In recent years, relations between Uzbekistan and the United States of America have gained a new impetus. Moving beyond formal diplomacy, the partnership has evolved into a deeper, multi-dimensional engagement. Today, political dialogue is active, economic and business ties are expanding, and humanitarian and people-to-people connections are steadily strengthening.

Until 2017, Uzbek-American cooperation was primarily focused on regional security issues and the situation in Afghanistan, while noticeable progress in the economy and investment was virtually absent. However, following the election of Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his visit to Washington in 2018, cooperation began to acquire a strategic character.

This marked the first visit by Uzbek leader to the United States in 16 years and signaled a new level of mutual trust. During the visit, agreements and memoranda totaling over $4.8 billion were signed, paving the way for projects involving major U.S. companies.

These positive trends have largely been driven by Uzbekistan’s domestic reforms and its pragmatic approach to regional and foreign policy. Consequently, diplomatic engagement has intensified: regular consultations at the level of foreign ministries have fostered systematic and structured cooperation.

Since the 2020s, relations have evolved into a multi-layered structure. In 2021, the format of political consultations was transformed into the “Strategic Partnership Dialogue between Uzbekistan and the United States,” encompassing the economy, security, and environmental issues. The first meeting of this new format took place in Tashkent and laid the foundation for comprehensive cooperation.

In 2024, bilateral relations reached a qualitatively new level with the official establishment of an expanded strategic partnership. This format is based on the alignment of key priorities: Uzbekistan seeks deep economic modernization, attraction of foreign investment, integration into global markets, and the formation of a competitive economy. The United States supports these efforts, affirming its commitment to the reform process and encouraging American business participation in the new opportunities emerging in Uzbekistan.

In this context, the meeting between Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Donald Trump in September of this year on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly outlined specific priorities for bilateral cooperation and established the foundation for long-term collaboration. More than ten agreements were signed with major companies, including Boeing, Cargill, and Citigroup and others.

Following this, in October 2024, a U.S. delegation led by President Biden’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau visited Tashkent. The visit reinforced mutual trust and underscored both sides’ commitment to advancing joint initiatives in key areas of the bilateral agenda.

Undoubtedly, the U.S. contribution to Uzbekistan’s economy maintains a steady dynamic: in 2024, trade turnover increased by 15%, reaching $881.7 million. The portfolio of investment projects exceeds $11 billion. These figures illustrate a steady expansion of trade and economic cooperation, even as overall volumes remain relatively modest.

At the same time, the contemporary economic agenda, however, extends beyond traditional trade. Joint industrial and investment projects, collaboration in logistics, civil aviation, agro-industrial complex, and metallurgy, as well as the implementation of digital and innovative solutions in supply chain management, are coming to the forefront.

Structural changes in Uzbekistan’s export profile are particularly noteworthy. Services now constitute 86% of the country’s main export portfolio. The United States remains the largest market for Uzbek IT services: of 800 active exporters, 448 provide digital services to the U.S., representing 45% out of total IT exports. This underscores the U.S.’s role as a strategic partner in Uzbekistan’s technology sector.

To increase the export of Uzbek goods to the U.S., the President instructed the regions of the country to establish direct connections with individual states. For instance, in August of this year, a task was set to increase textile exports to the U.S. five to sixfold. Within this initiative, the Andijan Region Textile Trade House opened a representative office in St. Louis, one of the country’s key logistics hubs.

The American company Oppenheimer plans to participate in the financing of three major projects in the Andijan Region with a total value of $1.2 billion, including the creation of a textile industrial zone worth $180 million.

Uzbekistan has again attracted U.S. attention due to the presence of critically important minerals and rare earth elements used in batteries, semiconductors, and modern defense systems. In April 2025, the countries signed an agreement on cooperation in the extraction of such resources, and in September, the American investor Cove Capital began geological exploration work.

Significant progress is also observed in the humanitarian sphere: the number of academic exchanges and educational programs is increasing, and the interest of Uzbek youth in American education has noticeably grown. Currently, 40 Uzbek universities implement partnership projects with more than 25 American universities and educational institutions. Cooperation includes academic exchange of faculty and students, joint research, and the engagement of American specialists in the educational process.

These initiatives reflect Uzbekistan’s aspiration for greater openness and integration into the international community, creating conditions for expanding contacts in tourism and cultural spheres.

In this context, starting January 1, 2026, Uzbekistan will introduce a 30-day visa-free regime for U.S. citizens. Previously, such a regime only applied to tourists over 55 years old. The new rules significantly facilitate U.S. citizens’ access to the country, promoting tourism, business travel, and cultural exchanges, as well as opening additional opportunities for establishing direct contacts between individuals and organizations in both countries.

A central element of multilateral interaction remains the regional C5+1 format, which unites the U.S. and the five Central Asian countries. The U.S. National Security Strategy indicates the intention to intensify work within this platform to promote initiatives on climate change mitigation, energy and food security, development of transport connectivity, and expansion of Central Asian countries’ access to global markets.

