Documentary on the Termez Dialogue: What Conclusions Did Experts Reach

The Termez Dialogue Forum was held for the first time in the city of Termez, aimed at strengthening ties between Central and South Asia. In connection with this event, the Center for Progressive Reforms produced a special documentary film. The forum was organized in cooperation with the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan, the Center for Progressive Reforms, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The forum marked a practical outcome of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy course, which emphasizes open dialogue and regional cooperation. It was conducted within the framework of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev‘s initiatives to promote good neighbourly relations, regional integration, peace in Afghanistan, open dialogue and expanded trade and transport connectivity.

The main goal of the film is to document this significant dialogue, present the analytical insights and opinions of participants to a broader audience and showcase tangible efforts to integrate Afghanistan into the broader regional development process.

The forum brought together representatives from over 20 countries and international organizations, around 200 participants, including political analysts, economists, and entrepreneurs. It served not only as a platform to discuss regional integration but also as an open space for dialogue on how Afghanistan can be actively involved in this process.

The event was a vital platform for exchanging ideas between leading research institutions. The accompanying documentary thoroughly covers Afghanistan’s role in the region, the necessity of its integration into political and economic processes and the paths to sustainable development through collective efforts.

International experts shared their views on Afghanistan’s geopolitical importance, infrastructure challenges, economic potential, and the opening of new trade routes. Notably, Kaha Imnadze, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia, highlighted the region’s interdependence, stating: «Whether it’s security, climate, or development, Central Asia cannot develop sustainably without South Asia, and South Asia cannot develop sustainably without Central Asia.»

«The geographical position of South Asia, Central Asia and Afghanistan, which lies between them, opens up additional opportunities. The most important among these are untapped markets, a young labour force, and a growing interest among countries in economic, social, and cultural integration,» added Fazli Khojat, Director of the Afghan consulting company Harakat.

Svante Cornell, Director of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute in the U.S., also noted Uzbekistan’s unique ability to engage in dialogue with any political system in Afghanistan, emphasizing that this experience is crucial for regional stability.