Leaders of Central Asia and Azerbaijan sign Cholpon-Ata Declaration

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in an informal meeting of the heads of state of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, 24KZ reports, citing the Akorda press service.

In his remarks, the Head of State expressed his gratitude to President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov for the traditionally warm welcome and for initiating the informal meeting.

Kazakhs and Kyrgyz are brotherly nations. We are united by our shared origins and common destiny. Friendship, trust, kinship, and mutual support between us are sacred values and a priceless legacy passed down by our ancestors. Today, Kyrgyzstan is demonstrating impressive growth. We sincerely welcome all of your achievements. The prosperity of the Kyrgyz state is the key to the stability and sustainable development of the whole of Central Asia. Undoubtedly, these achievements have been made possible thanks to the wise leadership and tireless efforts of the respected President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Japarov, -  the President of Kazakhstan said.

According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the meeting provided an excellent opportunity to discuss current regional issues and determine future priorities for multilateral cooperation.

The intensity of our contacts at all levels clearly demonstrates our countries' shared commitment to constructive cooperation for the benefit of our brotherly nations and the prosperity of the entire region. A major achievement in this regard was the completion of the signing process for the Treaty on Friendship, Good-Neighborliness and Cooperation for the Development of Central Asia in the 21st Century. This historic document marks a new milestone in our strategic partnership and establishes the political framework for regional cooperation based on mutual trust, respect, and responsibility for the common future of our brotherly peoples, - the President of Kazakhstan emphasized.

The Head of State also thanked President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov for joining the treaty.

I believe the next step should be the practical implementation of the provisions of this document. In this regard, I propose developing and subsequently adopting an Action Plan with clear long-term objectives for our cooperation, aimed at further strengthening friendship and good-neighborly relations, as well as enhancing trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation. It is safe to say that, thanks to growing mutual trust and the consistent development of regional cooperation, Central Asia is currently experiencing the most successful period in its modern history, - Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted.

The President stated that Azerbaijan's accession as a full participant in the Consultative Meetings marked a new stage in the positive evolution of this format.

Through our joint efforts, we are creating the conditions for even deeper political dialogue, stronger cooperation in investment, energy, and industry, and the development of a unified transport and logistics system. In recent years, intraregional trade has continued to grow steadily, business ties have expanded, joint ventures have been established, investment projects have been implemented, and humanitarian contacts have strengthened. Cultural, educational, and youth exchanges are also taking on new quality and significance. All these positive developments contribute to bringing our brotherly nations even closer together and strengthening the region's international standing, - the Head of State said.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that Central Asia's role in global affairs continues to grow, and the region's voice on the international stage is becoming increasingly influential.

A clear confirmation of this was Kyrgyzstan's election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the respected President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Japarov, and the entire Kyrgyz people on this historic achievement, - the President of Kazakhstan said.

The Head of State recalled that all key issues of regional cooperation had been thoroughly discussed during last year's meeting in Tashkent.

The initiatives proposed at that time, including those related to the institutional development of the Consultative Meetings, remain relevant and require close joint efforts to implement them. Kazakhstan remains committed to the agreements reached and is determined to continue promoting constructive initiatives aimed at strengthening the bonds of friendship, good-neighborly relations, and strategic partnership among our countries. I am confident that through our joint efforts we will achieve even greater success on the path toward our shared progress. In conclusion, I would like to wish our Turkmen friends and brothers every success in hosting the upcoming events within the framework of the Consultative Meetings, -  Kassym-Jomart Tokayev concluded.

The meeting also featured remarks by President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Following the informal Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, the Cholpon-Ata Declaration was adopted.