To sum up, the evolution of Uzbekistan-U.S. relations demonstrates how pragmatism and reform-driven policies can overcome barriers and create mutual benefits. Today, bilateral relations are comprehensive and resilient: Uzbekistan has emerged as a significant partner, recognized in Washington as a key contributor to regional stability. The trajectory of cooperation points toward constructive partnership, with Central Asia serving not as periphery, but as a bridge for sustainable development and mutually beneficial collaboration.

Shakhnoza Kodirova

Head of the Department the

the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies

under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The text of the article is in Uzbek!

On 23 September this year, a regular meeting of the Central Election Commission was held to discuss the accreditation of observers from abroad and from international organizations, as well as the organization of the activities of the Instant Information Center.

The interest of foreign countries and international organizations in the elections to the representative bodies of state power, which will be held this year in accordance with the updated electoral legislation, is extremely high.

In particular, it is expected that more than 1,000 international and foreign observers will participate in observing the elections, particularly about 400 from 50 countries, about 500 from 21 international organizations such as the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Organization of Turkic States and another 60 from the election commissions of 26 foreign countries.

It should be noted that the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe intends to participate in the observation of the elections in Uzbekistan with a comprehensive mission consisting of a core group, long-term and short-term observers, about 350 observers in total.

The great interest of foreign states and international organizations in the elections in Uzbekistan testifies to the international community's recognition of the democratic reforms being carried out in our country.

Accordingly, it was decided at the Central Election Commission meeting to accredit observers from international organizations who will participate in the elections to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and the local Councils (Kengashes), and some observers from international organizations such as the Commonwealth of Independent States, the CIS Inter-parliamentary Assembly and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe were accredited.

As of today, foreign and international organizations wishing to accredit observers can log into the “E-Saylov” information system in their country and enter data electronically in a specific format and submit it for review.

Another notable aspect of this process is that new samples of mandates of accredited foreign observers are automatically generated electronically through this system.

Also at the meeting of the Central Election Commission, the relevant decision was taken on the establishment of the Instant Information Center – “Call Center” - and the approval of its statutes. The “Call Center” will receive citizens' complaints centrally and provide them with legal explanations and consultations in real time.

The main objectives of the “Call Center” are to establish a dialog with citizens in real time during the election campaign, to provide the population with complete and reliable information on the activities of the commissions, the stages of the electoral process, to create the necessary conditions for the unconditional realization of citizens' rights to vote and appeal, and to strengthen their awareness of electoral legislation and processes.

Central Election Commission Press Service

Dear compatriots!

I cordially congratulate you, all our multinational people with the Constitution Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan celebrated on December 8.

Undoubtedly, this year we all feel the significance of this holiday especially deeply. After all, above all, it takes place in the context of historic transformations in the political-legal, socio-economic and spiritual spheres of our life. 

It should be emphasized once again that the elections to the Oliy Majlis and local Kengashes, held in the spirit of open and competitive contest on October 27 this year, became an important step towards the implementation of our updated Fundamental Law. As a result of the elections, which vividly demonstrated the high political culture, unity and cohesion of our hardworking and tolerant people on the path of building the New Uzbekistan, a new system of representative power has been formed in the country. Its constitutional rights and powers have been strengthened and its responsibility has increased manifold.

One more important aspect: we have moved from the practice of the recent past, when khokims were simultaneously in charge of local councils, to a new system in which, for the first time, councils are headed by chairmen elected among deputies. 

The transfer of more than 30 powers of khokims to local councils testifies to an even broader establishment of the principles of democracy in our society.  

In accordance with the constitutional provision that the people are the only source of state power, we will resolutely continue our reforms aimed at expanding the powers of the Parliament and local Kengashes, further increasing their activity, creating the necessary conditions for effective activity, in short, turning them into the true voice of the people. 

Dear friends!

Large-scale measures are taken in the country for consistent implementation of the priority principles of ensuring human rights, interests and dignity enshrined in the Fundamental Law. 

Thanks to the selfless labor of our people, in recent years the national economy has doubled, the per capita income has reached 3 thousand dollars, the poverty rate has decreased from 23 to 11 percent, the coverage of preschool education has exceeded 74 percent, higher education - 39 percent, and this is undoubtedly a historic result. 

In order to dynamically continue the reforms, to apply in practice the norms of the Constitution in the new edition, the issues of entrepreneurship development and, on this basis, increasing the population's income, strengthening the atmosphere of mutual respect and harmony in families and mahallas, and comprehensive support for representatives of the older generation, women and youth will continue to be at the center of our attention. 

The Fundamental Law stipulates that Uzbekistan is a social state, therefore, further improvement of cities and villages, construction of new residential buildings, health care, education, culture, art and sports institutions, modernization of road and communication networks, strengthening of targeted social protection will be of paramount importance for us. In particular, the priority task is to increase twofold the amount of funds allocated to the health sector, transition to a health insurance system and provide the population with fully guaranteed medical services. 

Within the framework of programs in the field of education, we will bring the coverage of higher education to 50 percent in the coming years. In 2025 alone, 4 trillion soums will be allocated from the state budget for the repair of existing kindergartens and construction of new kindergartens and schools.

