In his address at the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State in Awaza, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that, despite ongoing changes, the close human ties, shared history, and immense potential for cooperation among the countries and peoples of the region remain unchanged. This was reported on the website of the President of Uzbekistan.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined a number of priority areas on which joint efforts should be focused. These include ensuring the full functioning of the Free Trade Area by eliminating technical barriers, as well as the prompt coordination and approval of the Agreement on expanding mutual access to public procurement of agricultural products and the Program for Cooperation in the Field of Food Security.

To enhance market predictability, it has been proposed to implement a mechanism for advance notification and consultation prior to the imposition of restrictions on the export of food and fertilizers.

To sustain the business community's keen interest in collaboration, the need to promptly finalize the "Roadmap" for supporting the operations of special economic zones was highlighted.

Sh. Mirziyoyev also supported the Turkmen side's initiative to declare 2029 the Year of Transport Connectivity within the Commonwealth.

Regarding energy security, the Uzbek leader noted: "We advocate for the accelerated adoption of low-carbon technologies and the development of closed-loop production systems."

To join forces, it has been proposed to develop a CIS cooperation concept in the field of the resource-efficient and circular economy.

In the cultural and humanitarian sphere, the President of Uzbekistan put forward an initiative to organize a forum titled "Cultural Policy and Creative Industries."

In conclusion, Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed Uzbekistan's readiness to assume the CIS chairmanship next year and its commitment to close cooperation.