On May 6, a meeting with researchers N. Drost and G. Cretti from The Clingendael Institute of International Relations in Hague was held at the Institute of Advanced International Studies with the participation of the Deputy Director A. Umarov, Head of the Center for Sustainable Development Sh. Akhmedov, Head of the Center for Energy Diplomacy and Geopolitics Kh. Ibragimov, as well as researchers Y. Imomova and F. Djamalov. The experts from the Netherlands were familiarized with the activities of IPMI and ongoing research works.

During the meeting they discussed trends in the regional politics of Central Asia and its geopolitical attractiveness, as well as the challenges and prospects of Central Asian countries in further economic and political cooperation with external actors. Attention was paid to the development of cooperation of Central Asian countries with European partners in the spheres of energy, transportation, water resources, as well as agriculture and food security.

In particular, the prospects for the development and expansion of various integration processes and initiatives, such as cooperation in the C5+1 format, the need for efficient water diplomacy in the region, the geopolitical interests of neighboring Russia and China, as well as the United States and the European Union, were highlighted. Moreover, the experts noted the investment potential of developing economies of Central Asia and the need for alternative logistics corridors such as the Trans-Caspian Route.

In conclusion, the parties agreed to cooperate between the two research institutes and conduct research on important and challenging issues concerning the Central Asian region.

For information: Clingendael is an independent think tank and International Relations Academy based in Hague, which is the Netherlands' leading think tank in the field of international relations. The Center publishes Spectator, a monthly online magazine on international politics.