International Journal Of History And Political Sciences
20
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijhps
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue03 2025
PAGE NO.
20-24
10.37547/ijhps/Volume05Issue03-05
The impact of Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan relations on the
central Asian region
Abdurazakova Kamolakhon Yusupovna
Senior Lecturer, Tashkent State University of Uzbek, Language and Literature named after Alisher Navoi, Uzbekistan
Received:
23 January 2025;
Accepted:
26 February 2025;
Published:
25 March 2025
Abstract:
This article discusses the concept of interstate relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in Central
Asia. From a historical point of view, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are united by many traditions, such as the fact
that the Uzbek and Kazakh peoples have lived in the same geographical space for thousands of years, a single
religion, a similar language, culture, and common customs. From a political perspective, the similarities between
the two countries' systems of governance based on democratic principles, as well as their multifaceted foreign
policies, the creation of a good-neighborly environment in the region, and adherence to universally recognized
principles of international law, have always encouraged the two brotherly countries to maintain friendly relations.
The article discusses the political and economic reforms currently underway to create a free economic and secure
zone in the territory of the Central Asian countries within the framework of cooperative relations between
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Keywords:
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Central Asia, concept, foreign policy, interstate relations, cooperation,
regional security, regional cooperation.
Introduction:
The rapid development of relations
between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan today, and the
fact that cooperation between the two countries plays
a special role in the development of regional
cooperation in the Central Asian region, is of great
importance. Because the states of Uzbekistan and
Kazakhstan are actors with a leading status in the
Central Asian region in all respects. For example, while
Kazakhstan's GDP is almost equal to the GDP of all
other countries in the region combined, Uzbekistan
ranks first in the region in terms of population. Both
countries, as developing countries in the region, are
interested
in
developing
mutually
beneficial
cooperation.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The following can be noted as Uzbekistan's
opportunities and priorities in Central Asia:
1.
Geographical location
. As noted by the First
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, I.A. Karimov,
Uzbekistan is located in the heart of Central Asia and is
the only country that has a common border with all the
countries of the region.[1] American political scientist
N. Spikeman, in his article “Geography and Foreign
Policy”, noted that the geographical locatio
n of a state
is a decisive factor in the foreign policy of a country.[2]
In his opinion, geographical location is the territorial
basis on which states rely in times of war, stability and
peace. It should be noted that this factor is the most
constant and has remained unchanged for centuries.
Uzbekistan’s location in the very center of the region,
with a common border with five countries, allows it to
be an initiator and coordinator of strengthening
regional cooperation.
2.
Common history and culture
. Historically,
Central Asia has been the only region with a common
culture, history, religion, and traditions for many
centuries. At the international conference “Central
Asia: a common past and a common future,
cooperation for sustainable development and mutual
prosperity,” the President of the Republic of
Uzbekistan, Sh.M. Mirziyoyev, said that the peoples of
our region are connected with each other by millennia
of brotherhood and good neighborliness. We are
united by a common history, religion, culture, and
traditions.[3] This has become one of the main factors
International Journal Of History And Political Sciences
21
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijhps
International Journal Of History And Political Sciences (ISSN
–
2771-2222)
in the change in the direction of Uzbekistan’s foreign
policy.
3.
Economic development of the Central Asian
region
. Today, in the world of globalization and
information technologies, economic development is
impossible without active regional and international
cooperation. The geographical location of Uzbekistan,
at the same time, creates advantages for it and also
hinders its economic development. Uzbekistan is a
“double landlocked” country, which not onl
y does not
have direct access to the seas, but is also forced to cross
the territories of two countries to access the sea. This
hinders the development of the national economy, as
it complicates the export of domestic goods. Therefore,
it is necessary to develop close economic cooperation
with close neighbors. A peaceful, economically
prosperous Central Asia is our most important goal and
main task.
4.
Creating a security belt around Uzbekistan
. At
the initiative of our President Sh.M. Mirziyoyev, the
stat
e program “Strategy of Actions on Five Priority
Areas of Uzbekistan’s Development in 2017
-
2021” was
developed. According to the strategy, the goal was to
create a security belt around Uzbekistan. This task
cannot be achieved without taking into account
regional security in Central Asia. The President states
that Uzbekistan is directly interested in transforming
the region into a zone of sustainable development and
good neighborliness, that regional security is urgent,
and that political and military threats spread more
easily over short distances than over long distances.[4]
In our opinion, regional integrated security plays an
important role in ensuring stability in the region.
