The American Journal of Political Science Law and Criminology
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TYPE
Original Research
PAGE NO.
17-22
10.37547/tajpslc/Volume07Issue08-02
OPEN ACCESS
SUBMITED
13 June 2025
ACCEPTED
09 July 2025
PUBLISHED
11 August 2025
VOLUME
Vol.07 Issue08 2025
CITATION
Rayhona Kadirova. (2025). The geopolitical significance of cooperation
between Uzbekistan and turkey within the framework of the organization
of Turkic states. The American Journal of Political Science Law and
Criminology, 7(8), 17
–
22.
https://doi.org/10.37547/tajpslc/Volume07Issue08-02
COPYRIGHT
© 2025 Original content from this work may be used under the terms
of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License.
The geopolitical significance
of cooperation between
Uzbekistan and turkey
within the framework of the
organization of Turkic states
Rayhona Kadirova
Researcher, Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, Tashkent,
Uzbekistan
Abstract:
This paper explores the evolving geopolitical
dynamics between Uzbekistan and Turkey within the
framework of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). It
analyzes how bilateral cooperation contributes to
regional stability, economic connectivity, and a
rebalancing of influence in Central Asia. The study
employs qualitative analysis based on policy
documents, official statements, and geopolitical
assessments.
Findings
suggest
that
enhanced
Uzbekistan
–
Turkey relations reinforce Turkic solidarity,
offer alternatives to dominant regional powers, and
promote a multipolar order in Eurasia. This partnership
plays a strategic role in shaping the future trajectory of
the OTS as a meaningful regional bloc.
Keywords:
Uzbekistan, Turkey, Organization of Turkic
States, geopolitics, Central Asia, regional cooperation,
Eurasia.
Introduction:
In recent years, the cooperation between
Uzbekistan and Turkey has gained increasing
geopolitical relevance, particularly under the umbrella
of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). As global
power dynamics continue to shift, regional alliances are
becoming more critical in determining the future of
geopolitical and economic influence. The OTS, initially
established as the Turkic Council in 2009 and rebranded
in 2021, was founded to promote unity among Turkic-
speaking countries through a shared historical,
linguistic, and cultural identity. However, it has
gradually evolved into a platform that facilitates not
only cultural ties but also significant political, economic,
and strategic collaboration. Uzbekistan’s active
engagement with the OTS since 2019, after years of
cautious multilateralism, represents a turning point in
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Central Asia’s integration into broader Turkic
cooperation frameworks. This shift reflects President
Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s reform
-oriented and outward-
looking foreign policy, aimed at diversifying
partnerships and asserting Uzbekistan’s regional
leadership. On the other hand, Turkey, under President
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has pursued a proactive foreign
policy strategy that emphasizes greater influence in
the Turkic world as part of its broader Eurasian vision.
Turkey's involvement in Central Asia, historically
rooted in linguistic and ethnic commonalities, now
includes significant geopolitical and economic
interests, such as energy transit, trade expansion, and
security cooperation. The OTS currently consists of
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and
Uzbekistan as full members, with Hungary,
Turkmenistan, and Northern Cyprus holding observer
status. Its overarching goal is to deepen integration
among member states and project soft power through
cultural diplomacy, educational exchanges, and unified
policy initiatives. Yet, in practice, the organization
increasingly serves as a geopolitical platform for
member countries to coordinate on strategic matters
such as regional security, infrastructure development,
and connectivity projects. The evolving bilateral
partnership between Uzbekistan and Turkey is central
to this transformation. It has extended well beyond
cultural and linguistic diplomacy to influence trade
routes (e.g., the Trans-Caspian International Transport
Route), military cooperation, energy infrastructure,
and digital connectivity. In many ways, the deepening
of Uzbekistan
–
Turkey cooperation under the OTS
framework is redefining the geopolitical architecture
of Central Asia, a region traditionally dominated by the
interests of Russia and China. By creating a new axis of
influence, the two countries are facilitating the
emergence of a multi-vector regional order that allows
smaller states more strategic autonomy. This paper
aims to examine how the Uzbekistan
–
Turkey
partnership within the context of the Organization of
Turkic States is reshaping regional geopolitics. It will
explore the strategic motivations behind their
cooperation, analyze the implications for regional
balance, and assess how this evolving alliance
contributes to broader Eurasian connectivity and
geopolitical diversification. The paper argues that their
partnership is not merely symbolic but represents a
strategic alignment that holds significant implications
for regional and global players alike.
METHODOLOGY
This study adopts a qualitative research methodology
aimed at exploring the geopolitical significance of
Uzbekistan
–
Turkey cooperation within the framework
of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Given the
geopolitical nature of the topic and the complexity of
regional dynamics, a qualitative approach is most
appropriate for gaining in-depth insights into policy
directions, strategic motivations, and the broader
implications of bilateral and multilateral interactions.
