Central Asian nations agree to greater cooperation

An agreement signed in Kyrgyzstan. Shared concerns over problems generated by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, Russia's war in Ukraine. Concerns also over internal separatist thrusts. Attention also on ecological issues.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - The text of the "Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation" agreement between the countries of Central Asia, approved on 21 July at the 4th Conference of Heads of State of the region, held in Čolpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan, has been published. It was signed by all the presidents except Turkmenistan's Serdar Berdymuhamedov, who promised to sign it after due 'internal state procedures'.

The text appeared on the website of Kazakhstan's legal and regulatory acts, and contains a series of mutual commitments, some of which are taken for granted, some of which are conditioned by current international tensions. The points of the agreement clearly reflect the problems generated by the Covid-19 pandemic, the return of the Taliban to the leadership of neighbouring Afghanistan, Russia's war in Ukraine, border diatribes and internal uprisings in various parts of the region in recent times.

The signatory countries promise not to meddle in each other's internal affairs, and to resolve any possible conflicts of interest by peaceful means. This also includes the readiness to offer each other support in countering threats to the independence and territorial integrity of the Central Asian countries, and not to join military blocs.

Much importance is attached to cooperation in the military sphere and war technology, in matters of common interest. The priority role of the UN as the most authoritative and universally recognised international organisation is affirmed. The five subscribing countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and possibly Turkmenistan) will agree on their positions regarding the international situation, giving priority to the strengthening of peace and security in Central Asia.

Also in the military field, the five are committed to countering the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and refuse to have nuclear weapons in their arsenals. A great deal of mutual aid appears necessary in the fight against terrorism, separatism, transnational organised crime, cyber crime, illegal immigration, human trafficking, and illegal arms and drug trafficking. It is necessary to prevent and nip in the bud the propaganda of terrorist and extremist ideologies, first and foremost among young people, and to control possible expressions of religious intolerance, xenophobia and ethnic discrimination.

More cooperation is needed in the utilisation of hydro-energy resources, taking into account the interests of stakeholders, and increased efforts to clean up the ecological system of the Aral Sea basin and the regions around it. Therefore, joint investment planning in this and other fields will be needed, mutually protecting economic efforts, founding joint companies, and building logistical and infrastructure goals. It is important to develop the potential of freight and passenger transport by increasing the capacities of the railway, motorway, water and air communication networks, and simplifying administrative procedures in transport systems.

Emergency situations of natural and technological disasters will have to be tackled together, fighting against the most harmful consequences of ecological degradation. Thus, the most dangerous epidemics and infections will have to be fought together.

It is emphasised that the agreement is set for an indefinite period of time, and after the signing all presidents will have to ratify it in their parliamentary and decision-making bodies.

• central asia
• cooperation
• economy
• afghanistan
• pandemic
• covid-19
• russia
• ukraine
• war
• environment