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PAGE NO.
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SUBMITED
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ACCEPTED
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PUBLISHED
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VOLUME
Vol.07 Issue02 2025
CITATIO N
Asilbek Shukurov. (2025). KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA AND THE REPUBLIC
OF UZBEKISTAN: A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON RELATIONS. The American
Journal of Political Science Law and Criminology, 7(02), 30
–
35.
https://doi.org/10.37547/tajpslc/Volume07Issue02-07
COPYRIGHT
© 2025 Original content from this work may be used under the terms
of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
and the republic of
Uzbekistan: a new
perspective on relations
Asilbek Shukurov
Researcher at Tashkent State, University of Oriental Studies, Uzbekistan
Abstract:
This paper examines the historical background
and current state of collaboration between the Republic
of Uzbekistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It
explores the prospects for the further development of
this partnership, which is actively promoted by both
countries. Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia are working to
strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation
in various sectors, such as economics, trade,
investment, education, energy, healthcare. The paper
identifies key areas where cooperation can bring mutual
benefits and examines recent developments in the two
countries' agreements.
Keywords:
Republic of Uzbekistan, Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia, cooperation, prospects, trade, economic
relations, investment, educational exchange, cultural
exchange, diplomatic relations.
Introduction:
Today's new image of Uzbekistan reflects
the country's role and position in global development,
its active involvement in significant international socio-
political events, and its numerous initiatives on relevant
issues.
It should be noted that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's
participation in the first summit of Central Asian leaders
and the Cooperation Council of the Arab States of the
Gulf, which took place on July 19, 2024, represents a
new stage in relations between these countries. The
summit was hosted by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia
and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman Al
Saud.
According to the agenda, discussions focused on
enhancing constructive dialogue, expanding trade and
economic
cooperation,
promoting
investment
collaboration,
and
strengthening
cultural
and
humanitarian connections. Views were also exchanged
on important aspects of regional and global policy. In his
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The American Journal of Political Science Law and Criminology
speech, the president emphasized the long-standing
history of relations between the people of Central Asia
and the Gulf region, based on close trade links, shared
values, and traditions, as well as the sacred religion of
Islam. Indeed, the role of great thinkers and scholars in
the development of historical relations between
Movarounnahr and the lands of Arabia is
incomparable. An example of this is the great scholar,
Imam Bukhari, who was considered "the head of all
scholars of hadith"[1 b.3].
At the conclusion of the summit, participants
expressed support for Uzbekistan's proposal to host
the next meeting of the "Cooperation Council between
Central Asian Countries and Gulf States," which would
take place in Samarkand.
Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan have established strong
and friendly relations since Uzbekistan achieved
independence on August 31st, 1991. On December
30th, 1991, Saudi Arabia recognized Uzbekistan's
independence, and on February 20th, 1992, the two
countries signed a memorandum of understanding on
diplomatic
relations,
focusing
on
economic
cooperation and investment. This cooperation has
primarily focused on trade and investment issues.
Saudi Arabia views Uzbekistan as a potential market
for its investments in sectors such as oil and gas,
agriculture, and textiles. Diplomatic missions have
been opened, and an agreement on political, trade,
economic, investment, technological, cultural, youth,
sporting, and investment protection and promotion
has been signed. There is significant potential for
further cooperation between the two nations, and
their leaders are committed to implementing this
cooperation.[2 б.5]
The participation of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of
Uzbekistan, in the Riyadh summit on May 20-21, 2017,
at the invitation of King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi
Arabia, marked a significant milestone in bilateral
relations between the two countries. During this visit,
meetings were held by the leader of Uzbekistan, during
which promising areas for future cooperation were
identified.
This new stage in cooperation between Uzbekistan and
Saudi Arabia opens up wide prospects for the
development of mutually beneficial relations in various
sectors, including agriculture, tourism, and oil and gas.