Accordingly, countries where a stable and peaceful
environment prevails contribute to the spread of
security both in the region and in the international
arena.
5.
Cooperation
in
the rational
use
of
transboundary rivers
. The First President of the
Republic of Uzbekistan I.A. Karimov also noted that the
water problem in Central Asia can lead to conflicts and
disputes between the countries of the region. The
urgency of this issue is explained by the fact that the
economy of the region is based on agriculture irrigated
by two main rivers. The Amu Darya and Syrdarya rivers
are the main water arteries of Central Asia. Therefore,
the need for effective and rational use of these water
resources and a rational solution to this problem is
urgent for all countries in the region. In 2017,
Uzbekistan, together with neighboring countries,
carried out a number of positive actions to resolve
many sensitive issues, such as the exchange of water
resources, the demarcation of borders, the opening
and restoration of checkpoints, and the expansion of
transport links.[5] During his speech at the UN General
Assembly, the President emphasized how close to
reality the position of the UN Secretary-General that
“the problems of water, peace, and security are
inextricably linked” is. Uzbekistan supports the draft
conventions on the use of water resources in the Amu
Darya and Syrdarya basins developed by the UN
Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy. In addition,
Sh.M. Mirziyoyev once again drew the attention of the
world community to the Aral Sea problem.
6.
Resolving
problematic
issues
. Another
important issue of great importance is the unresolved
issues between the Central Asian states for many years.
The most important of them are the demarcation and
delimitation of state borders, the use of transboundary
river waters, etc. Sometimes they led to tension in
relations between the two countries, conflict situations
on the borders. For some reason, these issues were not
resolved in the early years of the independence of the
Central Asian states, which affected ordinary citizens
living on both sides of the borders. The region needed
a catalyst, a new impetus to resolve these issues.[6] The
initiator of such actions was the new President of the
Republic of Uzbekistan, Sh.M. Mirziyoyev. Another
important issue of great importance was the most
difficult - the demarcation and delimitation of state
borders, the use of transboundary river waters, the
construction of large hydroelectric power stations and
other issues. They led to tension in relations between
the two countries, even to conflict situations on the
borders. Today, Uzbekistan is demonstrating its
readiness to make reasonable compromises with the
countries of Central Asia on all issues in order to
strengthen mutual dialogue, constructive cooperation
and good-neighborly relations.
For example, the signing of the agreement on the state
border between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in early
September 2017 was a significant event. This was the
first breakthrough in 26 years on a very sensitive issue.
Indeed, resolving such issues that have remained
unresolved for many years was considered a difficult
task for the Uzbek government. Important steps have
been taken to normalize relations with our neighbors.
In particular, we managed to reach mutually acceptable
decisions with the leadership of Kyrgyzstan and
Tajikistan. The issues of demarcation and delimitation
of state borders have become a specific problem in
relations between Tashkent and Bishkek. Sh.M.
Mirziyoyev called for resolving this issue and turning
the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border into a "border of friendship".
As a result, an agreement on the state border was
signed with Kyrgyzstan, laying the foundation for
resolving the border issue. An agreement was reached
with Tajikistan to resume regular flights.
International Journal Of History And Political Sciences
22
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijhps
International Journal Of History And Political Sciences (ISSN
–
2771-2222)
7.
The need for close cooperation in resolving
the Afghan problem
. Today, Uzbekistan has achieved a
number of positive achievements in resolving the
Afghan problem. The international conference held in
Tashkent in 2018 and the negotiations with the Taliban
political movement in 2019-2020 have begun to bear
fruit. Also, today, Uzbekistan is implementing a number
of projects to promote peace and economic recovery in
Afghanistan, as well as improve infrastructure in the
country. In recent years, high-level negotiations have
been held with the Taliban leadership to bring bilateral
trade and economic relations to a new level. Also,
today Uzbekistan is implementing a number of projects
to promote peace and economic recovery in
Afghanistan, as well as improve infrastructure in the
country.
