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UZBEKISTAN’S FOREIGN POLICY: STRENGTHENING REGIONAL AND GLOBAL
TIES
Omonboy Xaytimmatov
Teacher at Uzbekistan State University of World Languages
E-mail: xaytimmatovo@gmail.com
Tel: (97) 858 00 62
[ORCID: 0009-0000-3638-7698]
Abstract:
The new Uzbekistan's foreign policy is aimed at strengthening regional cooperation
and expanding global partnerships, with a focus on stability, economic growth, and the
development of diplomatic relations. By actively participating in international organizations,
trade agreements, and regional dialogues, our country seeks to support peace, security, and
sustainable development. Uzbekistan's policy is based on the principles of mutual respect, non-
interference in internal affairs, and the promotion of economic integration with neighboring
states. Through the implementation of a balanced and pragmatic foreign policy, Uzbekistan
strives to play a significant role in addressing regional and global issues, as well as contributing
to overall progress and international cooperation.
Key words:
Foreign policy, Regional cooperation, Global partnership, Stability, Economic
growth, Diplomatic relations, International organizations, Trade agreements, Regional dialogue,
Peace, Security, Sustainable development, Mutual respect, Non-interference, Economic
integration, Balanced policy, Pragmatic policy, International cooperation
Introduction.
In recent years, Uzbekistan has undergone significant transformations in its
foreign policy. Once known for its cautious diplomatic approach, the country is now playing an
increasingly important role in Central Asia and beyond. Under the leadership of President
Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has focused on strengthening relations with neighboring states,
expanding economic cooperation with global power centers, and enhancing its participation in
international organizations. This article analyzes Uzbekistan’s new foreign policy direction,
including regional diplomacy, global partnerships, and future challenges.
Methodology.
The analysis presented in this article is based on official government statements,
reports from international organizations, and academic research on Uzbekistan’s foreign policy.
Additionally, economic and diplomatic data from sources such as the World Bank, the United
Nations (UN), and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have been examined.
Comparative assessments of Uzbekistan’s past and present foreign policy strategies help
illustrate key shifts in the country’s diplomatic approach.
Results.
One of the most significant changes in Uzbekistan's foreign policy is the improvement
of relations with Central Asian countries. For example, the Treaty on Allied Relations between
the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan, signed on December 22, 2022, was
officially ratified on November 30, 2023
. This document aims to further develop strategic
cooperation between the two countries, strengthen political, economic, and cultural-humanitarian
ties, and ensure regional security. The ratification of the treaty signifies a new stage in the
friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and contributes to deepening integration
processes in Central Asia.
1
O‘zbekiston Respublikasi Qonuni, URL:
O‘RQ-882-сон 30.11.2023. O‘zbekiston Respublikasi bilan Qozog‘iston
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In 2022, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed laws concerning certain sections of the
state border between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, as well as the joint management of the Andijan
Reservoir
. These agreements are aimed at resolving border and water resource issues that have
remained unsettled for 30 years. According to the treaty, Uzbekistan will receive 4,957 hectares
of reservoir territory and 19.5 hectares of protective land, while Kyrgyzstan, as compensation,
will receive 1,019 hectares of pastureland and 12,849 hectares of land. Both parties have
committed to the responsible use, protection, and security of water resources. This agreement
serves to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Relations between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have significantly improved in recent years,
steadily developing across all sectors. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's state visit to Tajikistan in
March 2018 marked a new chapter in bilateral ties, fostering expanded cooperation in political,
trade-economic, transport-communication, and cultural-humanitarian spheres
. On June 2-3,
2022, the official visit of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon to Uzbekistan undoubtedly elevated
the dialogue between the two countries to a new level.
On July 14, 2022, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Turkmen President Serdar
Berdimuhamedov held a meeting in Tashkent. During the negotiations, they discussed
strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations, expanding trade and economic
ties, and enhancing cooperation in transport, energy, agriculture, and water resource management.