Another important area is support for those in need of social protection, for which it is planned to allocate a total of 46.5 trillion soums and lift 1 million citizens out of poverty.

We will also raise to a new level the work on creating even more favorable conditions for persons with disabilities, their socialization, and in general on ensuring inclusiveness in society. Necessary measures will also be taken to reform the pension system. 

As you know, the new version of the Fundamental Law for the first time enshrines the rights of citizens in the sphere of ecology, emphasizing the state's obligations to protect the environment and maintain the ecological balance. 

We have declared 2025 the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy in the country and have set clear objectives in this field. I am confident that this will serve as an important basis for implementing the relevant constitutional norms and principles. 

I take this opportunity to urge you, dear compatriots, all our people to take an active part in the development and implementation of the State Program of the coming year. 

We have no right to forget that the protection of nature is the protection of the humans, our future. We must protect our priceless wealth - fertile fields, clean springs, rivers and lakes, mountains and plains, create new gardens and parks, green territories, so that our motherland Uzbekistan becomes even more beautiful, and future generations live in a free and prosperous country. 

Dear compatriots!

Our Constitution has always been and remains a reliable guarantor of strengthening national independence, preserving peace and stability in the country, interethnic friendship and harmony, ensuring the irreversibility of the ongoing reforms. 

We are proud of our Fundamental Law - a vivid symbol and practical embodiment of the legal consciousness and will of the people. I believe that studying every article, every norm of this unique legal document, showing respect for them should become a sacred duty and a life principle for all of us. 

I am convinced that by working in good faith, recognizing our responsibility, we will be able to further increase the effectiveness of the reforms carried out and will definitely achieve the great goals before us.

Once again I sincerely congratulate you, dear compatriots, with Constitution Day, wish you all health, peace and prosperity to your families.

May the authority and glory of our Motherland grow!

May the people of Uzbekistan - the creator of all our achievements - be happy! 

Shavkat Mirziyoyev,

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on December 13 took part in a solemn ceremony dedicated to the launch of new energy capacities and the beginning of construction of a number of facilities.

These projects are part of a large-scale work aimed at strengthening the potential of the country's energy system. Last December, five solar and one wind power plants were put into operation. Many new projects were launched during the Head of State's visits to the regions.

Today, 24 projects worth more than $7 billion have been launched. In particular, in Bukhara, Navoi, Namangan and Tashkent regions, 5 solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of about 2.3 thousand megawatts, as well as 5 high-voltage substations have been connected to the network.

For the first time in Uzbekistan, an energy storage system with a capacity of 300 megawatts was created in Andijan and Fergana. A 400 megawatt power plant was put into operation in Kashkadarya, and a modern cogeneration plant was put into operation in Tashkent, and in Andijan, Surkhandarya and Tashkent regions - four small hydroelectric power plants.

In addition, construction of 6 energy facilities with a total capacity of 2.5 gigawatts has started in Fergana, Samarkand, Navoi, Tashkent regions and Tashkent city.

These new projects will generate an additional 9.5 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, save 2.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas and prevent the emission of 4.6 million tons of harmful gases in the coming years.

Most importantly, over 4 million households will be provided with uninterrupted and clean energy. 

This will also set the stage for $4 billion worth of value creation in other sectors of the economy.

In total, in 2025, our country will produce 84 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, which is 25 billion kilowatt hours or 1.5 times more compared to 2016.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that all these projects are implemented through foreign direct investment. Gratitude was expressed to companies from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, China and Germany, as well as international institutions such as the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank for their fruitful cooperation.

Thanks to the open access of the private sector, Uzbekistan's energy sector has attracted about $20 billion of foreign direct investment over the past five years. 

Twenty-four independent energy producers have started to operate in the sector, where previously only the state was present.

In particular, large solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 3,500 megawatts, equivalent to 10 billion kilowatt-hours, were launched in the green energy sector. This increased the share of “green energy” in the energy system to 16 percent.

As is known, last year the country's GDP reached the historic figure of $100 billion for the first time. By 2030, Uzbekistan's economy should grow to $200 billion.

This will increase the demand for electricity by 1.5 times over the next five years. In addition, under the Paris Agreement, it is planned to reduce harmful gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030.

The President outlined the priority areas of work in the energy sector.

First, 19 thousand megawatts of additional “green capacity” will be built by 2030, and the share of renewable energy will be increased to 54 percent. Already by 2025, 18 solar and wind power plants with a capacity of 3.4 thousand megawatts and energy storage systems with a capacity of 1.8 thousand megawatts are planned. This will increase green energy production to 12 billion kilowatt-hours next year. Also within two years, a large-scale project will be implemented in cooperation with private partners to create more than 2,000 small and micro-hydroelectric power plants.

Second, liberalization of the electricity market will continue. By the end of next year, it is planned to create a competitive wholesale electricity market. Public-private partnership will be introduced in the sphere of energy distribution, and $4 billion of investments will be attracted for the modernization of networks. The first project of transferring the management of regional power grids to the private sector has been developed in Samarkand region, and an international tender has been announced.