The research relies primarily on secondary sources
gathered through a combination of document analysis
and discourse analysis techniques. Key sources of data
include:
1.
Official government statements and policy
papers issued by the foreign ministries and presidential
offices of Turkey and Uzbekistan, which provide insights
into national priorities, foreign policy objectives, and
official interpretations of the OTS framework.
2.
Reports and publications from international
think tanks, such as the Carnegie Endowment for
International Peace, the Center for Strategic and
International Studies (CSIS), and the Foundation for
Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA), which
offer expert evaluations of regional geopolitics,
economic connectivity, and security cooperation.
3.
Academic literature, including peer-reviewed
journal articles, conference proceedings, and scholarly
books, focused on Central Asian politics, regionalism,
and Turkic identity-based cooperation.
4.
Statements and declarations from OTS summits
and official communiqués, which outline the
organization’s
evolving
goals,
mechanisms
of
cooperation, and regional initiatives.
The analysis focuses on three core thematic areas to
structure the research. The first addresses the strategic
interests of Uzbekistan and Turkey, encompassing an
exploration of both countries’ foreign policy doctrines,
historical and cultural linkages, trade ambitions, and
security concerns, with particular emphasis on how
their national interests align and diverge within the
framework of the Organization of Turkic States. The
second examines the regional geopolitical context,
situating the Uzbekistan
–
Turkey partnership within the
broader strategic environment of Central Asia and
Eurasia, and considering the influence of major external
actors such as Russia, China, the European Union, and
the United States, while paying special attention to the
extent to which the partnership functions as a
counterbalance or complement to existing power
structures. The third focuses on the institutional
development of the Organization of Turkic States,
evaluating its structure, functionality, and evolution as a
regional organization, and analyzing the ways in which
Uzbekistan and Turkey contribute to and derive benefits
from its institutional mechanisms, including economic
forums, summit meetings, defense dialogue, and
cultural programs. The study employs data triangulation
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to cross-validate findings from multiple sources,
thereby
enhancing
both
reliability
and
comprehensiveness. It is exploratory in nature and
does not employ numerical data or statistical methods,
as its objective is not to test a hypothesis but to
understand and interpret the geopolitical implications
of
emerging
regional
partnerships.
This
methodological approach seeks to provide a nuanced
understanding of the embedding of Uzbekistan
–
Turkey cooperation within broader geopolitical shifts
and institutional dynamics, as well as to elucidate how
this bilateral relationship contributes to the reshaping
of power relations within the Turkic world and beyond.
RESULTS
Turkey increasingly views Uzbekistan as a strategic
entry point into Central Asia, a region of growing
importance in its foreign policy calculus. Ankara's
approach to Central Asia is multifaceted, involving
economic, cultural, political, and security dimensions.
Uzbekistan’s central geographic position, large
population, and reform-oriented government make it
an ideal partner for expanding Turkish influence in the
region. This is particularly relevant as Turkey seeks to
build a stronger Turkic alliance while simultaneously
counterbalancing the influence of global and regional
powers such as Russia, China, and Iran. In parallel,
Uzbekistan under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has
pursued a multi-vector foreign policy that emphasizes
balanced relations with a diverse set of international
partners. Within this framework, Turkey has emerged
as a particularly valuable ally, offering both historical-
cultural affinity and pragmatic opportunities for
development, trade, and security cooperation
(Kassenova, 2022).Economic ties between the two
countries have deepened significantly in recent years.
Bilateral trade has already exceeded 3 billion US
dollars, with both governments expressing a clear
intent to raise the figure to 5 billion in the near future
(Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2024). Turkish
investments in Uzbekistan have grown across a variety
of sectors, including textiles, construction, energy,
tourism, and food processing. The presence of Turkish
small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in
Uzbekistan also contributes to local employment and
skill development, further solidifying economic
relations. These trends indicate a steady shift from
symbolic cooperation to practical, long-term economic
engagement. Infrastructure cooperation is another
pillar of the Uzbekistan
–
Turkey relationship, particularly
through the development of regional connectivity
projects. One of the most notable initiatives is the
Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian
International Transport Route. This trade and transport
network links Turkey to Central Asia and China via the
South Caucasus and the Caspian Sea. Uzbekistan's
support for this corridor significantly enhances its
viability as an alternative to traditional routes through
Russian territory. The Middle Corridor is aligned with
broader regional and global trends toward supply chain
diversification, especially in light of recent geopolitical
disruptions such as the war in Ukraine. As a landlocked
country, Uzbekistan stands to benefit from increased
access to global markets through the Middle Corridor,
while Turkey gains a stronger logistical and trade
presence in Central Asia (Pannier, 2023). Although still
developing, defense and security cooperation between
Turkey and Uzbekistan is beginning to show tangible
signs of progress. The two countries have engaged in
joint military exercises and defense consultations,
signaling a growing strategic alignment. Turkey has
expressed interest in assisting with the modernization
of Uzbekistan's military forces, including through
training programs, equipment supply, and institutional
support. This cooperation extends to shared concerns
over regional security threats, such as terrorism,
extremism, and transnational crime. In particular, both
countries are interested in maintaining stability in
Afghanistan and preventing the spillover of insecurity
into Central Asia. The strengthening of military and
security ties contributes not only to bilateral trust but
also to the broader objective of increasing strategic
autonomy from larger regional actors (Eurasianet,
2023). Collectively, these developments illustrate a
growing strategic convergence between Turkey and
Uzbekistan within the framework of the Organization of
Turkic States. Their partnership is no longer confined to
symbolic expressions of Turkic solidarity but is
increasingly rooted in concrete political, economic, and
security cooperation. As such, it plays a central role in
reshaping regional alignments in Central Asia and the
wider Eurasian space.