In particular, the implementation of the Trans-Afghan
Transport Corridor through the construction of the
"Mazar-i-Sharif - Khirat" railway, which connects the
"Khayraton-Mazar-i-Sharif" railway with Iran, will be of
significant trade and economic importance for
Uzbekistan and will significantly reduce logistics costs.
In addition, Uzbekistan is a leading supplier of
electricity to Afghanistan, and today electricity is
exported through the Surkhan-Puli Khumri power
transmission line. This network is of great importance
for the subsequent implementation of the Central Asia-
South Asia project (CASA-1000) and for the export of
electricity from Central Asian countries to South Asian
countries.
8.
Regional cooperation on trade facilitation,
investment and regional financial integration
. Active
economic diplomacy has become the most important
task of the countries of the region. The rapid pace of
internationalization and globalization of world
economic relations between countries has made it
possible
to
develop
and
expand
the
interconnectedness of their economies. One of the
important factors stimulating the development of
market economy countries is foreign investment.
After the Republic of Uzbekistan gained independence,
an active policy was pursued to create a favorable
investment climate in our country, a legal system was
created to provide guarantees and measures to
stimulate the activities of enterprises with foreign
investment. Today, one of the most important factors
of sustainable and sustainable development is high
investment activity, which can ensure the effective and
rational use of the country's external and internal
resources
and
potential.The
conditions
and
opportunities created for foreign investors in
Uzbekistan in the post-pandemic period in 2017-2022
are growing year by year. In addition, the mutual
attraction and support of bilateral investments with the
countries of the region, especially with the Republic of
Kazakhstan, are yielding the expected results. In
addition, the region itself has the following features in
terms of its geographical and geopolitical location:
Firstly, the region is located at the crossroads of world
trade routes and is considered the “heart” of Eurasia, a
bridge connecting Europe and the Middle East, South
and East Asia, and borders such major countries as
Russia and China.
Secondly, the region is also a region where the interests
of world powers clash. Our foreign policy is based on a
clear goal and a clear strategic vision to ensure security
and sustainable development in Central Asia.
As the Head of our state Sh.M. Mirziyoyev noted, at the
same time, the interests of world powers intersect in
Central Asia, the region is caught in a vortex of
instability and conflicts, experiencing the impact of all
negative processes taking place in the near and far
abroad. One can be firmly convinced that the solid
foundation and guarantee of the region's sustainable
development and prosperity are the readiness and
sincere aspiration for cooperation, as well as the
responsibility of all Central Asian states for a common
future. [7]
Sources that complement the conceptual aspects of
Uzbek-Kazakh relations include the Concept of Foreign
Policy Activities of the Republic of Uzbekistan, adopted
in 2012, and the Concept of Foreign Policy of the
Republic of Kazakhstan for 2014-2020, adopted in
2014. An analysis of these two official documents
shows that these concepts have their own distinctive
differences. Today, in the context of rapid reforms in
society, Goal 94 of the Development Strategy of New
Uzbekistan
for
2022-2026,
entitled
"Bringing
cooperation in Central Asia in the security, trade-
economic, water, energy, transport, and cultural-
humanitarian spheres to a qualitatively new level", sets
out the task of developing a strategy for developing
regional cooperation in the Central Asian region. This,
in turn, indicates the need for large-scale scientific
research on cooperation processes in our region.
The third section of the Concept of Foreign Policy of the
Republic of Uzbekistan is devoted to “Priority Areas of
Foreign Policy of the Republic
of Uzbekistan”, which
lists the regions and countries that are of priority
importance in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy. The Central
Asian region takes the first place in this list. The main
priority area of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy is the
Central Asian re
gion, and the country’s vital interests
are closely linked to this region. Uzbekistan will always
adhere to an open, friendly and pragmatic policy in
relations with its close neighbors, and advocates that
International Journal Of History And Political Sciences
23
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijhps
International Journal Of History And Political Sciences (ISSN
–
2771-2222)
all urgent political, economic and environmental
problems in the region be resolved on the basis of
mutual interests, practical dialogue and international
law. The problems of Central Asia must be resolved by
the countries of the region themselves, without the
intervention of external forces.[8]
The essence of this is that Uzbekistan, due to its
geopolitical location in the heart of Central Asia, has
inextricably linked its foreign policy with the region.
