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Uzbek-Tajik talks set tone for Central Asian reset

Friday, March 16, 2018

Significance

The summit is a direct consequence of leadership and policy change in Uzbekistan, leading to warmer ties with other Central Asian states. Uzbek President Shavqat Mirzioyev's March 9-10 visit to Tajikistan exemplifies the change and comes at the end of a period of intense work to repair a particularly conflictual relationship.

Impacts

  • Turkmenistan's president did not attend the summit and will view regional initiatives with customary caution.
  • Russia will continue pressing Tajikistan to join the Eurasian Economic Union.
  • Moscow will find Uzbekistan easier to talk to but will not persuade it to join the Eurasian bloc for now.
  • Uzbekistan is seeking a role in securing an Afghan peace settlement and will include other Central Asian states in the effort.

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