ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
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RAISING THE DEVELOPMENT OF UZBEKISTAN'S FOREIGN POLICY
TO A NEW LEVEL.
Aziza Aminboyevna Rashidova
email: raziza7757.14@gmail.com
Tashkent State Pedagogical University named after Nizomi, doctoral student
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15095105
Introduction.
Uzbekistan recognizes cooperation with the leading
countries of the world as one of the important priorities of its foreign policy and
economic diplomacy, and gives it openness and pragmatism. Economically
powerful countries of the world have significantly activated relations with the
USA, Russia, China, European Union countries, Japan, South Korea, India, Turkey
and other countries. In addition, they are actively developing bilateral relations
with the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf, especially with the countries of
Kuwait and Qatar. These relations cover economic, cultural and humanitarian
directions based on common interests in areas such as trade, investment and
mutual development. This article examines the main aspects of Uzbekistan's
cooperation with Kuwait and Qatar, historical ties, economic cooperation,
cultural exchanges and humanitarian initiatives, as well as a number of
important initiatives in the field of fighting corruption.
Key words:
Foreign policy, diplomacy, openness, pragmatism, Persian Gulf,
investment, historical connection, economic cooperation, cultural exchange,
humanitarian initiative, corruption.
After gaining independence, Uzbekistan conducted active foreign relations.
In a short time, he was recognized by the whole world and became a member of
a number of international organizations. Uzbekistan's efforts on a number of
topical issues of regional and international development have been supported
by many countries of the world.
Sh. Mirziyoyev's reforms for the development of our country became a new
stage in the development of the country's domestic and foreign policy. In
particular, it became a component of the Strategy of Actions on the five priority
directions of the development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017-2021,
approved by the decree of February 7, 2017. As a result of the implementation of
the reform program, multifaceted mutually beneficial cooperation with foreign
countries was strengthened in a short period of time. Diplomatic relations with
Qatar and Kuwait from the Gulf Arab states, which had weak diplomatic
relations especially in the early years of our independence, were raised to a new
level, and a number of official meetings of the delegation of the heads of state
were held between the two countries.
ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
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During 2017-2024, the economic relations between Uzbekistan, Kuwait and
Qatar have been significantly strengthened over the years. The governments of
these countries have signed many agreements aimed at the development of
trade, investment and financial cooperation.
Uzbekistan exports agricultural products, textiles and minerals to Kuwait
and Qatar, and in return imports machinery, electronics and petrochemical
products from these countries. According to the information of the State
Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan, the volume of trade with these Persian Gulf
countries has been growing steadily over the last decade. *For example, in 2021,
the trade volume between Uzbekistan and Qatar reached 45 million dollars, a
30% increase compared to last year.
Investors from Kuwait and Qatar show great interest in the economy of
Uzbekistan, in particular, in the fields of energy, infrastructure and tourism. The
Kuwait Arab Economic Development Fund (KFAED) has financed several
projects aimed at improving road construction and energy infrastructure in
Uzbekistan. Also, Qatari companies are investing in Uzbekistan's renewable
energy sector, especially in solar and wind energy projects.
Uzbekistan, Kuwait and Qatar have historical and cultural ties based on
mutual respect for Islamic civilization and traditional art, literature and
architecture. Several cultural exchange programs have been launched to develop
mutual understanding. Uzbek students have grants to study in Kuwait and Qatar,
and Uzbek universities are accepting scholars from these Gulf countries. In 2022,
the Qatar Foundation signed a memorandum on the support of research and
academic cooperation with the universities of Uzbekistan.³
Tourism cooperation is one of the important areas of cultural relations.
Famous for its legacy of the Great Silk Road, Uzbekistan attracts tourists from
Kuwait and Qatar to historic cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara. On the
contrary, Uzbeks visit Qatar and Kuwait for religious tourism and business
opportunities. In 2019, Uzbekistan simplified visas for tourists from Kuwait and
Qatar, which further strengthened cultural ties.⁴
Humanitarian cooperation between Uzbekistan, Kuwait and Qatar focuses
on natural disasters, healthcare and social development. Medical cooperation
includes aid projects, development of healthcare infrastructure and
pharmaceutical trade. Kuwaiti charitable organizations have allocated funds to
repair hospitals in Uzbekistan and provide them with medical equipment. In
2020, Qatar provided medical assistance and delivered protective equipment
and vaccines to Uzbekistan during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
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Several Kuwaiti and Qatari humanitarian organizations, including Qatar
Charity and Kuwait Red Crescent Society, are implementing social projects in
Uzbekistan. These initiatives include schools, orphanages and clean drinking
water projects in rural areas. In 2021, vocational centers aimed at improving
youth employment were established in cooperation with Uzbekistan and Qatar.⁶
Summary
Uzbekistan's cooperation with Kuwait and Qatar is increasingly developing,
covering the economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. While trade and
investment are increasing, cultural exchanges and humanitarian initiatives are
playing an important role in strengthening bilateral relations. In the future,
these relations are expected to deepen and contribute to regional stability and
economic prosperity.
List of used literature:
1. Action strategy for five priority areas of development of the Republic of
Uzbekistan in 2017-2021. PF-4947
2. State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan, "Trade Relations with the Persian
Gulf States," 2022.
3. Kuwait Arab Economic Development Fund, "Annual Investment Report,"
2021.
4. Qatar Foundation, "Educational Partnerships in Central Asia," 2022.
5. Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, "Silk Road Heritage and Persian Gulf
Tourism," 2020.
6. Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan, "Report on COVID-19 Medical Aid," 2021.
7. Qatar Charity, "Social Development Projects in Central Asia," 2021.
