In brief
Lawmakers from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan met in Dushanbe on Oct. 29, 2026, under the banner of “Unity for the Sake of Peace, Security, and Prosperity in Central Asia,” where Rustam Emomali highlighted the growing regional framework and the role parliamentarians play in turning agreements into practice. The forum adopted the Dushanbe Declaration, affirming confidence in stronger inter‑parliamentary links and joint benefits.
On Thursday, October 29, 2026, lawmakers from five Central Asian nations assembled in the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, for the fourth installment of the Inter‑Parliamentary Forum of Central Asian States. The gathering, themed “Unity for the Sake of Peace, Security, and Prosperity in Central Asia,” was chaired by Rustam Emomali, president of the National Assembly and mayor of Dushanbe.
Representatives of the parliaments from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan joined Tajik officials in the forum’s plenary hall, marking a rare full‑spectrum session of the region’s legislative bodies. The meeting was broadcast across the participating countries, allowing observers to follow proceedings from Taipei to Astana.
In his opening remarks, Emomali underscored how a new system of regional cooperation is gradually unfolding across Central Asia. He pointed to the alignment of national interests as a driving force behind the continuous development of intra‑regional relationships.
The former mayor stressed that expanding mutually beneficial cooperation is essential for bolstering Central Asia’s economic potential amid shifting geopolitical currents. He described the region’s evolving partnerships as a response to global changes, an effort to safeguard local prosperity while redefining external connections.
Central to Emomali’s address was the role of parliamentarians in solidifying the legal foundations that underlie regional initiatives. He argued that legislative bodies must both ratify agreements and facilitate their practical implementation through updated regulations and cross‑border cooperation mechanisms.
Throughout the day, panelists from ministries of foreign affairs and interior released briefings that supported the overarching goal of the forum: to “unite for peace, security, and prosperity” by reinforcing democratic processes and shared economic projects.
Key topics covered included joint infrastructure financing, the harmonization of customs procedures, and the establishment of a shared digital platform for trade and data exchange. Discussions also touched on security cooperation, particularly the threat of organized crime and the importance of joint border patrols.
As the sessions progressed, legislators expressed confidence that the forum would reinforce inter‑parliamentary ties and promote friendly, mutually beneficial relations among member states. They agreed that ongoing dialogue would create a foundation for future agreements on economic corridors, transportation links, and energy projects.
At the conclusion of the day, the participants collectively adopted the Dushanbe Declaration. The document confirms the region’s commitment to deeper legislative collaboration and outlines actionable steps for translating high‑level agreements into law and policy.
The declaration also signals a new era of parliamentary engagement, where law‑making bodies serve as pivotal linkages between executive initiatives and the populace. It emphasizes transparency, accountability, and the need for cross‑border legal cooperation.
Officials from each country announced that the declaration would be formally ratified during the next session of their respective parliaments. They indicated that the adoption of the declaration would facilitate the implementation of cross‑regional projects scheduled for the coming years.
As virtual observers gather in a digital environment, the forum’s outcomes highlight the tangible role parliaments play in the region’s ongoing journey toward unity and shared prosperity. The Dushanbe Declaration, signed under the guidance of Rustam Emomali, marks a milestone in Central Asian legislative cooperation, setting a roadmap for mutual progress and resilience in an uncertain world.
