The 8th Central Asian Expert Forum opened in Tashkent, focusing on enhancing regional cooperation. The event brought together representatives of key think tanks and strategic research institutions from across Central Asia, including the Scientific Center for Strategic Studies at the Institute of International Relations of Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry, according to the MFA press service.

During the first session titled “A New Central Asia: Advancing the Architecture of Regional Partnership”, Turkmen expert Bekdurdy Amansaryev delivered a speech. He emphasized that Central Asia is evolving into more than just a geographical region — it is becoming a platform for political dialogue, economic integration, and humanitarian engagement.

Amansaryev outlined Turkmenistan’s contributions to the region’s development, including its work in peace and security, transport connectivity, energy cooperation, water management, environmental protection, and humanitarian partnerships.

He also highlighted that Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality is not a form of isolation, but a basis for peacebuilding initiatives. The country reaffirms its commitment to strengthening ties with its Central Asian neighbors and shaping a fair, stable, and cooperative regional integration model.