Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Termez Dialogue, held for the first time in the city of Termez, was aimed at strengthening ties between Central and South Asia. Following the event, the Center for Progressive Reforms produced a special documentary film to capture the outcomes and insights of the forum.

The forum was organized in collaboration with the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Center for Progressive Reforms, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It served as a practical manifestation of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy, which for many years has been based on the principles of open dialogue and regional cooperation.

A key focus of the forum was Uzbekistan’s initiative to involve Afghanistan in processes of peace and development, which is now beginning to show tangible results. The Termez Dialogue aligns with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s broader regional agenda—promoting good-neighborliness, advancing regional integration, fostering peace in Afghanistan, and expanding transport and trade connectivity.

The purpose of the documentary is to document the significance of the event, present analytical assessments and participant perspectives to a broader audience, and demonstrate concrete efforts to integrate Afghanistan into regional development processes. The forum gathered representatives from over 20 countries and international organizations, totaling about 200 political scientists, economists, and businesspeople. It provided an open platform not only to discuss regional integration but also to exchange views on how to include Afghanistan in these processes.

The forum served as an important venue for dialogue among representatives of leading think tanks and research institutions. The documentary offers a comprehensive view of Afghanistan’s role in the region, the necessity of its political and economic integration, and the paths toward progress through cooperation. International experts shared their opinions on Afghanistan’s geopolitical significance, infrastructure challenges, economic potential, and the prospects for opening new trade routes.

For example, Kaha Imnadze, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Central Asia, emphasized the interconnectedness of the regions:

“Be it security, climate, or development — Central Asia cannot develop sustainably without South Asia, just as South Asia cannot develop without Central Asia.”

Fazli Khojat, head of the Afghan consulting company Harakat, noted:

“Afghanistan’s geographic location between South and Central Asia creates additional opportunities. The key lies in untapped markets, a young labor force, and growing interest from countries in economic, social, and cultural integration — all of this represents real potential.”

Meanwhile, Svante Cornell, director of the Central Asia–Caucasus Institute in the United States, highlighted Uzbekistan’s unique ability to maintain dialogue with any political regime in Afghanistan. He stressed the importance of this experience in ensuring regional stability.

In summary, the Termez Dialogue has not only documented a meaningful shift in regional policy but also underscored Uzbekistan’s leadership role in promoting peace, cooperation, and inclusive development across Central and South Asia.