Bishkek: "The role of Central Asia in global processes is steadily increasing," Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated at the Informal Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Azerbaijan and the Central Asian countries, APA's correspondent reported from Kyrgyzstan.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Tokayev highlighted several positive developments that have contributed to enhancing the region's international standing. In recent years, intra-regional trade has seen consistent growth, business ties have expanded, and joint ventures have been established. In addition, joint investment projects have been implemented, and humanitarian contacts have been fortified. Cultural, educational, and youth exchanges have also gained new substance and quality, contributing to the closer ties among the region's peoples.

Tokayev emphasized that Central Asia's voice is increasingly being heard on the international stage. He cited Azerbaijan's election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council as a clear example of the region's growing influence and recognition. Kazakhstan, he noted, welcomes the agreements reached to further strengthen friendship, good-neighborly relations, and strategic partnerships among the countries in the region.

In his concluding remarks, Tokayev extended his best wishes to Turkmenistan for the success of the upcoming events within the framework of the Consultative Meeting format. He expressed confidence that through joint efforts, the region would continue to achieve greater success on the path of shared progress.