ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 11 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
95
UZBEKISTAN'S COOPERATION IN THE FIGHT AGAINST INTERNATIONAL
TERRORISM
S.M. Giyasova
Millat Umidi university first year student.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17523692
Abstract.
This article addresses various problems that come up while trying to fight
terrorism and extremism effectively in today's world of globalization and the changing nature of
international and regional conflicts. It examines Uzbekistan’s evolving approach to international
cooperation in the fight against terrorism and explores the country’s national strategies and
regional partnerships with global organizations such as the United Nations and the OSCE.
Key factors:
Uzbekistan,
extremism, terrorism, regional security and international
cooperation.
СОТРУДНИЧЕСТВО УЗБЕКИСТАНА В БОРЬБЕ С МЕЖДУНАРОДНЫМ
ТЕРРОРИЗМОМ
Аннотация.
В статье рассматриваются различные проблемы, возникающие при
попытках эффективной борьбы с терроризмом и экстремизмом в современном мире
глобализации и меняющемся характере международных и региональных конфликтов. В
статье рассматривается меняющийся подход Узбекистана к международному
сотрудничеству в борьбе с терроризмом, а также национальные стратегии и
региональное партнерство страны с такими международными организациями, как
Организация Объединенных Наций и ОБСЕ.
Ключевые факторы:
Узбекистан, экстремизм, терроризм, региональная
безопасность и международное сотрудничество.
Introduction:
In the 21st century, terrorism remains one of the most complex and global threats. For
Uzbekistan, located at the geopolitical crossroads of Central Asia and its proximity to
Afghanistan has made it a significant issue and highly sensitive to global security dynamics.
After gaining independence in 1991, Uzbekistan decided to prioritize national security
and stability, with strong requirements for cooperation from regional and global partners. This
article analyzes Uzbekistan’s international cooperation in combating terrorism and its impact on
maintaining peace in Central Asia.
National Policy and Legal Framework:
Central Asia is distinguished by its complex history and diverse nature. This region is
important not only geographically, but also politically, economically, and culturally. Uzbekistan,
as the heart of this region, plays an important role in ensuring peace and stability.
Uzbekistan's role in ensuring peace and stability is determined by several key aspects:
1. Diplomatic initiatives: Uzbekistan actively participates in resolving regional conflicts.
An example of this is the decisions taken since 2017 at the initiative of the President of
the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aimed at establishing new diplomatic relations
in the region and peacefully resolving existing conflicts.
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 11 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
96
2. Economic cooperation: Uzbekistan pays great attention to developing economic
relations with the countries of Central Asia through trade, investment, and the use of energy
resources. Uzbekistan's "Green Economy" concept is of great importance in ensuring stability in
the region.
3. Cultural and humanitarian ties: Uzbekistan pays great attention to the development of
cultural ties between the peoples of the region and the implementation of humanitarian
programs, which strengthen dialogue with the international community and ensure social
stability in the region.
Uzbekistan's counterterrorism policy is based on the “National Strategy for Combating
Extremism and Terrorism for 2021–2026”
The following priority areas of the Strategy should be identified:
1.
Promoting the ideology of patriotism, traditional values, and tolerance in order to prevent
the spread of extremism and terrorist ideas;
2.
Preventing the spread of extremism and terrorist ideas among minors and youth;
3.
Protecting women’s rights and strengthening their role in combating extremism and
terrorism;
4.
Protecting citizens who are abroad for a long time from the influence of extremist and
terrorist ideas;
5.
Combating the use of the Internet for extremist and terrorist purposes;
6.
Broadly involving civil society institutions and the media in combating extremism and
terrorism;
7.
Improving legal prosecution and accountability measures for committing and financing
extremist and terrorist acts;
8.
Improving the regulatory framework in the field of combating extremism and terrorism;
9.
International and regional cooperation in this area.
Regional Cooperation:
Uzbekistan's role as a regional security partner is particularly evident in Central Asia.
That is why the state contributes to maintaining peace in all areas and conducts
international cooperation.
A high-level international conference on regional cooperation among Central Asian
states within the framework of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy was also held in
Tashkent (2022) in Uzbekistan. This event strengthened information exchange, joint operations,
and collective prevention mechanisms among the countries of the region.
In 2024, the first large-scale anti-terrorism forum was held in Tashkent, bringing together
specialized conferences of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Regional Anti-
Terrorism Structure, which confirmed the interest in deepening professional dialogue and
became an important step towards unifying the fight against terrorism in ensuring security in the
CIS and SCO regions.
An important element of the system of anti-terrorism cooperation established between
security agencies are joint anti-terrorist exercises coordinated by the CIS ATK.
Since its inception, 20 such training exercises have been held in 9 countries, during which
joint operational activities and combat coordination of special units to identify and eliminate
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 11 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
97
terrorist threats at border aviation, railway and sea transport facilities, rocket and space and fuel
and energy industry facilities, including nuclear power plants, as well as the information
infrastructure of large industrial enterprises and educational institutions were improved.
