Baku: It is important to find long-term solutions to jointly adapt to new risks, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said at the Informal Consultative Meeting of the Presidents of Azerbaijan and the Central Asian countries, APA's correspondent dispatched to Kyrgyzstan reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Mirziyoyev emphasized the necessity of establishing a sustainable architecture for regional cooperation. He proposed that this system should be founded on effective institutions, close interaction among sectoral bodies, direct interregional contacts, and long-term joint programs in key development areas. He advocated for enhancing the region's international standing by improving coordination within interstate organizations and the 'Central Asia+' format. Concrete steps must be taken to expand trade, economic, and transport ties, establish integrated industrial and technological chains, develop common digital services, and launch investment platforms.

Mirziyoyev also highlighted the potential for Central Asia to become a competitive center for education, science, innovation, and Big Data. This vision could be realized by creating a unified system that integrates human capital, artificial intelligence technologies, data centers, and energy infrastructure.

Environmental protection remains a priority on the regional agenda. The Uzbek president pointed out that the environmental challenges the region faces transcend state borders, requiring collective responses. The unusually high temperatures observed this summer have underscored that climate change is a significant factor impacting the economy, water and energy security, and public health and quality of life. Therefore, finding long-term solutions to adapt to these new risks is crucial.