Both countries are significant players in Central Asia
and the Middle East, with significant economic and
geopolitical importance, and possess significant
resources and potential for economic growth. In recent
years, Uzbekistan has undertaken a series of reforms
aimed at liberalizing its economy and attracting foreign
investment. These reforms have helped to create a
more favorable investment climate, which has led to
increased interest from international investors. Saudi
Arabia, one of the largest oil exporters in the world, is a
significant partner in the development of the energy
sector in Uzbekistan. Over the past few years, numerous
agreements and contracts have been concluded for
investments in various economic sectors, and future
cooperation between the two countries promises to be
even more fruitful and beneficial for both parties.[3]
The main part
On December 30, 1991, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
recognized the independence of the Republic of
Uzbekistan. Diplomatic relations were established
between the two countries in February 1992. In the
same year, I.A.Karimov of the Republic paid an official
visit to Saudi Arabia. In November 1993, the Consulate
General of Uzbekistan was opened in Jeddah, followed
by the opening of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Riyadh
in 1995. The Embassy of Saudi Arabia has been
operating in Tashkent since 2009. During the period of
in the first president Islam Karimov (1994
–
2021),
relations between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan were
characterized by their unique features. They focused
primarily on the areas of economy, trade, energy,
culture, and education. Significant steps were taken to
develop these relations in both directions. Close ties
were established, and mutual coordination between the
two countries improved significantly in the political and
economic fields. Cooperation agreements were
concluded in various sectors, including transport,
energy, trade and investment. This led to an increase in
trade
volume
between
countries
and
the
implementation of joint projects and investments.[4]
After Shavkat Mirziyoyev assumed the presidency of the
Republic of Uzbekistan in December 2016, cooperation
between the two countries has been further
strengthened and enhanced. In 2017, he paid a visit to
Saudi Arabia to further solidify ties and sign several
agreements. These agreements were aimed at further
strengthening bilateral relations. In June 2021, a fourth
round of political consultations was held, during which
both parties discussed current events and prospects for
future collaboration in various fields, including political,
economic, trade, investment, culture, humanitarian
affairs, and international relations.[5]
Diplomatic relations between the Republic of
Uzbekistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are actively
developing and friendly. In January 2021, leaders of
both countries, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of
Uzbekistan and King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi
Arabia, met in Riyadh for talks. During the meeting, they
discussed expanding cooperation between their
respective countries in various areas, such as
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The American Journal of Political Science Law and Criminology
economics,
investment,
energy,
agriculture,
transportation, and tourism. The leaders also signed
several agreements to strengthen the cooperation. For
example, in February 2019, a mutual benefits
agreement was signed between the two countries,
promoting the development of trade, economic,
scientific, technological, cultural, and other relations.
Additionally, in July 2005, King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz
visited Uzbekistan to meet with President Karimov.
During this visit, issues of cooperation and
opportunities for further development of bilateral
relations were discussed.. The visit of the President of
Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to Saudi Arabia in
October 2021 provided a new impetus for bilateral
relations. During the visit, meetings were held with
high-ranking Saudi officials, and several agreements,
memorandums of understanding, and cooperation
agreements in various industries were signed.[6]
The economic relationship between the Republic of
Uzbekistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is
expanding in various sectors. One of the significant
areas of cooperation is the energy industry, with Saudi
Arabia being one of the world's largest oil producers
and Uzbekistan possessing significant natural gas
reserves. In 2019, both countries signed an agreement
on energy cooperation, which included discussions on
oil and gas exploration and production. In 2020, the
State Coordination Service of Saudi Arabia (Sabika)
signed an agreement with UzAvtoSanoat, a joint-stock
company in Uzbekistan, for the construction of road
infrastructure worth over 200 million USD. The project
involves the development of a road linking Tashkent
and Navoi, as well as the modernization of existing
roadways. Investment cooperation between the two
nations is also actively advancing within the context of
economic collaboration.. In 2019, Aramco announced
its plans to invest in oil exploration and development
projects in Uzbekistan. This initiative contributes to the
further strengthening of relations between the two
nations and the diversification of Uzbekistan's
economy. A new company, Uzbekistan Gas and
Chemicals Investment LLC (UGCI), has been established
to develop several oil fields within the country.
Additionally, in 2020, ACWA Power, a Saudi Arabian
company, signed an agreement to construct a 1
gigawatt (GW) solar power plant in Uzbekistan, valued
at 1.3 billion US dollars. This project is being
implemented through a joint venture between ACWA,
Uzbek partners, and has the potential to boost trade
cooperation between the two countries. Uzbekistan
and Saudi Arabia both possess significant natural
resources
and
economic
potential,
creating
opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration.
Uzbekistan benefits from favorable agricultural
conditions and climate, while Saudi Arabia is an
important
importer
of
agricultural
products..
Cooperation opportunities may include the export of
cereals, fruit, vegetables, and other agricultural
products from Uzbekistan to Saudi Arabia. In 2019, Uz-
Kor Gas Chemical, a company based in Uzbekistan,
entered into a contract with Saudi Arabia to supply
polymers. The value of the contract was 17 million USD,
and it was the first time that Uzbek polymers had been
exported to Saudi Arabia under that agreement.
Additionally, in 2020, an agreement was reached
between the two countries to establish a joint
committee on trade and economic cooperation. The
goal of this committee is to improve trade relations and
increase the volume of trade between the two
nations.[7]
Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia have a long-standing
history of cooperation in various sectors, including
education. Both nations attach significant importance to
education and acknowledge its significance for
economic and societal development. In the year 2019,
both countries signed a cooperation agreement in the
field of education, which includes the exchange of
students, educators, and researchers as well as the
development of collaborative projects and programs.
One specific project under this partnership was the
establishment of the Uzbek-Saudi University in
Tashkent, which focuses on engineering, medicine, and
business studies. Additionally, Saudi Arabia provides
scholarships for Uzbek students to pursue higher
education in their country's institutions. Furthermore,
Saudi financial assistance is being provided to
modernize the Uzbek education system.. As part of this
support, funding is provided for projects aimed at the
construction of new educational institutions, as well as
for the supply of modern equipment and the
development of training programs. Furthermore,
cultural exchanges between countries take place,
including educational programs and meetings. These
events help to promote cultural understanding and
facilitate the exchange of educational experience.
The Islamic University of Medina has expressed its
willingness to collaborate with universities in
Uzbekistan on several fronts, including:
1. The provision of educational scholarships for Uzbek
students.
2. Organization of specialized courses on Arabic
language teaching.
3. Development of curricula for Arabic teachers in
Uzbekistan.
4. Support for professional development of Uzbek
teachers of Arabic.
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5. Establishment of a group dedicated to Arabic
calligraphy and organization of related courses.
A fruitful cooperation has been established between
Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies (TSUOS)
and the Saudi Center for Research and Knowledge
Exchange (SCORE). This cooperation has provided
TSUOS with a significant number of books in various
fields, including history, philosophy, literature, and
Arabic dictionaries, which are essential for students
studying Arabic. TSUOS and King Saud University (KSU)
plan to continue this collaboration. The possibility of
signing a memorandum of understanding between
higher education institutions in both countries was
discussed during a meeting between representatives
of the Embassy of Uzbekistan and the head of the
international relations department at the Saudi
university. During the visit of TSUOS leaders to Saudi
Arabia in January 2023, an agreement was reached on
this matter. The representative of the Saudi university
stated that he has closely followed the large-scale
educational reforms in Uzbekistan and expressed
interest in establishing cooperation with Uzbek
partners. The Saudi government has given its approval
for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
with TSUOS.
In general, cooperation between Uzbekistan and Saudi
Arabia in the field of education promotes the
development of educational programs, exchange of
knowledge and expertise, as well as encouraging
international mobility of students and researchers.
This fosters favourable conditions for educational
systems and opportunities for both countries.[8]
Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia share a long history of
cultural connections rooted in religious ties. Both
countries represent the Islamic world, which
contributes to mutual understanding and collaboration
in various fields, including cultural exchange. Recently,
Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia have actively developed
their cultural cooperation. In 2020, for example, the
"Day of Culture" festival was held in Uzbekistan,
showcasing traditional music, dance, and costumes.
Additionally, an exhibition of contemporary arts and
photography was organized as part of this event.
Memorandums of cooperation in the cultural and
artistic fields were also signed between the two
countries. In 2019, the Uzbek National Museum of Art,
named after Islam Karimov, hosted an exhibition
featuring works by Saudi artist Abdullah Al-Osaimi. The
exhibition showcased his works in various art genres.
The potential for further growth in cultural
cooperation between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia is
significant.. Both countries have a rich cultural heritage
which can be harnessed to create collaborative
projects and initiatives. In the future, we anticipate
that ties between the two nations in the realm of culture
and the arts will continue to strengthen.[9]
Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia in
the field of health care covers various aspects such as
medical education, exchange of expertise, and transfer
of the latest technologies. Saudi Arabia invites Uzbek
medical professionals to participate in conferences,
seminars, and training events at medical facilities, with
the aim of improving the quality of healthcare delivery
and expanding the scope of medical services between
the two nations. Doctors and medical professionals
from Uzbekistan are studying and receiving education at
medical universities and centres in Saudi Arabia,
acquiring modern knowledge and skills in the field of
medicine. Additionally, Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia are
actively developing and promoting medical tourism,
attracting international patients for high-quality
medical treatments. On March 26, 2023, within the
framework of the Tashkent International Investment
Forum, a ceremony was held to sign a memorandum of
understanding between the Ministry of Healthcare of
Uzbekistan, the Direct Investment Fund of Uzbekistan,
and Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group of the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.. Sulaima Al-Habiba Medical
Group (HMG) is a leading healthcare provider in the
Middle East with operations in Saudi Arabia, the UAE,
and Bahrain, with 18 clinics. The company intends to
implement modern technologies into the healthcare
system in Uzbekistan, digitizing and centralizing medical
data and interactions with patients. This includes a pilot
project connecting the largest hospital in Tashkent with
IT solutions from HMG. HMG plans to establish a
medical academy in Uzbekistan to train and enhance the
skills of local medical professionals. Additionally, HMG
will send up to 10 junior medical professionals from
Uzbekistan annually to its hospitals in Saudi Arabia for
training and skill development. The memorandum
further discusses the implementation of an investment
project to build a modern, multidisciplinary medical
center in Tashkent, which will comply with HMG's
standards
and
be
equipped
with
advanced
technology.[10]
The prospects for further strengthening the partnership
between Uzbekistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
are positive. Both countries possess significant potential
for collaboration in various areas, including the
economic, energy, petroleum, tourism, and cultural
sectors. One of the most significant areas of potential
collaboration is the exchange of goods, services, and
investment between the two nations. Uzbekistan boasts
abundant natural resources and a robust economy,
while the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia boasts vast
petroleum reserves and other natural assets. This
collaboration could benefit both nations by creating
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The American Journal of Political Science Law and Criminology
new job opportunities, stimulating economic growth,
and fostering cultural exchange. Cultural exchange
between the two countries also holds great promise
for growth. Both nations have rich historical and
cultural legacies that could be shared through the arts,
literature, music, and other cultural expressions.
Cooperation in education and research could be highly
advantageous for both countries. The exchange of
knowledge and state-of-the-art technology could
contribute significantly to the advancement and
innovation of each nation.
As a result, the potential for future growth in the
partnership between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia is
promising. Both countries possess a strong basis for
collaboration in various sectors, and their cooperation
has the potential to yield mutual benefits and enhance
relations between them.[11]
CONCLUSION
Based on the above, it can be concluded that
cooperation between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia has
entered a new stage. This development holds great
promise for future mutually beneficial collaboration.
The recent visit of the King of Saudi Arabia to
Uzbekistan and subsequent visits of senior officials
from both countries have laid the foundation for a
political and economic dialogue between the two
nations. Both parties have expressed a desire to
strengthen ties and broaden cooperation in various
fields. Uzbekistan offers investment possibilities,
especially in the oil, gas, and energy industries, as well
as agriculture and tourism. Saudi Arabia, in turn, can
provide financial support and technical assistance for
the development of these areas. The exchange of
knowledge, experience, and expertise between the
two countries can contribute to the development of
educational programs and preservation of cultural
heritage. Furthermore, it can facilitate the exchange of
medical technologies and practices. In order to fully
realize these opportunities, it is essential to establish
closer cooperation at the state and regional levels,
promote business interactions, and create favorable
conditions for investment and technology transfer. The
current stage of cooperation between Uzbekistan and
Saudi Arabia presents promising prospects for the
further expansion of bilateral relations across various
sectors. Both nations can mutually benefit from
enhanced collaboration and fruitful partnerships.
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