The Fifth Central Asia Meeting, themed "Multipolar World; Opportunities and Challenges," was held on March 4-5, 2025, at the Valdai Discussion Club in the Baikal region of Russia. The event brought together thinkers and professors from Central Asian countries, Russia, China, India, Pakistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and other nations.

Discussions and exchanges of views took place during the meeting regarding geopolitical and geoeconomic issues, as well as the capacities and areas for cooperation among the countries of the Central Asia region. The representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Eghbali Zarch, Head of the Eurasia Studies Group at the Center for Political and International Studies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participated in this summit. He delivered a speech addressing the developments in the region, the competition among major powers, and the role of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Central Asia region. Mr. Eghbali also emphasized the necessity of cooperation among the countries of this region in the pursuit of regional peace and stability, considering it a crucial principle for economic development and progress.

Following this, the participants shared their perspectives on significant environmental issues, drinking water resources, energy security, cybersecurity, and other important political, economic, and cultural topics. Additionally, the representative of the Center for Studies proposed the necessity and importance of organizing more frequent meetings among Central Asian countries, including Iran, Russia, China, and others, which was met with enthusiasm by the attendees.