Shavkat Mirziyoyev Leads Uzbekistan’s Diplomatic Expansion
Uzbekisstan’s Tashkent hosted an official ceremony on 6 March, where President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received credentials from newly appointed ambassadors of Egypt, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Georgia, and Turkey.
The President welcomed the diplomats and wished them success in their new roles. He emphasised the importance of mutual support among friendly nations amid rising global geopolitical tensions. Uzbekistan continues to advance an open and pragmatic foreign policy, strengthening partnerships with countries across all regions and international organisations.
Uzbekistan’s role in regional and global initiatives
President Mirziyoyev highlighted Central Asia’s transformation into a region of good-neighbourliness, trust, and integration. This year, Uzbekistan is chairing the Consultative Meetings of Central Asian Leaders and is preparing for a historic summit in Tashkent.
He noted growing international interest in the region and the expansion of the Central Asia Plus dialogue. Uzbekistan will also host the first Central Asia–EU summit in April and the second Central Asia–Gulf Arab States meeting in May.
Uzbekistan has led 11 UN resolutions in recent years and will host the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly and the 43rd UNESCO General Conference this year. The country will chair the Non-Aligned Movement in 2027, further solidifying its international standing.
Economic Growth and Investment Prospects
In 2024, Uzbekistan attracted $35bn in foreign investments, with exports surpassing $27bn. The country is preparing for the Tashkent Investment Forum, set to introduce an innovative format.
The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reforms aimed at improving living standards, developing future-oriented industries, and creating a competitive business environment under the Uzbekistan–2030 strategy. He expressed appreciation for the countries supporting Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization.
Bilateral relations with key partners
- Egypt: Uzbekistan considers Egypt a key partner in the Middle East. Regular political consultations, intergovernmental commissions, and business forums strengthen ties. President Mirziyoyev welcomed Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s upcoming visit, set to launch new bilateral initiatives in energy, agriculture, textiles, and other sectors.
- Italy: Relations with Italy continue to expand in energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The Turin Polytechnic and Pisa University have branches in Tashkent. Further cooperation will be explored during an intergovernmental meeting and a business forum, with discussions on establishing a joint investment fund.
- Kyrgyzstan: Trade turnover has quadrupled in recent years, with 300 joint enterprises established. Infrastructure projects, including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, are progressing. A trilateral summit with Tajikistan will take place in March.
- Belarus: Bilateral trade and investment have grown, with 240 joint enterprises operating. Upcoming political consultations and an intergovernmental commission meeting will strengthen ties in agriculture, industry, healthcare, and regional cooperation.
- Georgia: Trade between Uzbekistan and Georgia increased by 50% last year. Collaboration in transport, banking, and tourism is expanding. The Uzbek President emphasised the importance of boosting trade and logistics partnerships following the recent visit of Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.
- Turkey: Bilateral relations have reached a comprehensive strategic partnership. Trade turnover reached $3bn, with Turkish investments exceeding $2bn. Uzbekistan aims to enhance cooperation in priority sectors and will host the next meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, President Mirziyoyev reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to fostering strong diplomatic relations and wished the newly appointed ambassadors success in their missions.
