Strengthening the international legal aspects of cooperation between Central and South Asia
In recent years, interregional cooperation between Central Asian and South Asian States has been developing. The Central Asia region includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The South Asia region includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka with a population of 40% of the population of Asia and 22% of the world's population.
In terms of strengthening cooperation between the two regions, it is worth noting such an important aspect as historical, which is associated with the ancient trade routes of the Great Silk Road, which took place since the III century BC.
Uzbekistan pursuing its active foreign policy within the framework of international organizations, especially in the last decade has been actively promoting international treaty initiatives from the rostrum of the United Nations. For example, on July 11, 2022, the General Assembly unanimously approved resolution 76/295 “On strengthening the interconnectedness between Central and South Asia”, initiated by Uzbekistan in co-authorship with 40 countries, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Angola, Angola, Cuba, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, China, China, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Iran, Nepal, Malaysia, Mongolia, Morocco, Pakistan, Russia, Philippines, Qatar, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam and others.
The structure of the resolution on “Strengthening Connectivity between Central and South Asia” consists of an introductory part and 17 paragraphs. The introductory part states that the General Assembly is guided by the provisions of the UN Charter enshrining the promotion and adoption of measures for regional cooperation,
reaffirming its resolution 70/1 “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” of September 25, 2015, aimed at the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda,
reaffirming also the commitment to accelerate the realization of collective economic, social and environmental solutions and to achieve the target of the 2030 Agenda. Challenges and Opportunities", held in Tashkent,
Emphasizing the importance of enhanced cooperation for the implementation of the Vienna Declaration and the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014-2024, which is based on building new and stronger partnerships between those countries and transit countries and their development partners at all levels
The resolution reaffirms that regional cooperation is one of the effective forms of multilateralism and international cooperation in creating safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transportation networks, also resilient to unexpected emergencies, the importance of effective border control for the development of links between countries, the expansion of transport infrastructure and information and communication technologies and the formation of new international transport corridors, the importance of Afghanistan's potential role in the establishment of new international transport corridors, and the importance of the role of the SCO in the development of a regional transport network.
In order to fulfill the above-mentioned tasks, Uzbekistan, first of all, pursues an active foreign policy not only in the Central Asian region, but also actively cooperates within the CIS, SCO, as well as with the European Union, the UN and its structural subdivisions.
Active work is also carried out at the bilateral level, and first of all with neighboring bordering countries to ensure regional stability and security.
The legal basis for the implementation of the priorities of Uzbekistan's foreign policy is the fulfilment of the international obligations assumed, the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan and other normative and legal documents, which are aimed at:
creating the most favourable foreign policy conditions for the effective implementation of the democratic reforms under way in the country and the dynamic processes of modernization of society and the economy;
preserving and strengthening peace and stability in Central Asia, transforming the country's economic and social development into a stable and stable environment; and promoting the development of a peaceful and stable Central Asia.
The speeches of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan at sessions of the UN General Assembly are important legal sources and international treaty initiatives. Thus, speaking at the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly on September 19, 2017. The head of state noted that a peaceful and economically prosperous Central Asia is the most important goal and key objective for Uzbekistan.
To this end, at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and under the auspices of the UN, a high-level International Conference “Central Asia: One Past and Common Future, Cooperation for Sustainable Development and Mutual Prosperity” was held in Samarkand on November 10-11, 2017. The success of this conference served as a basis for the subsequent unanimous adoption of a special resolution by the UN General Assembly on June 22, 2018 aimed at “Strengthening regional and international cooperation to ensure peace, stability and sustainable development in the Central Asian region”.
In his speech at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly on September 23, 2020, the Head of State drew special attention to the fact that fundamental changes are taking place in the Central Asian region, and it has been possible to create an atmosphere of good-neighborliness, mutual trust, friendship and respect between the countries of the region.
At the 78th session of the UN General Assembly on September 19, 2023, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan expressed confidence that with the support of the world community, Central Asia will continue on the path of consolidation. Turning it into a peaceful and prosperous region will remain a priority goal of Uzbekistan's foreign policy.
It should be noted that in the first year of his tenure as President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr. Mirziyoyev made cardinal changes, visiting more than a dozen countries and leading important new political initiatives. This has been a strong impetus for the development and resolution of regional problems in Central Asian countries.
In recent years, Central Asian countries have emphasized interregional cooperation, including cooperation with South Asian countries, which is also a key factor in ensuring security.
In terms of the above, an important component of Uzbekistan's foreign policy is regional cooperation and, above all, efforts to unite forces aimed at supporting stability, security and reconstruction in Afghanistan.
In this regard, Uzbekistan has intensified its activities in addressing the Afghan problem. Thus, in 2018, at the initiative of the head of state, the international conference “Peace Process, Security Cooperation and Regional Cooperation” was held, which resulted in the adoption of the Tashkent Declaration, which for the first time reached a common consensus on the need for a political settlement of the situation in Afghanistan.