Third, the expansion of international cooperation in the field of “green energy”. Within COP-29, agreements were signed with Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia on joint export of “green energy” to Europe. Jointly with neighboring countries a single platform has been launched to ensure the stability of the regional energy system.

Fourth, development of “green energy” as a new driver for other sectors of the economy and improvement of living standards of the population. 

Solar panels with a total capacity of 1,000 megawatts have already been installed, which makes it possible to produce 1.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. Support for “green” initiatives will continue with the introduction of dual education for the training of specialists.

- Today's event opens a new page in the history of our country's energy sector. These projects will not only ensure economic growth, but also will create an environmentally friendly and sustainable future for our descendants - said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The ceremony was addressed by Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of the United Arab Emirates Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Türkiye Alparslan Bayraktar and Minister of Energy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud.

By pressing a symbolic switch, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev launched the operation of 18 energy facilities and construction of 6 new projects.

Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic are entering a new phase in their relationship, building on the strong foundation laid over more than three decades. During this period, Uzbek-Czech ties have evolved from largely ceremonial contacts into a system of substantive engagement spanning political dialogue, trade, investment, and cultural and humanitarian exchange. Today, as Uzbekistan deepens its connections across Europe, the Czech Republic stands out as one of its most prominent partners in Central Europe.

The framework of the current relationship took shape from the first years of independence. The two countries established diplomatic relations on January 1, 1993, and the Czech Republic moved quickly to open a trade mission in Tashkent – one of the first to do so – which it converted into a full embassy in November 1994. Over the following decades, both sides steadily built out the treaty and legal framework, developed inter-parliamentary ties, and established intergovernmental communication channels, creating the infrastructure for genuine cooperation.

The year 2023 marked a qualitative turning point. Reciprocal visits at the prime ministerial level – Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s visit to Tashkent in April and Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov’s visit to Prague in October – infused the relationship with new content and momentum. The talks produced the Interstate Joint Declaration “On Enhanced Cooperation”, which set the direction for the partnership in the years ahead.

The pace of engagement has not slowed since. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský visited Tashkent in October 2024, and in September 2025 President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President Petr Pavel met on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly. Both sides have concentrated on expanding ties in investment, transport, innovation, and agriculture – a focus that reflects the practical, results-oriented character of the bilateral dialogue.

An important institutional development came in February 2025, when both chambers of the Oliy Majlis established Uzbek-Czech inter-parliamentary groups. These structures sustain continuous dialogue at the parliamentary level and create conditions for strengthening the legislative relationship and broadening the treaty and legal framework.

This political activity has created fertile ground for trade and economic engagement, which is showing positive momentum. Bilateral trade reached $189.7million in 2025. Although this represents a slight decline from 2024, the figure is three times higher than the 2018 level, reflecting the broader long-term upward trend. The Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Industrial and Scientific-Technical Cooperation serves as the structural instrument for sustaining this trajectory; its tenth session took place in Prague in March 2025. Through this mechanism, both sides are steadily expanding their business presence.

More than 40 companies with Czech capital now operate in Uzbekistan, and that number continues to grow. A vivid example of Czech business interest is Škoda Group’s intention to launch a joint venture in Uzbekistan for the local assembly and maintenance of railway rolling stock, as well as to establish a Škoda Academy for the training of industry specialists.

Beyond manufacturing and trade, Czech business is also making inroads in healthcare. Contacts with Czech pharmaceutical companies are becoming more regular, and Czech medicines and modern medical equipment have gained a solid presence on the Uzbek market.

Czech business interest is underpinned by active government support: the Czech Republic is actively backing Uzbekistan’s accession to the WTO, which is expected this year. Membership in the organization will open new opportunities for foreign investors and create additional conditions for expanding trade.

The humanitarian dimension of the partnership has taken the longest to develop and is, for that reason, the most durable. As far back as 2003, Termez State University and Charles University launched a joint archaeological expedition in the Surkhandarya region. Over twenty years of fieldwork, the project has uncovered previously unknown monuments from the Bronze and Iron Ages. The exceptional finds gathered over the years of research formed the basis of the exhibition “From Zarathustra to Genghis Khan”, which opened in Tashkent in April 2023 on the occasion of Prime Minister Fiala's visit.

The cultural agenda continues to grow. Czech musical ensembles regularly participate in the Sharq Taronalari festival in Samarkand, while the Czech-Uzbek Friendship Society in Prague has for many years served as a living platform for people-to-people diplomacy.

Academic and scientific cooperation is also advancing. The National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek, the Tashkent Medical Academy, and a number of other universities are running joint programmes with Charles University, Comenius University, the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, and Mendel University.

Student interest in Czech education continues to grow steadily: over the past five years, the number of students from Uzbekistan studying in the Czech Republic has doubled, approaching 700. The annual Czech government scholarship programme, which gives Uzbek citizens access to undergraduate, master’s and doctoral study, has contributed significantly to this growth.

