A regular podcast dedicated to current integration processes and prospects for regional cooperation in Central Asia has been aired. Nargiza Umarova, Senior Research Fellow at IAIS, took part in this program as a guest. With her sectoral experience and analyses, she provided the listeners with an in-depth picture of the current state of integration in Central Asia and its political-economic aspects.

 

During the podcast, in conversations with experts and specialists, the issue of integration went beyond romantic historical views and was analyzed in the context of concrete geopolitical and economic realities. In particular, not only the current state but also the frozen stages of Central Asian integration were discussed in the first minutes, and the causes and consequences of this process were covered in detail.

 

The conversation also touched upon Azerbaijan’s regional economic interests, the political situation in Afghanistan and ties with the Taliban. In particular, negotiations with Afghanistan on water resources and the strategic importance of future infrastructure projects for Central Asian countries were analyzed.

 

The podcast also offered important insights on the issue of transport corridors, especially Uzbekistan’s logistical potential in the region. According to experts, Uzbekistan’s geostrategic position makes it a central player in transnational transport systems.

 

At the end of the program, Nargiza Umarova and other experts expressed their general conclusions about political will, harmony of economic interests and influence of external forces necessary for integration processes.

 

* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.