Regional leaders gathered in Astana on Friday for the 6th Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia, with host Kazakhstan’s President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev emphasizing regional cooperation in his opening remarks.

Tokayev emphasized that the regularity of these meetings demonstrates the commitment of the participating nations to strengthen centuries-old bonds of friendship and further expand multifaceted cooperation.

“Through joint efforts, significant progress has been made in the development of our format since the first meeting in Astana in 2018. The outcomes of the past five summits, where important decisions to deepen regional cooperation were made, are clear evidence of this,” he added.

He urged the participants to develop a shared vision for the region’s future, particularly in light of global tensions.

Presidents from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan attended the meeting. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia Kakha Imnadze also attended the summit as distinguished guests.