Labour mobility between the two countries is also developing. Around 3,000 Uzbek citizens currently work in the Czech Republic in industry, construction, trade, and services, and an annual quota of 150 labour visas reflects both sides’ structured approach to organising labour mobility.

All of this sustains a steady flow of mutual travel, supported by a direct weekly air service between Tashkent and Karlovy Vary that makes the Czech Republic a readily accessible destination.

The breadth and depth of this engagement naturally raises the question of priorities for the bilateral dialogue going forward.

First, opening an Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Prague would improve the speed of contacts, expand Uzbekistan’s diplomatic presence, and allow more effective support for joint projects.

Second, despite the temporary decline in trade volumes in 2025, the potential for recovery is considerable. The Czech Republic’s high standing in the Prosperity Index, 8th in the EU in 2026, confirms its status as a key technology and investment partner for Uzbekistan.

Third, particular promise lies in mechanical engineering, machine-tool manufacturing, and industrial automation. According to Harvard University’s Economic Complexity Index, the Czech Republic has held 7th place globally for a decade in its capacity to produce and export technologically sophisticated goods – precisely the kind of partnership Uzbekistan needs for its industrial modernisation agenda.

Overall, the Czech Republic is consolidating its role as one of the strategic anchors in Uzbekistan’s European partnership network. The convergence of Czech industrial capacity and Uzbekistan’s dynamic, fast-growing economy lays the foundation not merely for an exchange of goods, but for deep technological integration and large-scale industrial projects designed to last for decades.

Kayumova Madinabonu,

Leading Researcher of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

At the invitation of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh will pay a state visit to our country on June 23-26.

In accordance with the program of the high-ranking guest's stay, it is envisaged to hold high-level talks in Tashkent, during which issues of further expansion and strengthening of Uzbek-Mongolian relations of friendship and multifaceted cooperation will be considered.

In particular, the agenda includes plans to develop constructive political dialogue and inter-parliamentary contacts, increase bilateral trade turnover, implement cooperation projects in mining, agriculture, livestock, light industry, healthcare, transport, logistics and other areas. Joint measures aimed at boosting cultural, humanitarian and tourist ties will also be discussed. There will be an exchange of views on international issues.

A package of intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents will be signed following the results of the summit.

As part of the program of the state visit, the leaders of the two countries will meet with representatives of leading companies and business circles, and a number of other bilateral events will be held.

Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh will also visit Khiva, where he will familiarize himself with the rich cultural and historical heritage of our people.

A Calligraphy School has been established at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

This significant scientific and educational project was announced during a seminar titled “The Calligraphy Heritage of the Timurid Era – Continuity of Traditions” dedicated to the 690th anniversary of the great commander Amir Temur's birth.

The seminar served as an important platform for a broad discussion on the spiritual and cultural significance of calligraphy, bringing together leading experts in the fields of Islamic art, history, and philology.

-  The initiative to establish the Calligraphy School at the Center of Islamic Civilization was proposed by our Honorable President on January 29, 2025. A year later, this initiative has been endorsed by all international organizations and the project was officially launched within the framework of the conference dedicated to the Timurid civilization. The establishment of the Calligraphy School is a logical continuation of the large-scale reforms aimed at preserving and promoting cultural heritage in our country, - said Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization, in his address to the event participants.

As noted, during the Timurid era, the art of calligraphy reached its zenith and became a symbol of cultural advancement. According to data presented by scholars, after establishing a centralized state, Amir Temur gathered the most skilled calligraphers from various regions to the capital. Styles such as Thuluth, Nasta‘liq and Kufic reached their peak, and famous manuscript copies, such as the renowned “Baysunghur Quran,” were inscribed.

International experts highly commended this initiative. In particular, Mahmud Erol Kılıç, Director General of IRCICA, shared his insights on the role of Islamic calligraphy in world culture and its high aesthetic and spiritual value. Coşkun Yılmaz, Chairman of the Turkish Institution of Manuscripts, provided information on the unique manuscripts preserved in the Süleymaniye Library, emphasizing that a significant portion of them is linked to the history of Central Asia. Sali Shahsivari, Director of the Al-Furqan Islamic Heritage Foundation in the UK, evaluated the Timurid period as an era of genuine educational and cultural awakening.

It was emphasized that the Calligraphy School will function not only as an educational institution but also as a scientific research and cultural center. Within its framework, plans include training specialists, preserving and restoring manuscripts, as well as developing international cooperation.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev familiarized himself with the proposals on improving the quality of pre-school and school education and the system of professional development of teachers.

Students' interest in subjects and their academic performance largely depend on the knowledge and skill of teachers. Therefore, necessary conditions are being created for teachers' professional development and the system of knowledge assessment is being improved.

The responsible persons reported on the developed proposals in this sphere.

It was noted that a new certification system based on advanced technologies has been introduced. More than 190 thousand teachers took part in it, 51 thousand teachers were promoted to the new category based on the results.

It was emphasized that it is necessary to constantly stimulate the increase in the number of professional and self-educated teachers in schools.

