Uzbekistan to Revise Foreign Policy Priorities

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said the country’s foreign policy concept needs a revision, including an update of its priority areas.

He said, «The new concept should comprehensively and coherently reflect the long-term strategic goals of our state, the logic of ongoing domestic reforms, as well as our national interests in economic diplomacy, security and investment.»

Mirziyoyev added that the updated foreign policy programme should also take into account Uzbekistan’s interests in trade, logistics and water resources. To support these aims, each diplomatic mission will receive additional funding.

Uzbekistan adopted its current foreign policy concept in autumn 2012, with the latest amendments approved in 2019.

Under the policy, the country retains the right to join or leave international alliances based on national interests, while pursuing a peaceful approach that avoids participation in military blocs.

At the same time, Uzbekistan maintains a ban on the deployment of foreign military bases on its territory and says its armed forces are intended solely to defend the country’s sovereignty and population.