They signed an agreement in Kyrgyzstan. They share concerns about the problems created by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, and Russia’s war in Ukraine. Internal separatist movements are also a cause for fear. Attention to the ecological issue.
Moscow () – The text of the “Friendship, Good Neighborhood and Cooperation” agreement between the countries of Central Asia, approved on July 21 at the IV Conference of Heads of State of the region, held in Čolpon-Ata ( Kyrgyzstan). It was signed by all the presidents except that of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdymuhamedov, who promised to do so once the due “internal procedures of the State” are fulfilled.
The text appeared on the website of legal and regulatory acts of Kazakhstan, and contains a number of mutual commitments, some of which are taken for granted and others 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 control neighboring Afghanistan, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the border diatribes and the internal revolts in various parts of the region in the recent times.
The signatory countries undertake not to interfere in the internal affairs of others and to resolve any conflict of interest through peaceful means. This also includes readiness to support each other in order to counter threats to the independence and territorial integrity of Central Asian countries, and not to join military blocs.
Particular importance is attached to cooperation in the military field and war technology, in matters of common interest. The priority role of the UN as the most authoritative and universally recognized international organization is affirmed. The five countries that sign the agreement (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and possibly Turkmenistan) will adopt a common position regarding the international situation, giving priority to strengthening peace and security in Central Asia.
Continuing with the military field, the five countries are committed to counteracting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and refuse to have nuclear weapons in their arsenals. Great mutual help seems necessary in the fight against terrorism, separatism, transnational organized crime, cybercrime, illegal immigration, human trafficking and illegal arms and drug trafficking. It is necessary to prevent and root out the propaganda of terrorist and extremist ideologies, first of all among young people, and control possible expressions of religious intolerance, xenophobia and ethnic discrimination.
The use of hydropower resources requires greater collaboration, taking into account the interests of the stakeholders, and a greater effort to clean the ecological system of the Aral Sea basin and the surrounding regions. Therefore, it will be necessary to plan joint investments in this and other fields, mutually protecting economic efforts, founding joint ventures, and building logistics and infrastructure targets. It is important to develop the potential of freight and passenger transport, increasing the capacities of railway, motorway, river and air communication networks, and simplifying administrative procedures in transport systems.
On the other hand, a joint approach will be adopted in the face of emergencies arising from natural and technological catastrophes, fighting against the most damaging consequences of ecological degradation. Thus, the most dangerous epidemics and infections will have to be fought jointly.
It should be emphasized that the agreement is established for an indefinite period of time, and that after the signature of all the presidents, each country must ratify it in their respective parliaments or decision-making bodies.
Add Comment