It was proposed to increase the salaries of teachers with the highest and first qualification category from September 2025.

It was instructed to develop and implement a separate professional development program for teachers who have not been certified and do not have sufficient experience.

In this process, it is necessary to make full use of the possibilities of professional development centers and teacher training colleges. To this end, based on the experience of the Presidential Schools, a system of professional development for the heads and teachers of kindergartens and schools will be organized at the Abdullah Avloni National Research Institute with a frequency of every 5 years.

A task has been set to transfer 11 pedagogical colleges in the regions under the authority of the Centers of Professional Development and attract trainers from abroad.

It was informed that kindergartens and schools, technical schools and "Barkamol Avlod" school will be established on the basis of teacher training colleges with low workload.

In order to disseminate best practices, the evaluation system of Presidential Schools was introduced in 500 schools last year. As a result, student achievement in these schools increased from 53 percent to 59 percent. A bonus of up to 40 percent has been set for school leaders and teachers of high-performing schools.

In this regard, starting from the new school year, this evaluation system will be applied in another 1,000 schools. They will be assigned to 182 specialized schools and 500 schools that have tested the system.

Also 270 schools will be equipped with interactive whiteboards, 365 schools will be provided with computer classes.

The presentation also considered a proposal to establish the National Institute of Pedagogy of Education on the basis of the Research Institute of Pedagogical Sciences of Uzbekistan named after Kary-Niyazi. The new institute will be entrusted with the tasks of strengthening makhalla-parents-school cooperation, creating educational literature for parents and children, and scientific research of didactic views of the Jadids. Activity of the Academic Council on 5 specialties will be organized, as well as training of personnel in master's and doctoral studies.

In addition, the issues of introducing international methods in the schools of sportsmanship of Bakhodir Jalolov and Oksana Chusovitina, improving the quality of education and training were touched upon.

The head of state gave instructions on improving the quality of teachers' training, organizing a fair system of evaluation and incentives.

Over the past eight years, relations between Uzbekistan and Türkiye have undergone a profound qualitative transformation, evolving from traditionally friendly ties into a full-fledged strategic partnership with a strong economic, investment, and industrial dimension. While the period prior to 2017 was largely characterized by inertia, the launch of large-scale reforms in Uzbekistan marked a decisive shift in bilateral relations toward practical cooperation focused on trade, investment, and joint manufacturing.

A key role in this transformation has been played by the political will and personal engagement of the leaders of both countries - President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Regular high-level dialogue has provided Uzbek-Turkish relations with stability, strategic coherence, and a long-term economic horizon.

Political Foundations as a Driver of Economic Convergence

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992; however, a turning point came in October 2017 with the signing of the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership in Ankara. This step laid a solid institutional foundation for the rapid expansion of trade, economic, and investment cooperation.

In 2018, the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council was established in Tashkent under the co-chairmanship of the two presidents. Its meetings in 2020, 2022, and 2024 became key platforms for aligning priorities in trade, investment, industry, transport, and interregional cooperation. Over time, political dialogue has evolved from declarative engagement into a practical instrument supporting concrete economic initiatives and project-based decisions.

Trade: Scale, Structure and Institutional Incentives

Türkiye is firmly among Uzbekistan’s largest trading partners. In 2020, bilateral trade turnover amounted to USD 2.1 billion, reaching USD 3.02 billion by the end of 2025.

Uzbekistan’s exports to Türkiye are predominantly industrial in nature, comprising non-ferrous metals and metal products, textiles, services, plastics, and food products. Imports from Türkiye consist mainly of mechanical and electrical equipment, chemical products, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and metal structures, reflecting Türkiye’s role as a key source of industrial technologies and equipment.

A significant qualitative step forward was the signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement in 2022, which entered into force in 2023. In 2025, the parties began expanding the list of goods covered by preferential treatment, creating additional incentives for trade diversification and deeper industrial cooperation.

Investment Cooperation: From Presence to Systemic Engagement

Investment cooperation is one of the most dynamically developing areas of bilateral relations. In 2024, the volume of Turkish investments utilized in Uzbekistan reached USD 2.2 billion, while in January-November 2025 it increased to USD 3.2 billion. A total of 2,137 enterprises with Turkish capital operate in Uzbekistan, including 496 joint ventures and 1,641 wholly Turkish-owned companies.

These enterprises are active in textiles and furniture manufacturing, construction, trade, transport, logistics, and services. Importantly, a substantial share of them is export-oriented, strengthening Uzbekistan’s integration into regional and global value chains.

Industrial Cooperation: Transition to Joint Manufacturing

In recent years, Uzbek–Turkish cooperation has increasingly shifted from traditional trade toward industrial partnership. Turkish companies are actively involved in establishing production facilities across Uzbekistan’s regions, introducing modern technologies, management standards, and export-oriented business models.

Regular meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, accompanied by business forums, result in detailed roadmaps comprising dozens of measures covering industry, energy, logistics, and regional projects. This approach forms a solid foundation for sustainable industrial partnership.

