Translated with AI
On October 15–16, the first Fergana Peace Forum was held in Fergana, Uzbekistan. Its goal was to strengthen friendship, mutual understanding, and expand cooperation between the countries of Central Asia. This was reported by the press service of the Sughd Region of the Republic of Tajikistan.
The forum was organized by ISMI jointly with the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia , representatives of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the European Union , as well as colleagues from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
The event was attended by experts from think tanks in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Asia, Europe, and America , representatives of civil society, business, academia, and youth activists from Central Asian countries.
ISRS Director Eldor Aripov emphasized that the forum was more than just a platform for discussion, but a step toward shaping a new philosophy of regional coexistence. He recalled the words of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev , spoken at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly: "The era of closed borders, unresolved disputes, and conflicts in Central Asia is a thing of the past. Today, the process of forming a New Central Asia has begun."
"For decades, the Fergana Valley was perceived as a zone of complex contradictions. Today, it is becoming an example of how to overcome the historical legacy of mistrust through good neighborliness, openness, and shared creativity," noted Eldor Aripov.
The main objectives of the forum were:
▪️ formation of a common vision for the development of the Fergana Valley;
▪️ mobilization of internal and attraction of external resources and investments for the comprehensive socio-economic development of the region;
▪️ Promoting the experience of resolving border disputes in the Fergana Valley as a “model” for building interstate relations in other regions;
▪️ creating an international image of the Fergana Valley as a space of trust, dialogue and interethnic harmony.
Rajab Akhmadzoda, Chairman of the Sughd Region of the Republic of Tajikistan , actively participated in the forum. During the event, he emphasized that the Fergana Peace Forum brings the peoples of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan even closer together , recalling the region's centuries-old history, shared culture, customs, and spiritual values.
"Today we continue this ancient tradition, strengthening friendship, brotherhood, and good-neighborliness as the foundation of stability and development," Akhmadzoda noted.
He recalled the trilateral summit of the leaders of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan , held on March 31, 2025, in Khujand. During this summit, the Declaration of Eternal Friendship was signed, symbolizing the unity, mutual understanding, and cooperation between the neighboring states.
The Chairman of the Sughd Region emphasized that the region is actively developing partnerships with the regions of Andijan, Namangan, Syrdarya, Tashkent and other regions of Uzbekistan , as well as with the Batken Region of the Kyrgyz Republic .
He noted that holding forums, trade fairs, and cultural and sporting events helps strengthen the region's economic and social ties. Growing cooperation in the Fergana Valley, he added, gives new impetus to the development of friendship and trust between the countries.
Since the borders opened , thousands of citizens have been visiting the Sughd region and other regions of Tajikistan every day for tourism, meeting friends and relatives, and developing trade and partnerships , which is a clear indication of the mutual trust and friendship between the peoples of the neighboring states.
In his speech, the Chairman of the Batken region of the Kyrgyz Republic, Aibek Shamenov, noted that the wise policies of the leaders of the three states contribute to strengthening the friendship of the peoples of Central Asia .
Following the forum, a final communiqué was adopted. It was emphasized that the Fergana Peace Forum opens new opportunities for developing cooperation in such areas as light industry, agriculture, livestock farming, science, education, and tourism , and strengthens regional partnerships. The organizers stated that the forum will be a regular event, held every three years, rotating among the Fergana Valley states.