Engagement with International Organizations:
Uzbekistan's global engagement reflects its commitment to multilateralism. Uzbekistan
cooperates with international organizations such as the UN, SCO, and OSCE through ratification
of conventions, participation in regional bodies, and development of joint initiatives, including
support for UN resolutions and committees, participation in the SCO MATT, and cooperation
with the OSCE on counter-terrorism and cybersecurity. The country hosted the SCO MATT
headquarters in Tashkent and held a major high-level conference on the development of regional
cooperation in 2022. Uzbekistan is a party to all 13 UN conventions on counter-terrorism and
has put forward a number of major initiatives to consolidate the efforts of the international
community in this area.
Uzbekistan welcomes the activities of the Counter-Terrorism Committee established by
UN Security Council Resolution 1373 of 2001. The Republic also fully supports the efforts of
the member states to strengthen their capacity to combat this scourge. The establishment of the
Committee is also an initiative of Uzbekistan. Accordingly, the country put forward a proposal to
establish an International Counter-Terrorism Center at the UN Summit on Security and
Cooperation in Istanbul in 1999.
As part of the implementation of the initiative put forward by the President of the
Republic of Uzbekistan at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, a high-level
international conference on “Regional cooperation of the Central Asian states within the
framework of the Joint Action Plan for the Implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism
Strategy” was held in Tashkent on March 22.
Bilateral Cooperation:
At a time when terrorist threats are growing, Uzbekistan has developed its own strategy,
which prioritizes security and sustainable development.
As a result of Uzbekistan's active efforts in the field of foreign policy, a number of
bilateral and multilateral treaties and agreements were concluded with countries interested in
jointly combating terrorism and other destructive activities. In particular, in 2000, the Treaty “On
Joint Combating Terrorism, Political and Religious Extremism, Transnational Organized Crime”
was signed in Tashkent between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
Uzbekistan, having seen the ugly face of terrorism, strongly condemned the terrorist
attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001. Tashkent was one of the first to accept
Washington's offer to jointly fight terrorism and supported its counter-terrorism efforts, allowing
countries and international organizations wishing to provide humanitarian assistance to
Afghanistan to use its land, air, and water routes.
Challenges and Prospects:
Despite significant achievements, Uzbekistan continues to face a number of challenges.
Radicalization among young people, online extremism, and socio-economic inequalities remain
pressing issues.
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 11 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
98
For example, while international terrorist acts occurred in the country in 1999, the peak
of terrorist activity occurred in 2004. Thus, from March 28 to April 1, 2004, terrorist acts were
carried out in Tashkent, Bukhara, and Tashkent regions. On July 30, 2004, repeated terrorist
attacks were carried out in Tashkent on the US and Israeli embassies, as well as on the premises
of the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In addition, some Uzbeks
continue to join terrorist groups in neighboring Afghanistan, and while they are few in number,
there is a possibility that they could later cross into Uzbekistan to destabilize the situation.
Balancing national security measures with the protection of human rights and religious
freedoms also requires careful policy development.
In the future, Uzbekistan plans to deepen cooperation with its neighbors and global
institutions, invest in cyber defense and raise public awareness, and develop education as a key
tool for preventing extremism. The integration of soft power approaches culture and inclusion
forms the country's long-term strategy.
Taking into account changes in the forms, objects, and goals of terrorism, the Republic of
Uzbekistan is adapting its counterterrorism strategy to modern challenges and threats, relying on
the struggle for the consciousness of people, primarily young people, through legal culture,
spiritual and religious enlightenment, and the protection of rights. person.
With its counterterrorism policy, the state is trying to instill in citizens, on the one hand,
immunity against radical understandings of Islam, tolerance, and, on the other hand, an instinct
for self-defense against recruitment.
Collective mechanisms of international cooperation are being strengthened, special
attention is being paid to the exchange of experience in the field of preventing terrorism, and
despite the rejection of strict force measures, Uzbekistan is among the safest countries.
Conclusion:
Uzbekistan’s experience shows that successfully combating terrorism requires not only
strong security measures but also inclusive, preventive, and cooperative strategies. This country
has established itself as a key player in the global fight against terrorism, working closely with
international organizations, regional structures, and bilateral partners.
Uzbekistan can serve as a valuable example for other countries seeking to balance
security, development, and diplomacy in the world.
References
1.
Embassy
of
The
Republic
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United
Kingdom
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2.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan -
https://gov.uz/oz/mfa/sections/view/14469
3.
Azimov, A., & Abduraimov, A. (2025). O’ZBEKISTONNING MARKAZIY OSIYODA
TINCHLIK
VA
BARQARORLIKNI
TA’MINLASHDAGI
O’RNI.
https://inlibrary.uz/index.php/tafps/article/view/79865
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“National Strategy of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Combat Extremism and Terrorism for
2021-2026’’
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Zamin.uz
