Uzbekistan on the international diplomatic stage

Uzbekistan is pursuing a multifaceted foreign policy under the leadership of the President of the country, aimed at creating favorable conditions for national and regional security. Key tools for strengthening international cooperation are economic diplomacy, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, and participation in solving global problems.

Implementing an integrated approach to developing economic relations based on bilateral and multilateral cooperation formats. A foreign economic activity strategy has been developed to deepen integration with key regional partners and expand its presence in new markets.

Collaboration with neighbors, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, is an essential element of this strategy and is strengthened through trade and economic agreements, investment projects, and joint ventures.

At the same time, partnerships with world powers like Russia, China, the United States, South Korea, and Türkiye cover many areas – from trade and investment to education and culture.

Uzbekistan is a member of more than 100 international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund, and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which reflects the country’s desire for active international economic dialogue and allows it to contribute to the formation of the global economic agenda, promote national interests, attract foreign investment and gain access to international technical assistance.

Various cultural and humanitarian projects are being implemented, including the International Congress “Human Rights Education” and the International Conference on Youth Rights. Events dedicated to preserving and developing Central Asia’s cultural heritage are being held. Cooperation is ongoing with several humanitarian organizations to implement projects in education, health, and social protection, as well as the International Council of Museums (ICOM).

As chair of the SCO last year, Uzbekistan significantly contributed to its development, strengthening its regulatory framework and expanding its authority worldwide. In addition, the country is actively involved in linking the Belt and Road Initiative with the national economic development strategies of the countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Uzbekistan’s latest initiatives within the SCO include:

1. Intensifying cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, including creating the collection “Flora of the SCO member states” based on introducing a new digital model for automatic recognition of all types of rare and endangered plants in remote regions of the organization.

2. Creating a joint scientific program “Green Energy” to combat climate change and holding the first Digital Fair of Innovative Technologies of the SCO member states.

3. Support for the plans of the SCO member states in science and technology for 2022-2025, including promoting the “Innovation for the Aral Sea Regions” program to transform the zone of environmental and humanitarian crisis into a zone of ecological innovation and technology.

4. Deepening partnerships in ecology, food security, and tourism development.

5. Intensifying partnership in ensuring peace and stability in the SCO space.

6. Strengthening trade, economic, investment, industrial cooperation, transport, and communication connectivity.

7. Expanding the agenda in poverty reduction and ensuring food security.

8. Widespread use of the SCO’s potential in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, healthcare, and the fight against climate change.

Of particular importance are various programs and projects of Uzbekistan implemented within the UN in 2016-2024, including the Inclusive Growth Program based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), projects related to improving the environmental situation and combating climate change, and measures aimed at strengthening democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.

In the context of international diplomacy, Uzbekistan takes an active position, striving to contribute to solving global and regional challenges. One of the most significant examples of such contributions is efforts to stabilize the situation in Afghanistan.

The country advocates for an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue with the participation of all stakeholders, including the Afghan government and various political forces in the country; economic cooperation and support for infrastructure projects that contribute to the economic recovery of Afghanistan and strengthening regional integration (the construction of the Mazar-i-Sharif – Kabul railway line, which will become part of the trans-Afghan route connecting Central Asia with South Asia); assistance in social and humanitarian development (supply of food, medicine and educational materials, scholarships for Afghan students to study at Uzbekistan higher education institutions); energy cooperation consisting in the supply of electricity, which is essential for maintaining the operation of key infrastructure and social facilities.

These examples of Uzbekistan’s multidimensional foreign policy, based on active economic diplomacy, cultural exchange, and participation in international organizations, reflect the country’s desire to strengthen its international status, develop comprehensive relations, and contribute to regional and global security.

Abduaziz Khidirov, UzA