Finland and Uzbekistan to Deep Ties Across Trade, Innovation and Education

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb and Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev issued a joint statement outlining a broad upgrade of bilateral relations following Stubb’s official visit to Tashkent on October 30–31.

Key steps include a Memorandum of Understanding creating an Uzbek–Finnish Business Council to spur trade, investment and private-sector links, and commitments to expand cooperation in manufacturing, green technologies, advanced industries, innovation, tourism and culture. The leaders also highlighted deeper ties between parliaments, think tanks and universities, building on Finland’s expertise in child-centred, play-based education and the Erasmus+ program.

Finland backed Uzbekistan’s WTO accession bid, while both sides discussed ethically sustainable labour mobility, a possible visa-free regime for diplomatic passports, and stronger transport connectivity to support commerce and tourism. They pledged joint action on climate and environmental challenges, with Uzbekistan welcoming Finland’s leadership on climate and security within the OSCE and EU frameworks.

On European engagement, Tashkent voiced hope for Finland’s support in ratifying the EU–Uzbekistan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA). The leaders welcomed outcomes from the Central Asia–EU Summit in Samarkand (April 4, 2025) and noted the EU’s €12 Bn Global Gateway package for regional transport, digital, clean energy and critical raw materials.

Both presidents reaffirmed support for a rules-based international order, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and called for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the UN Charter. Finland’s 2025 OSCE Chairmanship was praised as the Helsinki Final Act marks its 50th anniversary, with a focus on climate security, digital resilience and human rights.

The two countries also committed to cooperation within UNESCO, including the 43rd General Conference in Samarkand, and reiterated support for gender equality and women’s empowerment. The statement said the visit opens a «new chapter» in ties, with plans to expand practical, forward-looking cooperation across politics, the economy, innovation, education, culture, sustainability and people-to-people exchanges.