Interregional Cooperation: Localized Economic Engagement

Active interregional interaction has become an essential element of the new partnership model. In 2024, targeted visits by delegations from the Fergana, Khorezm, Namangan, Navoi, Samarkand, and Jizzakh regions, as well as the city of Tashkent, were held to various regions of Türkiye.

This format enables a shift from framework agreements to concrete investment projects, creates direct B2B and B2G communication channels, and contributes to a more decentralized and resilient architecture of cooperation.

Transport and Logistics as Pillars of Trade and Investment

The expansion of trade and industrial cooperation naturally increases the importance of transport and logistics interaction. Türkiye is viewed by Uzbekistan as a key logistical gateway to European and Mediterranean markets, while Uzbekistan is becoming an important hub for Türkiye’s access to Central Asia.

The development of rail and road transport, along with intensive air connectivity - up to 97 regular flights per week across eight routes - enhances business mobility, supports investment activity, and strengthens economic integration between the two countries.

Prospective Areas of Cooperation: Converging Interests

The established economic core of Uzbek–Turkish relations provides a basis for a new phase of cooperation, shifting from quantitative growth to deeper structural and technological integration.

Localization and joint development of industrial production remain key convergence points. Uzbekistan offers industrial zones, resources, and a growing domestic market, while Türkiye contributes technology, design, managerial expertise, and access to external markets.

The textile and light industry is evolving toward the production of finished branded goods and contract manufacturing for international retail chains. Mechanical engineering and electrical equipment sectors are creating prerequisites for the establishment of assembly and production facilities. The agro-industrial complex offers opportunities for deep processing and joint exports of food products.

A separate strategic direction is the joint entry into third-country markets, where the combination of Uzbekistan’s production potential and Türkiye’s trade and logistics infrastructure creates substantial competitive advantages.

Overall, over the past eight years Uzbekistan and Türkiye have built a resilient model of strategic partnership based on trade, investment, industrial cooperation, interregional engagement, and transport connectivity. Trade turnover exceeding USD 3 billion, multi-billion-dollar investments, and thousands of joint enterprises testify to the maturity and long-term nature of bilateral relations.

Mashrab Mamirov,

On 24–25 July, 2026, the city of Samarkand will host the International Forum of Brother Cities.

The forum will serve as an important international platform for dialogue, aimed at expanding Uzbekistan’s international cooperation, strengthening partnerships between cities, and promoting public diplomacy.

The forum program includes:

• An international scientific and practical conference dedicated to developing cooperation between the cities of Uzbekistan and foreign countries;
• Panel sessions and roundtable discussions covering a wide range of sectors;
• Signing ceremonies for memorandums of cooperation and partnership agreements between brother cities;
• Presentations focused on promoting public diplomacy and interregional cooperation;
• Cultural and educational events with the participation of foreign delegations;
• Guided tours of Samarkand’s historical and cultural landmarks;
• Exhibitions showcasing the investment, tourism, and cultural potential of Uzbekistan’s regions.

According to the organizers, the International Forum of Brother Cities will provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen international partnerships, exchange best practices, and foster long-term cooperation.

Dunyo IA

Today, as global climate changes are observed, the population is growing, and industrial sectors are rapidly developing, the value of water resources is increasing not only in the Central Asian region but also worldwide.

According to the data, over the past 30 years, the air temperature in our region has increased by one and a half degrees, as a result of which about a third of the centuries-old glaciers in the highlands have melted, and the volume of water in rivers and streams has decreased slightly.

If current climate trends continue, in the next twenty years, the flow of the two large rivers, Amu Darya and Syr Darya, may decrease by 15%. This would result in a 25 percent reduction in per capita water availability and agricultural crop yields.

These are not just numbers, but indicators related to the fate and well-being of the people living in the region.

According to scientists, by 2040 in some areas of Central Asia, the need for water resources will triple. Over time, economic damage could reach 11% of the region's gross domestic product. The United Nations (UN) warns that countries in the region are currently losing up to US$2 billion a year due to water scarcity and inefficient use. Therefore, if appropriate measures are not taken now, it is inevitable that the countries in our region will face dire consequences of water shortages.

Under the leadership of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, special attention is being paid to the comprehensive development of the water management sector in our republic, the rational use of existing water resources, including the widespread introduction of digital and water-saving irrigation technologies, and remarkable results are being achieved in this regard.

In his speech at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly on September 19, 2023, the leader of Uzbekistan emphasized the issue of water resource shortages in Central Asia, supported the establishment of the position of the UN Secretary General's Special Representative on Water Resources, and proposed creating a platform for water-saving technologies in Central Asia. In the process of using the "United Nations-Water Resources" mechanism, he emphasized his support for attracting and implementing the most advanced technologies.

This means that Uzbekistan will take the initiative in creating a platform for water-saving technologies in Central Asia, while also seeking to involve the international community in the process.

For more than 30 years since its establishment, the International Fund for Saving the Aral has become the most important platform for regional cooperation in the fields of water management and ecology. In the face of new risks and threats arising because of global climate change, the role and importance of the fund are increasing.

