threats to sovereignty and territorial integrity, supporting projects to improve connectivity and boost the capacity of the Middle Corridor.
Investments in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur regions were confirmed, along with agreements within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) framework. The declaration also stresses the development of economic, trade, and investment relations, fostering mutual investments between private sectors, expanding cooperation in industry, agriculture, innovations, and digitalization.
The importance of the Trans-Afghan railway project was highlighted as a means to strengthen regional transport and economic ties. Additionally, the declaration called for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, supporting a fair and sustainable resolution for peace in the region.
Overall, the Ankara Declaration underscores the commitment of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye to deepen their cooperation in various sectors for mutual benefit and regional stability.
