Akramjon Nematov, First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies (ISRS) under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, shared this assessment while delivering the keynote address at the Yntymak Week, which took place from September 16 to 19, 2025, in Bishkek.

The event was attended by high-level representatives of the government, non-governmental organizations, and civil society in Kyrgyzstan. Also, among the participants were heads of diplomatic missions, leaders and experts from various international organizations, including UNESCO, UNICEF, FAO, UN Women, IOM, OSCE, the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, and others.

According to Akramjon Ne'matov, relations between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan today are based on genuine trust, and the joint search for mutually beneficial solutions has become an imperative of bilateral dialogue. At the same time, the expert noted, this dialogue is continuous, comprehensive, and multi-level. Heads of state and government meet regularly, sectoral ministries and agencies actively interact, and interparliamentary contacts have become noticeably more frequent.

As the ISRS representative emphasized, cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan is going beyond traditional diplomacy and is evolving into a model of regional integration.

"We are not limiting ourselves to mutual trade alone, but are striving to elevate our interactions to the level of production and technological cooperation. Joint factories for textile, pharmaceutical, and automobile production have already been launched, and solar power plants are under construction," he stated.

The expert believes that the history of relations between the two countries mirrors the positive developments throughout Central Asia. Today, the region is demonstrating an unprecedented level of consolidation, and Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have quickly built a strategic partnership and alliance.

In this regard, Akramjon Ne'matov quoted Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov: “Historical commonality, linguistic similarity, and shared traditions and customs give us countless opportunities to be together and build a new world, a unified civilizational community.” According to the expert, these words are gaining new meaning today, as Central Asia is following the path that Aitmatov dreamed of, building its future on the principles of unity and solidarity.

As noted by the ISRS representative, "the region's population increasingly feels part of a space with a shared past, present, and future. Central Asian identity is built on a commitment to dialogue, respect for intercultural diversity, and the strengthening of peace. In essence, this is part of our cultural and civilizational code."

“And it is precisely on the basis of these principles, which also underpin the idea of Yntymak, that Central Asia must create its own identity and steer it in the right direction. If we do not do this, it will be done for us – but without taking our interests into account,” Akramjon Ne'matov emphasized.

The expert went on to emphasize that Uzbekistan will host the Fergana Peace Forum in October this year. It will be combined with the current Yntymak Week, symbolizing that Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan share common approaches to strengthening social harmony. “It is particularly important for us that the Fergana Valley will be the venue for this forum, as it is a place where the destinies of the peoples of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan have been intertwined for centuries,” he said.

As noted by the ISRS representative, the Fergana Forum will become a permanent platform where the future of the region will not only be discussed but also shaped. "We want the Forum to resonate throughout the world as a reminder that the countries of Central Asia are gradually removing the barriers that divided us in the past. And we will not stop on this path — we will preserve the friendship between our peoples and pass it on to future generations," the expert emphasized.

Concluding his speech, Akramjon Ne'matov stated that strengthening peace is a daily task, where dialogue is not an option but a vital necessity. “And here, a special role belongs to young people, who are set to become the main bearers of the values of Yntymak. May this event be another step towards a future where Central Asia will be associated only with peace, tolerance, and creativity,” he concluded.