On September 15, 2023, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forward the initiative to develop and implement new, agreed-upon decisions for the long-term perspective within the framework of this structure at the meeting of the Council of Heads of the Founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral held in Dushanbe. Reflecting the spirit of today, he emphasized the need to further improve the fund's legal framework and modernize its institutional mechanisms.

It should be noted that in the country’s domestic policy over the past seven years, at the initiative of the President, large-scale reforms in the water sector have been implemented. To manage state policy in the field of water management, a separate Ministry of Water Resources was created and the Concept for the development of the industry for the period until 2030 was approved.

As a logical continuation of these reforms and to solve systemic problems at the middle and upper levels of the water management system, on May 7, 2024, the President of Uzbekistan signed the decree "On Setting Priorities for the Introduction and Development of a Modern Management System in Water Resources." According to this document, the activity of the Ministry of Water Resources was divided into three parts, setting up a vertical management system. At the upper level is the management of the state water policy, the regulator; the middle level is engaged in the operation and construction of water management facilities and the introduction of business processes into the sector; and the lower-level handles supplying water directly to consumers.

In the middle stage, an agency for the exploitation of water resource facilities is being set up that operates as an independent legal entity. The agency includes the Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Karakalpakhstan and regional irrigation systems basin departments, main canals, water reservoirs, and pumping station utilization departments, as well as land-improvement expeditions.

The department for the implementation of water management projects participates as a customer in projects funded by the budget and foreign investments. The decree envisages a 22% increase in the salary of middle- and high-level employees working in the ministry system, starting on July 1, 2024, and a 60% increase starting in 2025. It should be mentioned that starting in January 2024, the salary of lower-level employees has been doubled, and several incentive mechanisms are being used.

As a result of the accurate calculation of available water resources, special attention is paid to the introduction of water-saving technologies, resulting in abundant and high-quality harvests from agricultural crops. Nevertheless, the prevention of water scarcity remains one of the most important directions for Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan is a country with a large water infrastructure in the Central Asian region; the total irrigated cropland exceeds 4.3 million hectares.

As one of the five priority directions of the "Uzbekistan-2030" strategy, which defines the goals of sustainable development of the country, the task of saving water resources and environmental protection is emphasized, placing great responsibility on water management employees.

To reduce water losses in irrigation networks, the year 2024 was announced as a "breakthrough year for concreting canals" in the water industry at the initiative of the President. For this purpose, 5,000 kilometers of irrigation networks, of which 1,500 kilometers are main and inter-farm and 3,500 kilometers are internal, have been concreted this year. To date, 525 kilometers of canals have been reconstructed, of which 355 kilometers have been concreted. The length of canals concreted by clusters and farms has exceeded 13,500 kilometers.

In recent years, the areas covered by water-saving technologies in the country have reached 1.3 million hectares. Of this, drip irrigation accounts for 478,000 hectares, sprinkler irrigation for 55,000 hectares, and discrete method irrigation for 29,000 hectares. Over 700,000 hectares have been leveled using laser leveling equipment.

Work on the introduction of water-saving technologies, which started in previous years, is being continued consistently. This year alone, it is planned to introduce cost-effective technologies on 500,000 hectares of land and to fully cover all irrigated farming areas in the country with such technologies by 2030.

All possibilities and resources are being used for this. Today, the number of local enterprises producing equipment and components for water-saving technologies in Uzbekistan has reached 55, with plans to increase this number in the future.

In recent years, 11,446 "Smart Water" devices, online water level monitoring meters in 1,704 pumping units, and online monitoring of seepage water levels have been installed in 6,746 reclamation monitoring wells. To manage water resources from one point without human intervention, the management processes of 65 large water management facilities were automated.

It is planned to save 8 billion cubic meters of water in 2024 through the concreting of channels, the introduction of water-saving technologies, the digitization of the industry, the implementation of "smart" devices, and effective water management.

It should be noted that 60 percent of the irrigated cropland in the country is supplied with water through pumps. There are more than 1,600 pumping stations in the Ministry's system, and due to their modernization, installation of modern energy-saving devices, and the introduction of public-private partnerships, electricity consumption has been reduced by 1.5 billion kWh in the last seven years.

In the coming years, the total cost of the water industry will be $6.0 trillion. Agreements for 463 public-private partnership projects worth significant amounts in soums were signed. In 2023, all water management facilities in five districts and 300 pumping stations across the republic will be transferred to the private sector.

This transfer increases work efficiency, saves up to 30% on electricity at pumping stations, and reduces salary deductions by 13%.

The "Irrigators' School" was launched in cooperation with the Ministry of Water Resources, the "Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers," the National Research University, and "Agrobank." Highly qualified specialists from abroad are organizing one-week-long free training courses for designers, contractors, managers of farms, and cluster enterprises from all districts of the republic.

In short, life itself proves that the only solution to mitigate the water shortage in our region is to save water and use it wisely.

Press service of the Ministry of Water Resources
of the Republic of Uzbekistan