Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are three Central Asian states, each of which has a different strategic importance. They have recently begun to make a name for themselves on the international stage with their win-win policies in the context of good relations. From a geopolitical perspective, the three countries play an important role in ensuring regional stability and transportation in Central Asia through their transportation networks.
Cooperation between these three countries aims to improve land, rail, sea, and air transportation and increase transit potential. The parties strive to ensure fast and smooth transit of the products to be exported. This issue contributes to the development of mutual relations. The fast and effective operation of this corridor will bring great benefits to the countries in the field of logistics.
Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, hosted the trilateral summit on August 4, 2023. President of Turkmenistan Mr. Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Tajikistan Mr. Imamali Rahman and President of Uzbekistan Mr. Shevket Mirziyoyev addressed important issues during the trilateral talks.[1] The leaders stressed the importance of bilateral and multilateral relations at every opportunity and came together to strengthen cooperation in the security, economic, cultural and scientific fields and signed several agreements. They initiated a process to strengthen their unity through regional and international Cooperation.
Countries renew their unity on issues such as friendship, good neighborliness, culture, civilization, and common history at every opportunity. Increasing security and development through improved relations is one of the main goals. The development of multilateral relations in Central Asia is constantly on the agenda. Thus, the three countries are in contact on projects that are mutually beneficial and promote relations. Thanks to the agreements, it is expected that development will take place not only around these three countries, but around all peoples of Central Asia and within the framework of common interests.
Leaders have also held discussions on oil and gas issues. They are making great efforts to create new opportunities and conditions that will support the expansion of partnerships in all areas. Another topic of discussion was peace and stability. They agreed to cooperate on important issues such as preventing terrorism, corruption and all forms of separatist movements, illegal migration, cybercrime and human smuggling.
The expansion of trade in border regions is very important for the countries’ interests. Therefore, cooperation in construction companies, textile companies and the production of chemicals has been agreed upon. In addition, the parties wish to expand the market for agricultural products and export their products to different regions.
Another important topic of the meeting was the use of water resources of the Amuderya River. The countries worked meticulously on this issue. An agreement was reached on the protection of biodiversity and the establishment of a partnership in the future. In addition, important issues such as desertification, climate change and melting glaciers were jointly agreed upon. The use of hydroelectric facilities under construction was discussed in accordance with the countries’ interests and various steps were taken in this regard.[2] With this step taken to avoid water scarcity shows that the countries in the region are paying attention to environmental factors.
Discussions were also held on the development of infrastructure projects for the benefit of the countries of the region. This was a strategic step to continue long-term cooperation.
Other items agreed upon are:[3]
- Establish good relations with higher education institutions, media, art and cultural associations, etc., to promote cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian fields,
- Support for agro-industry and sustainable climate policies,
- Assessing the possibilities of joint activities in the energy sector, meeting at the level of energy ministers in the second half of 2023 to discuss cooperation in the oil, gas and electricity sectors.
In conclusion, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have once again demonstrated their strategic importance in Central Asia thanks to the agreements concluded between the three countries. By supporting cooperation in all areas, these three countries set an example for other players in the region. Decisive progress has been made with these agreements, especially in the areas of water, energy and transport. The agreements play an important role in ensuring regional and global unity. Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan continue to be present in Central Asia as critical players in managing energy, transportation, and trade. Cooperation with other countries in various areas is likely to evolve over time.
[1] “Лидеры Туркменистана, Таджикистана и Узбекистана подвели итоги саммита в Ашхабаде”, Central Asia News, https://centralasia.news/23246-lidery-turkmenistana-tadzhikistana-i-uzbekistana-podveli-itogi-sammita-v-ashhabade.html (Date of Accession: 09.08.2023)
[2] “Бердымухамедов, Рахмон и Мирзиёев подвели итоги саммита в Ашхабаде”, SNG Today, https://sng.today/ashkhabad/31231-berdymuhamedov-rahmon-i-mirzieev-podveli-itogi-sammita-v-ashhabade.html, (Date of Accession: 09.08.2023).
[3] “Лидеры Туркменистана, Таджикистана и Узбекистана подвели итоги саммита в Ашхабаде”, op.cit., (Date of Accession: 09.08.2023).
