On May 20, 2025, an international conference (in hybrid format) entitled: “The Evolution of the place of Central Asia in the C5+1 cooperation system: challenges and prospects” was held at the Center for Strategic research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan.
The purpose of this conference was to analyze and review the state and prospects of international cooperation in the Central Asian region within the framework of the C5+1 format, the evolution of Central Asia’s place in the system of international relations, trends in the development of multilateral relations in the region, and the C5+1 format as a key factor in implementing the multi-vector foreign policy of the countries.
Experts from think tanks, representatives of scientific and research institutions from Central Asian countries, and domestic specialists and researchers also participated and spoke at the event. Representatives of domestic and foreign media also attended to cover the conference.
The conference was opened by Murtazozoda Oraz, c.e.s, First Deputy Director of the Center for strategic research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, and welcomed the guests.
During the opening speech, it was noted: “In recent years, the Central Asian region has become the focus of attention of world powers. This is largely due to the geopolitical and geoeconomic potential of the region. The region is also interesting in terms of its transport, logistics and energy resources.”
At the same time, it was emphasized: “One of the main projects through which the countries of the region cooperate with world powers and ensure their multi-vector policy is the C5+1 format.”
The conference consisted of two main sessions. In the first session, entitled “The «C5+1» format – as a factor of the implementation of the multi-vector foreign policy of the Central Asian countries,” experts from think tanks and scientific research institutions of the Central Asian countries delivered presentations.
In particular, d.p.s, Chief Researcher of the Department for US and Canadian Studies of the Institute for Studying of the Problems of Asian and European countries of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, delivered a report on the topic ““C5+1” format is a live platform for strategic cooperation.”
He stated that “C5+1 covers a wide range of areas of cooperation in ensuring security and combating terrorism, economic development, innovation, ecology, and transport integration. Within this framework, joint projects are implemented, which are related to the issues of state policy of the countries and initiatives of civil society. It is precisely such features that turn this format not only into a formal space, but also into a living and practical environment.”
In the context of the first part of the conference, Sotiboldiev Bakhrom Usmanovich – Head of the Department of Research of the Asian-Pacific Region and China of the ISRS of the Republic of Uzbekistan (online), in relation to the development trends of the C5+1 format, stated that “our countries should use this unique geopolitical situation to defend a common vision and coordinate regional development priorities in cooperation with third countries.”
Moreover, Komilova Khosiyat Gufronovna – doctor of historical sciences, head of the Department of Science, Innovation, International Relations and Publishing Activities of the branch of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov in Dushanbe, spoke on the topic “The C5+1 format as a platform for promoting the green economy: prospects of cooperation with the European Union”, emphasizing that: “Against the backdrop of global instability, Central Asian countries are taking more coordinated approaches, especially on the environmental and energy agenda”.
She also sad that: “the European green policy in the region is being actively implemented through various projects aimed at sustainable development, environmental transformation, and strengthening ties between the European Union and the countries of the region. These initiatives contribute to the transition to a “green economy”, improving the environmental situation, and strengthening economic ties between the European Union and Central Asia”.
Continuing the conference, Bauyrzhan Auken – the senior expert of the Asian Studies Department at the KISS of the Kazakhstan (online), delivered a report on the topic “The C5+1 format: opportunities for regional unity and global dialogue”, emphasizing that “Today, this framework has proven to be an effective diplomatic platform that unites our region with foreign partners and allows us to coordinate not only national but also international positions”.
At the same time, candidate of historical sciences, Sharipov Amriddin Nuridinovich, spoke on the topic “Central Asia in the system of geopolitical interests of Arab countries” and stated that “the presence of Arab countries in Central Asia has a long-term and multifaceted nature, and despite relatively limited resources compared to other foreign players, Arab countries have shown a flexible and pragmatic approach in promoting their interests”.
Thus, Sharifzoda Lohuti Sharif – d.p.s., deputy director of the Center for Strategic research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, summed up the first part of the conference and aptly opened the second part of the forum under the title “Development trends of the Central Asian region in the modern world: potential and untapped opportunities”.
During this part of the conference, Basirov Bakhtiyor – senior lecturer of the Department of International Relations of the Tajik National University, spoke on the topic “Priorities and features of humanitarian cooperation between Tajikistan and the European Union within the framework of the C5+1 format”, noting: “One of the key features of humanitarian cooperation is the regional approach, in which the European Union focuses not only on a single country, but also on the needs of all Central Asian countries”.
Meanwhile, Shavkat Alimbekov – the senior research fellow of the International Institute of Central Asia of the Republic of Uzbekistan (online) – spoke and stated that “the determination of the leaders of the Central Asian countries to bring the states closer together, their pragmatic efforts and their readiness for diplomatic flexibility based on the principles of mutual respect and consideration of mutual interests constitute the main foundations for regional developments”.
In continuation, Mirzoeva Farangis Badriddinovna – c.h.s, senior lecturer of the Department of Diplomacy and International Relations, Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan made a speech on the topic: “New level of US relations in Central Asia within the framework of the C5+1 format: unrealized potential and development opportunities” and stated that “Given their strategic position, the countries of Central Asia are striving to maintain a strategic balance of power presence in the region, which is consistent with the national interests of the countries of the region”.
Finally , Talbakov Saidahtam Isroilovich – head of the Department of Analysis and Forecasting of Internal Policy of the Center for Strategic Research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, during his speech on the topic: “Strategy of the cooperation of Central Asian countries in the “C5+1” format: challenges and prospects” emphasized: “The current state of international relations requires that the countries of Central Asia must break free from geopolitical isolation. Today, taking into account development trends, the countries of Central Asia have strengthened their subjectivity and become independent players on the world stage”.
In the continuation of the conference, an exchange of views took place on the topics raised, and participants and experts, including from European countries, expressed their views on various aspects of the development of regional cooperation with other subjects of international relations.
In the end, Sharifzoda Lohuti Sharif – d.p.s., Deputy Director of the Center for Strategic Research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan concluded the conference and expressed that “the region of Central Asia, taking into account its geopolitical and geo-economic potential, has become a region of peace and stability and opportunities for development. One of the most important events in this regard is the signing of a tripartite agreement between the Republic of Tajikistan, the Republic of Kyrgyzstan and the Republic of Uzbekistan on the junction of the three state borders country and the “Declaration of Khujand on eternal friendship” is considered.
The international conference was held in the spirit of sincerity and goodwill.
Press Service of the Center for Strategic Research
under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan