In recent years, Uzbekistan’s political landscape in Central Asia has evolved remarkably, fostering stronger ties and cooperation among its neighboring countries. This transformation, often referred to as the “Spirit of Central Asia,” signifies the progressive shift towards mutual trust, collaboration, and regional stability. Spearheaded by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan’s foreign policy has reached new heights, emphasizing the importance of friendly relations and strategic partnerships within Central Asia and beyond.
Strengthening Regional Bonds
Central Asia, a region endowed with vast resources and strategic economic potential, embarked on a path of independent development in the early 1990s. Despite diverse political landscapes, the countries in this region have consistently worked towards humanism, social justice, and security. Uzbekistan, under President Mirziyoyev, has significantly contributed to this effort, fostering international harmony and well-established foreign policy activities.
The “Uzbekistan-2030” strategy outlines a vision where Uzbekistan’s foreign policy aims to elevate regional cooperation to a higher level. The focus is on fostering a “Safe and Peaceful State” through practical collaborations with Central Asian countries. This includes engaging in regular bilateral and multilateral negotiations covering political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian areas.
Diplomatic Milestones
Uzbekistan’s diplomatic efforts under President Mirziyoyev have led to a series of notable achievements. His first state visit as President was to Turkmenistan in March 2017, symbolizing the importance of neighborly relations. This visit resulted in the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement, marking a new chapter in Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan relations.
Similarly, the state visit to Kazakhstan in March 2017 culminated in the signing of a Joint Declaration, deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations. This agreement has fostered significant economic interactions, with bilateral trade reaching $2 billion in 2017.
Further enhancing regional ties, President Mirziyoyev’s visit to the Kyrgyz Republic led to a declaration on strengthening strategic partnership and friendship. The diplomatic engagements continued with a visit to Tajikistan in March 2018, where agreements were signed to bolster friendship and address border issues. These diplomatic initiatives underscore Uzbekistan’s commitment to regional stability and cooperation.
Economic and Trade Cooperation
economic integration plays a crucial role in Uzbekistan’s regional policy. By the end of 2021, the trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan reached nearly $600 million. The number of joint ventures between the two countries saw a tenfold increase, highlighting the robust economic ties fostered by Uzbekistan’s diplomatic efforts.
A historic declaration on strengthening eternal friendship and alliance was signed between the presidents of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in June 2022. This, along with other agreements at various governmental levels, aims to elevate multifaceted cooperation to new heights.
The Central Asian Economic Forum, initiated by Uzbekistan, serves as a platform to discuss and enhance regional cooperation. The first forum, held in Tashkent in March 2019, brought together deputy prime ministers from Central Asian countries to explore opportunities in transport, communications, and tourism, leading to positive outcomes for regional development.
The Consultative Meetings
A key initiative by Uzbekistan has been the organization of consultative meetings of Central Asian leaders. These meetings, held regularly since March 2018, facilitate discussions on regional cooperation and stability. The proposals made by President Mirziyoyev during these meetings, such as creating border trade zones and organizing a Central Asian cultural festival, reflect the collaborative spirit of the region.
The initiative has received positive feedback from international experts. Li Yunxuan, Director of the Institute of European and Asian Social Development in China, praised Uzbekistan’s active participation in regional cooperation, highlighting its role in ensuring regional stability and development.
Global Recognition and Future Prospects
Uzbekistan’s proactive foreign policy and regional initiatives have not gone unnoticed on the global stage. On June 22, 2018, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to strengthen regional and international cooperation for peace and stability in Central Asia, proposed by President Mirziyoyev. This resolution underscores Uzbekistan’s significant contributions to regional security and stability.
Economic data further illustrates the impact of Uzbekistan’s regional policy. From 2017 to 2019, trade turnover with Central Asian countries grew from $2.4 billion to $5.2 billion, reflecting a 150% increase. Despite the pandemic, freight volumes in Central Asia continued to grow, highlighting the region’s potential for expanding international transport and logistics.
The “Spirit of Central Asia” symbolizes the newfound unity and cooperation among Central Asian countries, driven by Uzbekistan’s forward-looking foreign policy. By fostering good neighbourly relations, enhancing economic cooperation, and promoting cultural and humanitarian ties, Uzbekistan is playing a pivotal role in shaping a stable and prosperous Central Asia. This spirit of collaboration not only strengthens regional bonds but also enhances Uzbekistan’s international prestige, setting a positive example for regional and global diplomacy.
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This article is based on the work of Mirzayev Gulom, Doctor of Philosophy in Historical Sciences (PhD), and Associate Professor at the University of Public Safety of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