Uzbekistan considers the development of relations
with the countries of the region to be the first priority
of its foreign policy. Based on this, it has always been a
supporter of the rapid development of constructive
and pragmatic dialogues with neighboring countries.
That is, Uzbekistan focuses on implementing its
relations with neighboring countries based on a win-
win strategy. In this regard, the emphasis is on equal
consideration of the interests of the parties, avoiding
the formation of an atmosphere of hostility, and
resolving all regional issues through consultative
meetings in a spirit of mutual trust.[9]
At the same time, Uzbekistan considers the
continuation of a mutually beneficial, open, effective
and harmonious neighborhood policy with neighboring
Kazakhstan as one of the priority tasks of its foreign
policy. Uzbekistan considers the use of the winner-
takes-all strategy (the principle that the side that
prevails or wins in a particular issue ultimately owns
everything) as an instrument of foreign policy to be
ineffective and out of step with the requirements of the
times.
A closer look at the Foreign Policy Concept of the
Republic of Kazakhstan for 2014-2020 paints a different
picture of the Central Asian region. The first section of
the concept, Chapter 3, is devoted to “Country and
Regional Priorities,” and this chapter discusses the
regions that occupy a more prominent position in
Kazakhstan’s foreign policy. In the ranking of priority
regions, Central Asia is not in first place, as many
predicted, but in third place. The Russian Federation
and the People’s Republic of China occupy the first and
second places on the list. As a third priority region,
Central Asia is described as follows:
In developing the multifaceted relations of the Republic
of Kazakhstan with the countries of Central Asia - the
Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan - the
main emphasis is on uniting the efforts of the countries
of the region to jointly combat internal and external
challenges and threats, and to intensify political,
economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation on
the basis of mutual benefit and equality. [10]
Although Central Asia is seen as the third most
important region in Kazakhstan's foreign policy, it is
clear that it is interested in intensifying multilateral
relations with neighboring countries. Therefore, it
remains committed to generalizing joint efforts in
relations with the countries of the region.
On March 6, 2020, the Foreign Policy Concept of the
Republic of Kazakhstan for 2020-2030 was adopted.
This document can be included in the category of
documents that further enrich the conceptual
foundations of Uzbek-Kazakh relations. The concept
also addresses cooperation with Uzbekistan. Paragraph
2.9 of the second chapter of the fifth section of this
document reflects the issues of further enhancing
Kazakhstan's foreign economic interests by launching
the "Central Asia" trade and economic cooperation
center together with Uzbekistan. On November 9,
2023, within the framework of the 16th summit of the
Economic Cooperation Organization in Tashkent, an
agreement was signed between the governments of
the two countries on the establishment of the "Central
Asia" international industrial cooperation center.[12]
This project, the only one in Central Asia, will not only
be effective for both sides, but will also give additional
impetus to the development of trade and economic
relations in the region.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are one of the largest
markets in Central Asia, home to more than 50 million
people. The launch of the center will open up vast
opportunities in the field of service systems, transport
and telecommunications services, servicing tourist
flows, and the development of international and
regional trade. International trade is expected to grow
as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are key participants in
the North-South Central Asian transport and transit
corridor, connecting the largest markets of Central and
South Asia with the richest regions of Europe - the
Urals, Siberia and the Far East.
The new concept also shows that the priorities of
Kazakhstan's foreign policy have undergone significant
changes. These changes concern, in particular,
Kazakhstan's position in the regional context. If in the
previous concept Kazakhstan was presented as a
country that feels its role and responsibility and seeks
to develop regional integration in Central Asia, in the
new concept it openly declares its intentions to
strengthen its status as a "leading state in the region".
However, it is clear that strengthening its leadership
position in Central Asia and promoting long-term
interests in the field of foreign policy have fallen into
second place among Kazakhstan's strategic goals.