Additionally, both sides agreed to deepen cultural and humanitarian relations and to strengthen
collaboration on regional security issues
. These efforts have contributed to strengthening
stability in Central Asia while enhancing economic and political cooperation.
Uzbekistan is actively working to strengthen its ties with major global powers. For instance, by
supporting China’s
Belt and Road Initiative
, Uzbekistan has expanded cooperation in
infrastructure investments, trade agreements, and the energy sector. Relations with Russia remain
stable, particularly in the areas of economic collaboration and security, with ongoing
partnerships in energy and defense. Meanwhile, the United States supports Uzbekistan’s
economic reforms, counterterrorism efforts, and progress in human rights. Uzbekistan also
engages in dialogue with the European Union on trade agreements, development projects, and
political reforms.
Uzbekistan has also established extensive relations with Middle Eastern countries. On March 29,
2022, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan paid an official visit to Uzbekistan. During his
visit, the second meeting of the Uzbekistan-Turkey Strategic Partnership Council took place. The
relationship between Uzbekistan and Turkey is rooted in a long history, with cultural and
religious commonalities serving as a foundation for strengthening economic ties. Since the
establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, more than 100 bilateral agreements and protocols
have been signed between the two nations. In recent years, trade and economic cooperation have
significantly increased: mutual trade, which amounted to $196 million in 2000, surged to $3.4
billion by 2021
. Copper and copper products, along with cotton fiber, dominate Uzbekistan’s
export composition, while industrial equipment and spare parts lead its imports. Plans are in
place to further strengthen trade and economic ties between the two countries in the future.
On January 16, 2024, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE),
Uzbekistan and the UAE signed a cooperation protocol on mutual exemption from entry visa
requirements. Under this agreement, Uzbek citizens gained the right to stay in the UAE visa-free
for up to 30 days
. As a result, the number of countries Uzbek citizens can visit without a visa
reached 29, elevating Uzbekistan to 71st place in the
Global Passport Power
ranking.
2
Prezident matbuot xizmati. URL:
Ўзбекистон Президенти Қирғизистон билан чегара ва Андижон сув
омборига оид қонунларни имзолади
3
ustuvor yo‘nalishi bo‘lib qoladi"
4
Давлатлараро мулоқотни мустаҳкамлаш, ўзаро манфаатли ҳамкорликни кенгайтириш – бош вазифа
5
Ўзбекистон - Туркия: савдо-иқтисодий ҳамкорлик истиқболлари - Review.uz
6
Ўзбекистон фуқаролари учун визасиз борадиган давлатлар сони яна биттага кўпайди
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Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia has significantly expanded in recent years,
unlocking new opportunities across various sectors. Within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s
Vision 2030
initiative, economic ties between the two nations have strengthened, leading to joint
projects in energy, information technology, transport, and logistics
. For example, Saudi Arabia’s
DATAVOLT
company has launched a partnership to establish innovative data centers in
Uzbekistan. Additionally, regular meetings at the level of foreign ministries are being held to
discuss the further development of cooperation in political, trade-economic, and cultural-
humanitarian spheres. These efforts are elevating the strategic partnership between the two
countries to a new level.
President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, made an official visit to Kuwait on February 17-
18, 2025. During the visit, he held high-level talks with the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mish’al Al-
Sabah. Meetings with members of the Kuwaiti government, leaders of major companies, and
heads of banking and financial institutions were also held
. The discussions focused on
expanding cooperation in trade, investment, industrial cooperation, green energy, transport,
infrastructure, and agriculture. Cultural-humanitarian relations and tourism cooperation were
also on the agenda.
Uzbekistan has also established extensive relations with South Asian countries. Notably,
cooperation between Uzbekistan and India is growing in the fields of agriculture and defense. In
this context, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Agriculture, Ibrahim Abdurakhmonov, met with the Indian
Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Smita Pant. They reached agreements to accelerate the export of
fruits and vegetables, enhance cooperation between scientific research institutes and agricultural
scientists, and address logistics issues
. Additionally, a delegation from the Ministry of Defense
of Uzbekistan visited India in December 2023 and became familiar with the activities of the
Infantry School in Madhya Pradesh. During the meeting with representatives of the Indian Army,
the importance of military cooperation between the two countries, including the annual
"Friendship" exercises and experience exchange programs, was emphasized
. Such
collaborations in various sectors serve to strengthen the strategic relations between the two
countries.