Table 1: Key Areas of Uzbekistan–Turkey Cooperation within the OTS Framework
Area of
Cooperation
Description
Significance
Strategic
Alignment
Turkey views Uzbekistan as a gateway to
Central Asia; Uzbekistan seeks to diversify
partnerships via multi-vector foreign policy.
Aligns geopolitical goals; reduces
reliance on Russia and China;
strengthens pan-Turkic coordination.
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Area of
Cooperation
Description
Significance
Economic
Cooperation
Bilateral trade exceeds $3 billion; target set to
reach $5 billion; Turkish investments in
textiles, construction, energy, and SMEs.
Boosts mutual economic growth;
deepens bilateral economic
integration.
Infrastructure and
Transit
Support for the Middle Corridor (Trans-
Caspian route) linking Turkey to Central Asia
and China via the Caspian Sea.
Enhances regional connectivity; offers
alternatives to Russian routes;
strengthens Eurasian logistics.
Defense and
Security Ties
Growing military dialogue; joint exercises;
Turkish support for Uzbek military
modernization.
Improves regional security
cooperation; promotes defense
independence; addresses common
threats.
Regional
Institution
Building
Collaboration within the OTS framework,
including summit participation, policy
coordination, and institutional strengthening.
Reinforces the OTS as a regional
actor; supports multilateral Turkic
integration.
DISCUSSION
The growing alignment between Uzbekistan and
Turkey within the framework of the Organization of
Turkic States (OTS) reflects an emerging model of
regional cooperation that is rooted in both shared
identity and strategic pragmatism. Unlike alliances
based solely on geographic proximity or economic
necessity, the Uzbekistan
–
Turkey partnership draws
strength from a blend of cultural affinity, linguistic ties,
mutual security interests, and converging foreign
policy objectives. This partnership is gradually
reshaping the geopolitical landscape of Central Asia by
offering a credible alternative to the long-standing
dominance of larger external powers such as Russia
and
China.
From
Uzbekistan's
perspective,
engagement with Turkey supports its broader multi-
vector foreign policy, which aims to reduce
dependence on any single external actor. Turkey
provides Uzbekistan with access to new markets,
foreign direct investment, and opportunities for
defense modernization, all of which support President
Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s
domestic reform agenda and
regional ambitions. Unlike relations with China or
Russia, which are often transactional or security-
heavy, Turkey offers a form of cooperation that
combines economic engagement with cultural
diplomacy, making it more palatable to Uzbek society
and its political elite. In particular, Turkey's investment
in soft power
—
through education, media, cultural
exchanges, and language promotion
—
resonates with
Uzbekistan’s younger, more globally aware generation
of policymakers and citizens. For Turkey, Uzbekistan is
a strategic cornerstone in its evolving Eurasian vision.
Located at the heart of Central Asia and bordering key
regional powers such as Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan,
and Afghanistan, Uzbekistan provides Turkey with both
geographic access and political legitimacy in the Turkic
world. Strengthening ties with Uzbekistan enables
Ankara to project influence further into Central Asia,
expanding its economic footprint and reinforcing its
leadership role within the OTS. This aligns with Turk
ey’s
broader foreign policy ambitions, which seek to position
the country as a central actor in the wider Eurasian
space, stretching from the Balkans to Western China.
Through Uzbekistan, Turkey gains influence not just
within the OTS, but also in wider regional forums and
multilateral initiatives focused on connectivity, energy,
and security (Aydin, 2023). However, despite the
promising trajectory of this partnership, several
challenges remain that could limit its full potential. One
of the key constraints is the uneven pace of political
reform across OTS member states. While Uzbekistan has
made notable progress in governance and economic
liberalization under Mirziyoyev, institutional capacity
remains fragile, and political openness is still limited.
