First-Ever Military Summit in Uzbekistan's Samarkand Aims to Fortify Regional Stability

The defense ministers from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan have recently gathered in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, for their first-ever summit aimed at expanding military cooperation, conducting joint training, and bolstering regional security.

The ministers focused on enhancing unity and trust by committing to coordinated efforts in military education, technical cooperation, and exercise planning, The Caspian Post reports via Tajik media.

Key agenda items included joint training programs, experience sharing, and strengthening capacity to respond to terrorism and transnational threats.

A statement delivered on behalf of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev by Security Council Secretary Viktor Makhmudov emphasized that relations among Central Asian nations have matured into strategic partnership, crucial in today’s complex global security environment.

At the close of the meeting, participants signed a formal protocol outlining the agreed outcomes.

Simultaneously, bilateral talks were held between Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Defense and its counterparts, targeting deeper cooperation in trade, transport, agriculture, and military logistics.

The summit is linked to the ongoing "Unity‑2025" (Birlik‑2025) regional drills in Uzbekistan’s Kattakurgan / Samarkand area, involving forces from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan. The multi-stage exercises include live-fire training with artillery, drones, armored vehicles, tactical simulation modules, and medical readiness scenarios - all aimed at enhancing interoperability, combat readiness, and regional unity.