Furthermore, relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan have elevated to the level of strategic
partnership, becoming more active in the economic, transport, and logistics sectors. Trade
volume has increased from $122 million in 2019 to $387 million in 2023, with the goal of
reaching $1 billion
. A Tashkent–Lahore air route has been established, and a Tashkent–Karachi
cargo transport system is being planned. The Trans-Afghan Railway project will strengthen
regional integration. This cooperation is contributing to the sustainable development of both
countries.
Discussion.
In addition to its traditional allies, Uzbekistan is expanding its diplomatic and
economic relations with other regions. Trade and economic relations between Uzbekistan and
Malaysia have been developing, strengthening bilateral cooperation. In 2023, mutual trade
volume reached $360 million. Uzbekistan primarily exports agricultural products and textiles to
Malaysia, while it imports petrochemical products and electronics from Malaysia. Cooperation in
the fields of investment and tourism is also growing, with new joint projects being planned.
On February 4-5, 2025, President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, visited Malaysia on an
official visit at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. During the visit, high-
level talks were held in Kuala Lumpur, meetings with leaders of Malaysia’s leading companies
took place, and a joint business forum and other events were organized
. The signing of a joint
statement and several agreements between the two countries is of significant importance.
7
O‘zbekiston va Saudiya Arabistoni hamkorligi. Istiqbolda yana qanday yo‘nalishlar bor?
8
Ўзбекистон Республикаси Президенти расмий ташриф билан Кувайт Давлатида бўлади
9
O‘zbekiston-Hindiston: bir qancha yo‘nalishlarda hamkorlik aloqalari
10
O‘zbekiston va Hindiston mudofaa sohasidagi aloqalarni rivojlantirmoqchi
11
O‘zbekiston – Pokiston: strategik sheriklik va mintaqaviy integratsiya istiqbollari
12
O‘zbekiston – Malayziya: savdo va iqtisodiy aloqalar yanada rivojlanadi
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In recent years, it is noteworthy that Uzbekistan’s foreign policy has been focusing heavily on
developing cooperation both globally and regionally. Specifically, at the Conference of Ministers
of Culture of the Islamic World held in Jeddah, discussions were focused on strengthening
cultural ties between countries, while the Uzbekistan-Japan IT Forum aimed at enhancing
collaboration in new technologies and innovation. Furthermore, the Uzbek Ambassador
emphasized the need to further develop diplomatic relations and international cooperation at the
Oman Diplomacy Academy.
Uzbekistan is also more actively participating in international institutions such as the Shanghai
Cooperation Organization (SCO), the United Nations (UN), and the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation (OIC). For example, Uzbekistan supported a UN resolution calling for the
withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestine
. This involvement provides Uzbekistan with the
opportunity to influence regional politics, contribute to economic initiatives, and strengthen
cooperation on security matters.
The changes in Uzbekistan's foreign policy are shaping it into a regional leader and a global
partner. The country’s new diplomatic approach has led to a number of positive outcomes,
including increased trade volumes, economic development, and the promotion of regional
stability. However, there are also challenges to address. Uzbekistan must strive to balance its
relations with major powers, avoid economic dependency, and resolve security issues. Future
diplomatic actions should focus on maintaining strategic balance and expanding global
cooperation.
Conclusion.
Uzbekistan's foreign policy has undergone significant transformation. The country
has moved from a limited diplomatic approach to active regional and international engagement.
By strengthening ties with neighboring countries, deepening economic cooperation with major
powers, and expanding its role in global organizations, Uzbekistan has gained a prominent
position on the international stage. In the future, the country's ability to manage geopolitical
issues and ensure sustainable economic growth will define its success in the global arena.
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