Simila
rly, Turkey’s own domestic political dynamics,
including concerns about democratic backsliding and
regional overreach, may influence the depth and
credibility of its leadership in the Turkic world. Another
significant constraint is the broader geopolitical
competition in Central Asia. While Uzbekistan and
Turkey may be aligning more closely, the region remains
under the strong influence of Russia and China. Moscow
continues to view Central Asia as part of its traditional
sphere of influence and maintains deep security ties
through mechanisms like the Collective Security Treaty
Organization (CSTO). China, on the other hand, plays a
dominant role in trade, infrastructure development, and
energy financing through its Belt and Road Initiative
(BRI). Both powers are likely to view the strengthening
of the OTS
—
particularly with a more assertive Turkey
—
as a challenge to their regional interests, potentially
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leading to strategic pushback or increased pressure on
member
states.
Moreover,
the
institutional
development of the OTS itself poses structural
challenges. Although the organization has expanded its
membership, visibility, and agenda in recent years, it
still lacks the institutional depth, financial resources,
and enforcement mechanisms found in more
established regional blocs. Decision-making is often
slow, and implementation of joint projects remains
uneven across member states. The success of the
Uzbekistan
–
Turkey axis therefore depends not only on
bilateral goodwill but also on the collective political will
of other OTS members to strengthen institutional
frameworks, harmonize regulations, and commit to
long-term cooperation. There are also differing
national priorities and levels of enthusiasm within the
OTS. For instance, while Turkey and Uzbekistan are
among the most proactive members, others such as
Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan may take a more
cautious or ambivalent approach. Divergent economic
capacities, security concerns, and foreign policy
orientations among member states could lead to
fragmentation or internal rivalry if not carefully
managed. Despite these obstacles, the strategic logic
of
Uzbekistan
–
Turkey
cooperation
remains
compelling. Their partnership not only reinforces the
legitimacy and relevance of the OTS but also
contributes to the emergence of a more multipolar and
balanced regional order in Eurasia. By continuing to
build trust, invest in joint initiatives, and support
institutional development, Uzbekistan and Turkey
have the potential to transform the OTS from a largely
symbolic alliance into a functional regional bloc
capable of shaping the geopolitical future of Central
Asia and beyond.
CONCLUSION
The strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and
Turkey under the framework of the Organization of
Turkic States (OTS) is increasingly reshaping the
geopolitical landscape of Central Asia. What began as
a relationship grounded in shared linguistic, historical,
and cultural ties has evolved into a dynamic and
pragmatic
alliance
with
significant
strategic
implications. This cooperation is not only enhancing
bilateral ties but also contributing to the emergence of
a new regional order that is more inclusive, balanced,
and multipolar in nature. At the core of this evolving
partnership is a mutual recognition of the need to
diversify foreign relations, reduce overdependence on
dominant global powers, and assert greater regional
agency. Uzbekistan's engagement with Turkey offers it
an opportunity to pursue its reform agenda, attract
foreign investment, and assert a leadership role within
Central Asia without falling into the sphere of influence
of any single actor. Turkey, in turn, sees Uzbekistan as a
central pillar in its Eurasian strategy, allowing it to
extend its reach into the heart of Asia, promote its pan-
Turkic vision, and secure new economic and strategic
opportunities. The deepening of Uzbekistan
–
Turkey
cooperation under the OTS framework has broad
implications for regional integration. It demonstrates
the potential for mid-sized powers to collaborate on
equal terms and foster regional architectures that
reflect their own interests and identities. This
partnership offers credible alternatives to existing
geopolitical alignments dominated by Russia and China,
particularly through initiatives like the Middle Corridor,
which redefine connectivity and trade routes across the
Eurasian
landmass.
Moreover,
their
growing
collaboration provides a strong foundation for
transforming the OTS from a culturally symbolic entity
into a functional and strategic regional bloc. As
Uzbekistan and Turkey continue to lead on initiatives
related to trade, infrastructure, security, and
institutional capacity-building, the organization may
evolve into a more cohesive and influential player in
regional and global affairs. Their joint efforts could set
precedents for policy harmonization, coordinated
economic planning, and collective security mechanisms
among Turkic states. However, sustaining this
momentum
will
require
continuous
political
commitment, institutional development, and the ability
to navigate external pressures and internal differences.
Both countries will need to maintain diplomatic
flexibility, invest in the OTS's operational infrastructure,
and engage other member states to ensure that the
organization does not remain fragmented or symbolic in
nature. Looking forward, the strategic trajectory of
Uzbekistan
–
Turkey cooperation suggests that both
nations are poised to play pivotal roles in shaping the
future of not only Central Asia but also the broader
Eurasian region. Their partnership serves as a model for
regionalism based on shared identity and strategic
necessity
—
one that may influence future patterns of
alliance-building, regional governance, and multilateral
diplomacy in the 21st century.
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