First Meeting of the Center for Central Asian Studies Held in Jakarta, DKnews.kz reports
The first meeting of the Center for Central Asian Studies took place at the National Development University of Indonesia, focusing on the topic “Prospects for Cooperation between Central and Southeast Asia: Opportunities and Challenges in Current International Dynamics.” The event was attended by Serzhan Abdykarimov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Indonesia, Fadjroel Rachman, Ambassador of Indonesia to Kazakhstan and concurrently to Tajikistan, Yudi, Deputy Head of the Indonesian Embassy in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, as well as representatives from the Center for Regional Policy and Strategies for the Asia-Pacific and Africa at Indonesia’s Strategic Agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with experts and members of the academic community.
In his speech, Ambassador Abdykarimov emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties between Central and Southeast Asia, highlighting the need to establish direct flights, improve transport and logistics infrastructure to enhance human and business contacts, increase trade turnover, and develop trade routes. The Kazakh Ambassador also stressed the significance of educational and cultural exchanges for deeper mutual understanding between the peoples of the two regions, announcing an initiative to create a Kazakhstan-Indonesia Expert Council, which will serve as an important analytical platform for dialogue and cooperation.
In turn, Ambassador Rachman pointed out the historical connections between the regions, indicating significant prospects for expanding cooperation in trade, economy, and cultural-humanitarian areas. He expressed confidence that Indonesia and the Central Asian countries possess all the necessary conditions to establish a strong partnership based on mutual benefit.
A representative from the Strategic Agency of the Indonesian Foreign Ministry presented on the strategic importance of Central Asia as a key region for expanding economic and political interaction. It was noted that Central Asia plays a vital role in ensuring energy security, transport connectivity, and promoting initiatives within economic corridors between the East and the West, including the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.
Participants of the discussion highlighted the need to intensify cooperation in infrastructure projects and to jointly utilize the economic potential of the countries in the region for sustainable development.
The event concluded with a discussion on the prospects for future interactions, during which participants exchanged views and proposals for strengthening comprehensive ties between the regions.