With regard to cooperation with South Asian countries, a notable event was the high-level international conference "Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity. Challenges and Opportunities", held on 15-16 July 2021, which made a significant contribution to international efforts to promote peace in Afghanistan. The organization of the high-level conference was a step towards strengthening regional connectivity and discussing challenges and opportunities related to the situation in Afghanistan.
The Conference was attended by President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani, Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, foreign ministers and high representatives of Central and South Asian countries, other foreign countries, heads of reputable international and regional organizations, global financial institutions and companies, leading research and think tanks.
The event was attended by a total of over 250 delegates from more than 40 countries and international organizations. About 90 media representatives arrived in Tashkent to cover the event.
The main objective of the forum is to strengthen historically close and friendly ties, trust and good neighborliness between the states of Central and South Asia in the interests of all peoples and countries of both regions.
In his video address during the conference, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that regional cooperation between the countries of Central and South Asia is extremely important for maintaining peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The UN Secretary General expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh.M. Mirziyoyev for the initiative to organize the forum. “Ties play a major role in issues of trade, economic growth and sustainable development,” the UN chief emphasized. “But it is not only about economy,” he added. - Ties strengthen regional cooperation and promote friendly relations between neighbors - near and far."
Today, according to the UN Secretary-General, regional connectivity between the countries of Central and South Asia is more important than ever - it is the only way the states of the region can support peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The situation in Afghanistan has worsened. Since January 2021 alone, some 270,000 Afghans have fled their homes. By now, the total number of internal refugees in the country has exceeded 3.5 million.
The UN Secretary General called on the entire international community to join efforts to achieve peace in the region. "Let us work together so that all can appreciate how beneficial peace is, and the very prospect of stronger ties in the region could act as a counterweight to the threat of further deterioration in Afghanistan. Today's conference is an important step in that direction."
The high-level international conference "Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity. Challenges and Opportunities“ is designed to form a political and expert platform for multilateral discussion of the model of mutually beneficial strategic linkage ”Central Asia - South Asia" in transportation and logistics, energy, trade, production, investment, technology, cultural and humanitarian spheres.
During the plenary and breakout sessions, the forum participants discussed opportunities to promote initiatives aimed at developing trade and economic, transport and communications, cultural and humanitarian cooperation in the context of further deepening regional interconnectivity.
The conference participants agreed to develop a draft special resolution of the UN General Assembly on strengthening connectivity between Central and South Asia. The conference was opened with a speech by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh.M. Mirziyoyev. According to him, Central and South Asia, located at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, have interacted closely with each other in various aspects for many centuries. "The peoples of these regions have repeatedly been part of common state formations, as well as a common political, economic, and humanitarian space. Central and South Asia have always been connected by reliable trade arteries, serving as a bridge for the countries of the Middle East, Europe, and China." For many centuries, due to the close ties between peoples and the spread of various religions, unique folk traditions, a diverse and rich culture of the East has formed. The president also mentioned that, unfortunately, in the 19th century, due to historical circumstances, the interconnection of the two neighboring regions was disrupted. "We still feel the negative consequences of this today - there are no effective cross-border routes, trade and economic ties are poorly developed, and the potential of cultural and humanitarian relations is not fully utilized," the president said. The modern world is ready for global geopolitical transformations that offer new opportunities. The revival of mutual ties between Central and South Asia, where about two billion people currently reside, is becoming a more in-demand and objective process. "We recognize that interconnectivity, cooperation, dialogue, and, most importantly, trust are the driving forces for ensuring stability and sustainable development, improving the living standards and welfare of the peoples of our regions." The head of state emphasized that for the countries of both regions, it is essential to strengthen peace, trust, and good neighborliness, as well as to establish an open and constructive policy. The formation of sustainable trade-economic and transport-communication links should become the main driver of further development of the entire vast region in the long term. "We have an objective need to strengthen our cooperation through the digitalization of economies, the development of electronic commerce, and the implementation of innovations." One of the key links of practical connectivity between Central and South Asia is the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Interregional partnership should become an important factor in establishing peace and stability, reviving the economy in this country. This will open new prospects for the integration of Afghanistan into regional processes. According to the president, one of the main conditions for sustainable development of the regions and strengthening partnerships is security and stability, which can be ensured only through constructive dialogue and joint efforts. One of the priority tasks is also to create favorable conditions for the development of trade-economic relations and growth of mutual investments, developing measures for the free movement of goods and services, creating a developed system of transport communications and energy infrastructure. A proposal has been put forward to create a modern, effective, and secure transport-logistics infrastructure in Central and South Asia. According to the president, a key element will be the railroad Termez - Mazar-i-Sharif - Kabul - Peshawar, the construction of which has already received broad support, including from leading international financial institutions. This project, similar to the established international transport corridor "North-South," which already connects India with the Central Asian countries, will fully realize the transit potential of the two regions, form the shortest route, and significantly reduce transportation time and costs between South Asia and Europe through Central Asia and the CIS countries. The project for constructing the trans-Afghan railway corridor is also promising. The implementation of new digital platforms will be the driving force of economic cooperation. According to the president, we must jointly seek ways to ensure food security in the vast region, linked to rising prices for essential food products and their shortages.
