Baku: Azerbaijan's accession to the Consultative Meeting format has elevated cooperative efforts to a new macro-regional level, stated Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during the Informal Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Azerbaijan and the Central Asian countries, as reported by APA's correspondent in Kyrgyzstan.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Mirziyoyev extended congratulations to Kyrgyzstan for its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term. He also expressed gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan for his effective chairmanship of the Consultative Meeting format.

The meeting was held on the eve of the 35th anniversary of the countries' independence. During this period, each nation has pursued its own path of state-building, economic growth, and national revival. The Uzbek President emphasized that through joint efforts, Central Asia, once divided, is now more united around shared development goals.

He highlighted the challenges posed by the complex and unpredictable international environment, urging for more decisive actions and enhanced coordination. President Mirziyoyev underscored the historic opportunity presented by Azerbaijan's accession to the Consultative Meeting format, which could create a common development space linking Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Afghanistan.

The Uzbek leader called for maximizing this opportunity to lay a solid foundation for sustainable development in Eurasia through stronger cooperation and good-neighborly relations.