The Fergana Valley, which for decades has been called a potential "powder keg" in Central Asia, is today becoming a symbol of peace, sustainable development and good neighborliness, the President’s spokesman Sherzod Asadov said on his Telegram channel.
He recalled that in 1997, the famous political scientist and former US National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski warned in his book "The Grand Chessboard" about the high risk of geopolitical tension in the Fergana Valley, and many analysts compared it to a "powder keg".
"Indeed, in this ancient land, whose borders pass through three states, up until recently, events took place that made many believe that this gloomy prophecy is not so far from the truth. However, today we live in a completely different reality," he underscored.
According to him, thanks to the policies and reforms of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, "three provinces of the Fergana Valley - and its heart, Andijan - have been radically transformed."
Andijan, as he underscored, has become a powerful center of economic growth, entrepreneurial initiative, innovative spirit and cultural revival.
"Here, every new undertaking is a brick in the foundation of the future. Here they dream, work, achieve goals. The road is open to those who strive for knowledge, work, earnings and the creation of new jobs," he emphasized.
He underscored that Andijan is a vivid example of how entire provinces can change if they rely on science, hard work and thoughtful public policy.
"In this densely populated province with limited land resources, where until recently industry was represented only by the Asaka plant, thanks to the president's reforms and the opportunities created, tangible, concrete results are being achieved in all areas of life. This evokes joy and respect, and deserves to be emulated,” Asadov underscored.
According to him, “it is big time to get over the gloomy predictions.”
“Now, including thanks to the efforts and friendship of the heads of the three states, the entire Fergana Valley is no longer a “powder keg,” but a space of opportunities, prosperity, peace, good neighborliness and creation. As for Andijan, Fergana and Namangan, today they are proof of what the people are capable of, having received the support of a strong, fair leader of the country and confidence in the future,” he concluded.
Earlier on March 31, following a trilateral meeting in Khujand, the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan signed an Agreement on the junction point of state borders. They also solemnly opened a Friendship stele in the area where the borders of the three countries meet. Sherzod Asadov underscored that