CONCLUSION
Close regional cooperation between the Central Asian
republics will help solve many problems that have
International Journal Of History And Political Sciences
24
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijhps
International Journal Of History And Political Sciences (ISSN
–
2771-2222)
hindered the economic development of the region for
many years. The main link in the economic reforms
implemented in recent years is the development of
trade. Because the increase in trade turnover with
neighboring countries is the most important factor in
ensuring the economic stability and development of
the country. Therefore, today Uzbekistan pays special
attention to the development of trade. The deep
reforms implemented in recent years under the
leadership of President Sh.M. Mirziyoyev play a major
role in achieving this goal.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations
between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, bilateral relations
have been based on solid political and legal
foundations. If we pay attention to the essence of
bilateral agreements, it becomes clear that they
contain many common positions. It was precisely the
issues of legally strengthening those similar positions
that prompted the two sides to sign agreements, and
often the interests of fraternal states were similar and
always complemented each other. In addition, the
foreign policy concepts adopted in certain years in the
Republics of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan further
enriched bilateral relations in legal terms. These
concepts clearly define the priority areas of foreign
policy, and special attention is paid to further
strengthening relations with neighboring countries.
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are undoubtedly important
republics for Central Asia in terms of geopolitical
location, population, common culture, traditions and
customs. Today, despite some differences, cooperation
between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan is developing
rapidly. The heads of state clearly and successfully
interact on issues of economic integration and regional
security, which are necessary for both sides.
At the same time, the events taking place in the world
political and economic life show the need to develop
comprehensive ties in order to preserve the historically
formed political and economic relations and unique
culture in the Central Asian region. The system of vital,
national interests of the two states in the region can be
expressed through the following basic concepts:
security, stability, economic cooperation. The
proposals put forward in the system of Uzbek-Kazakh
relations in these three factors, the current
agreements, and the full implementation of the tasks
set will create a basis for further strengthening both the
internal potential of the two states and their place in
the sustainable development of the region.
REFERENCES
Каримов.И. Хавфсизлик ва барқарор тараққиёт
йўлида. 6 Том. Тошкент 1998, Ўзбекистон НМИУ, 72
-
бет
Nicholas.J, Spykman. Geography and Foreign Policy.
The American Political Science Review, Vol. 32, No. 2
(Apr., 1938), С. 213
-236.
Из выступления Президента Республики Узбекистан
Шавката
Мирзиёева
на
международной
конференции «Центральная Азия: одно прошлое и
общее будущее, сотрудничество ради устойчивого
развития и взаимного процветания», Самарканд, 11
ноября, 2017г.
Buzan.B & Waever O. Regions and Powers, The
Structure of International Security, Cambridge
University Press, 2003, C.16.
Ўзбекистон Президенти Шавкат Мирзиёев БМТ Бош
Ассамблеясининг 72
-
сессиясида нутқ сўзлади
https://president.uz/uz/lists/view/1063
Аитов.М Новая внешняя политика Узбекистана
стала катализатором усиления сотрудничества в ЦА
electron
manba
https://isrs.uz/ru/tahliliy-
sharhlar/markaziy-osiyoda-hamkorlikni-
kuchaytirishning-muhim-mezoni
kirilgan
sana:
14.03.2022
O‘zbekiston
Respublikasi
Prezidenti
Shavkat
Mirziyoyevning Samarqand shahrida o‘tgan “Markaziy
Osiyo: yagona tarix va umumiy kelajak, barqaror
rivojlanish
va
taraq
qiyot
yo‘lidagi
hamkorlik”
mavzusidagi xalqaro konferensiyada so‘zlagan nutqi
10.11.2017 https://president.uz/uz/lists/view/1227
Oliy Majlis axborotnomasi, 2012-yil. 9/1 (1437)-
сон.
12-bet.
Qozog‘iston
va
O‘zbekiston
ittifoqdoshligining
Markaziy Osiyo uchun ahamiyati - UzAnalytics. (2022,
December
28).
Retrieved
from
https://www.uzanalytics.com/siyosat/10507
Концепция
внешней
политики
Республики
Казахстан на 2014 –
2020 годы. Elektron manba:
http://kzkazan.ru/ru/vneshnjaja-politika/kontseptsiya-
vneshnej-politiki-na-2014-2020/
kirilgan
sana:
24.06.2022
Узбекистан и Казахстан подписали соглашение о
центре промкооперации "Центральная Азия"
Elektron manba: https://tass.ru/ekonomika/19238269
kirilgan sana: 24.06.2022
