On 30 January of this year, Eldor Aripov, Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISRS), held a meeting with Ambassador Antti Karttunen, OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan.

As Antti Karttunen noted, "the OSCE is closely monitoring the consolidation processes taking place in Central Asia, driven by the steady positive dynamics both in individual countries of the region and in Central Asia as a whole." This, he believes, opens up new opportunities for strengthening interregional cooperation and implementing joint initiatives.

The interlocutors noted with satisfaction that the interaction between ISRS and the OSCE Project Coordinator’s Office in Tashkent has become increasingly systematic and substantive over the years. This has been facilitated by regular contacts as well as constructive and open dialogue. Mutual appreciation was expressed for the active and fruitful cooperation.

At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in implementing future joint practical measures to strengthen regional cooperation, including adaptation to the effects of climate change, developing transport connectivity, increasing industrial cooperation, and implementing green energy.