What Uzbekistan’s President Mirziyoyev signals about the future of Central Asia
In a recent article outlining his vision for a “New Central Asia”, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev argues that the region is entering a historic era of unity, stability and cooperation. His message sets out how Central Asia is trying to define itself in the face of global uncertainty. This development is important not only in the region itself, but also for the world at large, and for Hungarian readers, because Central Asia has increasingly become a strategic partner for Hungary in energy, trade, investment and diplomatic engagement.
Since 2017, high-level dialogue among the region’s leaders has intensified, demonstrating a shift from fragmented bilateral contacts to coordinated regional thinking. This emerging cohesion directly influences Hungary’s broader foreign policy priorities, especially as Budapest continues to build bridges with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and other regional players.
Resolving border issues as a historic turning point
A central theme in the president’s article is the resolution of long-standing border disputes—an achievement he rightly describes as historic. For years, unresolved borders restricted economic growth, water management, and mobility. The 2025 tripartite border agreement was a major breakthrough, creating a more predictable environment for trade and investment.
For Hungary, which is actively seeking new markets and partnerships in Eurasia, a more stable Central Asia means a safer and more attractive environment for Hungarian businesses, investors, universities, and even cultural institutions wanting to engage with the region. When borders transform from fault lines into bridges, it opens doors for expanded cooperation far beyond the region itself.
Economic achievements and underlying realities
The president also writes about an emerging regional identity supported by educational and humanitarian exchanges, easier border crossings, and a growing sense of shared purpose. Yet, while these examples show genuine progress, this identity is still evolving and uneven across the five countries.
Economically, Central Asia’s growth is indeed impressive. Regional GDP has risen sharply, intra-regional trade has doubled, and joint ventures are multiplying. However, disparities remain significant: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan dominate the region’s industrial and investment landscape, while other countries develop at a more modest pace. The president’s narrative highlights the positive trends, but glosses over these differences.
Afghanistan’s role: strategic priority with real risks
Another critical aspect of the president’s message is the emphasis on Afghanistan. He argues that regional stability depends heavily on integrating Afghanistan into broader regional processes. Projects like the Trans-Afghan Railway could unlock entirely new trade routes linking Central and South Asia. Yet, the success of these initiatives is far from guaranteed, given the country’s political and security landscape.
Vision and reality: where Central Asia is heading
Overall, the president’s article is a coherent and forward-looking vision for the region. It highlights genuine trends—stronger cooperation, deeper dialogue, and growing economic connectivity—while also attempting to position Uzbekistan as the intellectual and diplomatic engine of a “New Central Asia.” The challenges of uneven development, energy and water security, and Afghanistan remain major variables that will shape the region’s future.
For Hungarian readers, the article matters because Hungary is increasingly engaging with Central Asian states through energy cooperation, investment agreements, education partnerships, and strategic diplomacy. Understanding the region’s internal dynamics helps explain why Budapest dedicates so much political and economic attention to this part of the world.
The president writes that Central Asia is “building bridges, not walls.” Whether this momentum can be sustained will determine not only the region’s trajectory, but also the future opportunities for Hungary’s own Eurasian policy.
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