The President believes that by working together, it is possible to more effectively combat terrorism, extremism, transnational crime, including in cyberspace. He proposed developing a Joint Anti-Drug Action Plan with the participation of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
Issues of ecology and the promotion of "green" development require special attention. The problem of the drying up of the Aral Sea is increasingly taking on a planetary character. All possible measures must be taken to mitigate the consequences and prevent similar natural disasters in the future.
The unique tourism potential of Central and South Asia is not fully realized. A proposal has been put forward to develop a Program for Central and South Asia within the framework of the World Tourism Organization, which will aim to promote the historical and cultural heritage of the peoples of the regions.
Besides economic aspects, the expansion of scientific and cultural-humanitarian exchanges is one of the important conditions for strengthening friendship and trust.
The President believes that it is necessary to encourage joint research and innovative work, the organization of scientific and educational internships, and experience exchange programs.
Central Asia is located at the "crossroads" of Europe and Asia. To the south, it borders Afghanistan. The Great Silk Road once passed through Central Asia. Neighboring Europe, this region today plays an increasingly important geopolitical role.
In July 2022, an International Conference "Afghanistan: Security and Economic Development" was held in Tashkent. The event was attended by special representatives from more than 20 countries in Central and South Asia, Europe, America, the Middle and Far East, and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as representatives from international and regional organizations, including the UN, the European Union, FAO, the Organization for Economic Cooperation, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
The conference aimed to discuss and coordinate international approaches to ensuring security, reconstruction, and economic development in Afghanistan. Uzbekistan provides humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan.
In recent years, Uzbekistan has launched major infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, such as the construction of the Surkhan-Puli Khumri power transmission line, the construction of the Termez-Mazar-i-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway, and others. In recent years, the relations between the states of Central and South Asia aimed at expanding trade and transport-transit connections, which are economically beneficial for the regions with access to China, India, and Pakistan, and other regions, have intensified.
Central Asian states are developing traditional trade and economic cooperation with India, participating in the implementation of its programs "New Silk Road of Indian Foreign Policy" and "Connecting Central Asia" with access to the Indian Ocean. Such cooperation allows for the expansion of regional interconnectedness and the opening of new transport corridors through interaction with Japan (the "Central Asia plus Japan" dialogue), South Korea ("Eurasian Initiative"), and Muslim states – Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE.
The expansion of the EAEU with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan will allow the countries of the region to enhance their access to other important continental transport hubs with connections to the maritime routes of Russia, China, the Middle and Near East, and the European Union. The Central Asian states are also interested in projects for interstate railway corridors Russia – Kazakhstan – Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan – Iran – Oman – India; Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan – Tajikistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – China, which opens up opportunities in the southern direction.
In the future, the development and implementation by Central Asian states of the construction of the Andijan – Osh – Irkeshtam railway line, which provides the closest land access to the markets of China, is anticipated.
A promising option is Uzbekistan's access through Turkmen ports to the Caspian Sea, then via the Turkmenabad-Farakh railway and road bridges across the Amu Darya River along the transport and transit route Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan – Iran – Oman.An important transit potential for the states of Central and South Asia is the construction of a railway through Russia – Central Asia – Afghanistan – China – Iran, followed by the establishment of transport and economic ties with India, Iraq, and other countries.
The states of Central Asia need to further ensure the accelerated development of transport infrastructure in order to attract funds from the international capital market to create a common TRASEKA logistics system (restoration of the Great Silk Road), providing new access to the Middle Eastern and world markets.
In strategic terms, the main directions of regional interaction and coordination between Central and South Asia are:
deepening geoeconomic interaction to ensure security and stability in the region;
developing trade and economic ties and creating favorable conditions for the growth of trade turnover and strengthening cooperation;
expanding communication links, transit opportunities, and transport infrastructure, effectively utilizing the region's logistics and tourism potential;
developing a unified transport strategy and sustainable long-term mechanisms for mutually beneficial cooperation, taking into account the interests and needs of all states in the region;
coordinating efforts to implement digital platforms in the areas of international trade, customs regulation and transport, banking and financial activities, healthcare, education, science, and culture;
improving the regular mechanism of mutual regional consultations to develop common positions in an increasingly globalized world.
Therefore, it is important to develop economic interaction, strengthening the internal solidarity of Central and South Asia, without detriment to the established relations of Central Asian countries with Russia, China, and other regional and world powers.
Khakimov Ravshan,
Doctor of Law,
Chief Scientific Associate
Institute of State and Law
Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan
ngo_uzail@mail.ru
