Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev Strengthens International Ties in Series of High-Level Meetings

The President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev engaged in high-level meetings during his visit to Dubai. He met with leaders from the United Arab Emirates, India, Indonesia, Türkiye, Mongolia, Malaysia, and top officials from international organizations. This series of meetings fostered international ties and cemented Uzbekistan’s role on the global economic and political stages.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev is known for his open foreign policy and active engagement in international endeavors. This approach has boosted Uzbekistan’s global profile and helped the Central Asian nation attract billions of dollars in foreign investment.

The Uzbek Leader visited the UAE for the annual UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP, which commenced in Dubai on November 30. Although the key agenda focused on climate change, discussions between Mirziyoyev and international leaders covered various topics, including trade and tourism.

Uzbekistan’s active international engagement, a distinguishing feature of Mirziyoyev’s leadership, began with his presidency in 2016 and continued after his reelection in July 2023, allowing him to pursue ambitious and widescale reforms. These reforms have transformed all aspects of life in Uzbekistan, a nation of around 35 million people, from school education and women’s rights to the business climate and green energy.

Talks with the President of the UAE

On December 2, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The talks revolved around current bilateral issues and the successful development of relations between Uzbekistan and the UAE. Uzbekistan and the UAE leaders also covered a 30% year-to-date increase in trade turnover and the mutual desire to expand practical cooperation further, aiming to elevate it to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The portfolio of joint projects involving leading companies from both countries amounts to $4 billion, emphasizing the importance of continuing active dialogue and meticulous preparation for upcoming high-level events, according to the office of Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Talks with Indian PM

On December 1, during his visit to Dubai, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Mirziyoyev met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi. At the meeting, they discussed further developing multifaceted and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

The President of Uzbekistan emphasized deepening cooperation and implementing joint programs in communication technologies, pharmaceuticals, science and education, healthcare, and traditional medicine.

The topics discussed in the talks reflect Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s multifaceted approach to modernizing Uzbekistan and developing its international relations.

Talks with the President of Indonesia

On the sidelines of the COP28 conference in Dubai, Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with the President of Indonesia Joko Widodo. The two leaders discussed further development and deepening of relations between Uzbekistan and Indonesia, noting the strong development of bilateral trade turnover.

They expressed mutual interest in coordinating steps to expand fruitful cooperation, including adopting a ’roadmap’ in the economic sphere.

Talks with the President of Türkiye

The President of Uzbekistan also met with the President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of COP28. The two leaders discussed further expanding their comprehensive strategic partnership and promoting joint investment projects, with particular attention given to the practical implementation of existing agreements. They also considered the schedule of upcoming high-level events, including the next meeting of the Uzbekistan – Türkiye Strategic Cooperation Council.

Other Top-level Meetings at COP28 Involving Shavkat Mirziyoyev

Shavkat Mirziyoyev held other top-level meetings during his visit to Dubai, focusing on the interests of Uzbekistan, which is on track to double the size of its economy by 2030, according to Mirziyoyev’s reformist strategy.

These meetings included talks with Ibrahim Thiaw, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and others.

Talks that the President of Uzbekistan held in Dubai came just days after he visited Baku, where the Leader of Uzbekistan participated in the first summit of the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA). During that forum, Mirziyoyev met with Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to discuss further strengthening relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.

UzA