On 30 April, the official visit of Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš to Uzbekistan came to a close. The visit took place at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Talks were held at the Kuksaroy residence in both restricted and plenary formats. As a result, the two sides signed a Joint Declaration on the Promotion of Expanded Cooperation along with a package of bilateral agreements covering economic, industrial, and scientific-technological cooperation, as well as the training of diplomatic personnel, collaboration in the fields of geology and metrology, and the supply of electric trains.

It is worth noting that this was already the second visit by a Czech prime minister to Uzbekistan. In April 2023, Petr Fiala visited Tashkent, and in October of the same year Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov made a reciprocal visit to Prague, where he met with Czech President Petr Pavel and signed an Interstate Declaration on Enhanced Cooperation. In September 2025, on the sidelines of the 80th anniversary session of the United Nations General Assembly, Presidents Mirziyoyev and Pavel held a bilateral meeting and discussed specific projects in the areas of investment, innovation, transport, and agriculture. Such intensity of contacts at the highest level is a rare phenomenon in international diplomacy. It testifies to the fact that both sides regard their relationship not as a matter of protocol formality, but as a genuine political priority.

The agenda of the current Uzbek-Czech talks was exceptionally substantive, covering several key areas, each of which merits separate consideration.

First — the expansion of trade, economic, and industrial cooperation. Over recent years, bilateral trade turnover has doubled, which is in itself a significant achievement. Nonetheless, both sides acknowledge that the figures attained merely reflect the existing potential without coming close to exhausting it.

Against this backdrop, the parties set a target of raising the volume of mutual trade to one billion US dollars, including through an expansion of the range of goods supplied. Uzbekistan already hosts 37 joint ventures with Czech capital participation, providing a solid productive foundation for the further development of the partnership.

The principal mechanism governing this process and opening up new avenues for interaction is the The Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Industrial, and Scientific-Technological Cooperation. Over the years of its operation, the Commission has held ten sessions, the most recent of which took place in Prague in March 2025.

To further stimulate trade, the first Uzbek certification branch in the Czech Republic is being established, while work is simultaneously under way on the construction of a Euro 6 vehicle certification laboratory and a quantum measurement standard — infrastructure facilities without which Uzbek products would face significant barriers to full access to European markets.

In parallel, an agreement has been reached with leading Czech companies on the development of a Technology Cooperation Programme encompassing mechanical engineering, green energy, geology and critical raw materials, as well as chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, the Czech Export Credit Insurance Corporation (EGAP) and the Czech Export Bank confirmed their intentions to provide financial support for joint projects. To coordinate the entire economic agenda, it was decided to establish a Business Council, and the next session of the Intergovernmental Commission is scheduled to take place in Tashkent in August of the current year.

The Uzbek-Czech business forum, held on the eve of the visit with the participation of the heads of government of both countries, served as a practical platform for giving the bilateral agenda concrete substance. More than 200 participants discussed prospects for deepening economic cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on the fact that Uzbekistan's GDP exceeded 145 billion US dollars in 2025 — a figure that is fundamentally transforming international investors' perception of the country.

As a result, Czech companies are increasingly viewing Uzbekistan as a strategic springboard for access to Central Asian markets. The unique combination of dynamic growth, a young population, and a favourable geographical location makes the country one of the most attractive hubs on the Eurasian continent.

Following the forum, a package of cooperation agreements was signed covering mechanical engineering, infrastructure modernisation, and education, while mechanisms for engagement with the Czech Export Bank and EGAP were formalised, providing for preferential lending and risk insurance for high-technology projects.

Second — high-technology cooperation in the transport sector, the symbolic centrepiece of which was the signing of a contract for the supply and maintenance of the first ten Škoda Group electric trains. It should be stressed that the prospects of this project extend well beyond a simple equipment transaction. The plans include the establishment of a joint venture for local assembly and lifetime technical maintenance of rolling stock, as well as the creation of a Škoda Academy for the training of Uzbek specialists.

In this context, Škoda Group CEO Petr Novotný regards Uzbekistan as his company's "number one target" outside Europe, believing that the results achieved there will open the door to markets across Central Asia. For Uzbekistan in turn, this is not merely a technical upgrade, but an opportunity to integrate into European production chains and build domestic technological competences.

Third — cooperation in the fields of education, science, and cultural and humanitarian ties. In this domain, Uzbek-Czech partnership has its deepest roots and the most enduring future. The number of Uzbek students enrolled at Czech universities has grown from approximately 350 in 2020 to between 600 and 700 today, predominantly in technical, economic, agricultural, and IT disciplines. The Czech government's annual award of scholarships for citizens of Uzbekistan provides an additional incentive.

Of particular note is the fact that direct contacts have been established at the inter-university level. The National University of Uzbekistan cooperates with Charles University and the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague; the Tashkent Medical Academy maintains ties with the First Faculty of Medicine at Charles University; and a number of other leading institutions collaborate with Mendel University in Brno. The talks confirmed mutual interest in further expanding academic exchanges, including joint degree programmes, which will open fundamentally new career horizons for students of both countries.

Worthy of mention in this context is also the scientific and archaeological dimension of bilateral ties. Since 2003, Termez State University has been conducting a joint expedition with Charles University of Prague in the Surkhandarya region. Over the past two decades, nine previously unknown Bronze Age sites and fourteen Early Iron Age monuments have been discovered, and maps and inventories of heritage sites across several districts have been compiled. This cooperation has continued regardless of changes in government and shifting political circumstances.

An equally significant aspect is the ongoing exploration of the possibility of resuming direct air services between Tashkent and Prague — a matter that at first glance may appear to be purely logistical, but which in practice opens up new opportunities for tourist, business, and academic contacts alike.

Coming to the fore as well are the prospects for systematic cooperation in the field of labour migration, reflecting the profound qualitative shifts taking place in the labour markets of both Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic.

In sum, assessing the outcomes of the visit, one can state with confidence that Uzbek-Czech relations are entering a qualitatively new phase of development. The intensive high-level dialogue, underpinned by concrete economic initiatives, technological agreements, and institutional mechanisms, lays a solid foundation for a long-term strategic partnership.

The implementation of the agreements reached opens broad prospects for the modernisation of the Uzbek economy, the development of high-technology industries, and the strengthening of human capital. For the Czech Republic, meanwhile, Uzbekistan is becoming not merely a trading partner, but a reliable gateway to one of the most dynamically developing regions of Eurasia.

Bakhtiyor Mustafayev

Deputy Director, Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) has prepared an infographic presenting key indicators of trade, economic and investment cooperation between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan over a nine-year period.

In recent years, economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan has been steadily expanding, now encompassing not only trade but also industrial cooperation across various sectors, particularly energy and agriculture.

A solid legal framework has been established to support bilateral cooperation across multiple areas. In 2018, the countries signed a Treaty on Strategic Partnership, followed by a Treaty on Allied Relations in 2024.

Tajikistan is among Uzbekistan’s key trade and economic partners, ranking 9th among importers of Uzbek goods and accounting for 2% of Uzbekistan’s total exports.

Bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan is conducted under a free trade regime, with total trade turnover approaching $1 bn.

Bilateral Trade Indicators

Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan increased 3.8 times over 2017–2025, from $237.9 mln to $912.4 mln. Exports grew 3.7 times, from $186.1 mln to $683.1 mln, while imports rose 4.4 times, from $51.8 mln to $229.3 mln. Uzbekistan’s positive trade balance expanded 3.4 times, from $134.3 mln to $453.8 mln.

In 2025, compared to 2024, trade turnover increased by 29.9%, exports by 24.1%, and imports by 13.8%.

The structure of Uzbekistan’s exports to Tajikistan in 2025 totaled $683.1 mln and included: industrial goods (various knitted and felt products, plastic products, rolled metal, etc.) – $222.7 mln (32.6%); machinery and transport equipment (including electrical goods) – $58.7 mln (8.6%); petroleum products (gasoline, gas oil, bitumen) – $53.1 mln (7.8%); chemical products (polymers, sulfates, silicates, fertilizers, paints) – $53 mln (7.8%); food products (animal feed, eggs, confectionery, processed meat products, etc.) – $48.2 mln (7.1%); miscellaneous manufactured goods (construction materials, ready-made garments, silk fabrics) – $21 mln (3.1%); non-food raw materials– $8.1 mln (1.2%); other goods (including goods traded by individuals) – $70.1 mln (10.3%); as well as services (mainly railway transport) – $147.4 mln (21.6%).

The structure of imports from Tajikistan in 2025 totaled $229.3 mln and included: metal ores and concentrates (zinc, copper and precious metals) – $108.9 mln (47.5%); coal – $22.3 mln (9.7%); aluminum – $25.4 mln (11%); electricity – $17.9 mln (7.8%); cotton fiber – $17.6 mln (7.8%); fruits – $7.4 mln (3.2%); ferrous metals – $5.1 mln (2.2%); poultry — $2.4 mln (1.1%); plastic waste – $1.8 mln (0.8%); sulfur, feldspar and others; as well as services (mainly railway transport) – $6.6 mln (2.9%).

Investment Cooperation

As of March 1, 2026, there are 420 enterprises in Uzbekistan with Tajik investment (2.2% of the total number of enterprises with foreign investment), including 110 joint ventures and 310 enterprises with 100% Tajik capital.

In 2025, compared to 2024, the volume of foreign direct investment (FDI) and loans attracted from Tajikistan tripled, increasing from $64 mln to $196 mln. Over 2017–2025, the total volume of attracted FDI and loans from Tajikistan amounted to $373 mln.

The main areas of activity of enterprises with Tajik capital include trade, construction materials production, food industry, transport and other services.

Enterprises with Uzbek investment are also successfully operating in Tajikistan. In particular, major joint projects are being implemented in the energy sector, including the construction of hydropower plants on the Zarafshan River. With the participation of private capital from Uzbekistan, the joint venture “Artel Avesto Electronics” was established in Tajikistan in 2019, producing more than 10 types of household appliances.

Prospects for Trade Expansion

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan share a common border and have well-developed transport infrastructure. Given the short delivery distances, transportation costs can be relatively low, which creates favorable conditions for expanding exports.

In this context, Tajikistan represents a promising market for increasing exports of finished products from Uzbekistan that are not produced domestically in Tajikistan and are imported. These include automobiles, household appliances—especially large-sized goods such as refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners—as well as certain food products, textiles, chemical and other goods.

According to the survey results, entrepreneurs are increasingly reporting higher demand, employment growth, and an overall improvement in business conditions.

The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) presented the results of its business climate analysis based on monthly surveys of entrepreneurs across the country.

Based on the collected data, a composite Business Climate Index has been developed, reflecting both current business conditions and expectations for the next three months.

Business Climate Dynamics in Uzbekistan

As of February 2026, the composite Business Climate Index reached 65 points (on a scale from −100 to +100), which is 11 points higher than in the same period last year.

The improvement in the business climate was primarily driven by rising business expectations, which increased by 13 points to 81. Additional support came from improved assessments of current business conditions, which rose by 10 points to 51.

The survey indicates positive trends across key business activity indicators. The share of entrepreneurs assessing the current business situation as “good” increased to 44%, compared to 38% in February of the previous year.

The proportion of enterprises that increased their workforce rose to 19%, up from 12% a year earlier. Meanwhile, 34% of respondents reported an improvement in business conditions over the past three months, compared to 28% last year.

In addition, 39% of respondents reported increased demand for their products, up from 22% in the same period last year.

Sectoral Dynamics of the Business Climate Index

In a sectoral breakdown, improvements in the business climate were observed across all major sectors of the economy compared to the previous year.

The most significant improvement was recorded in agriculture, where the index increased by 29 points to reach 73. This growth was driven by both improved current conditions and a substantial rise in expectations.

The share of entrepreneurs assessing conditions as “good” rose to 56%, compared to 41% a year earlier. Meanwhile, 52% reported increased demand (35% previously), and 49% noted an improvement in the business environment over the past three months (32% previously).

In the services sector, the business climate index increased by 8 points to 61. While assessments of current conditions remained relatively stable, expectations improved.

Entrepreneurs maintain strong expectations regarding demand in the coming three months, with 72% reporting anticipated growth, close to last year’s level (71%). At the same time, employment has been gradually increasing, with the share of firms expanding their workforce rising to 16%, compared to 12% previously.

In the construction sector, the business climate index rose by 8 points to 69. Improvements were observed in both current assessments and expectations. Entrepreneurs are increasingly reporting higher employment and demand, reflecting stable sectoral dynamics.

The share of respondents reporting improved business conditions over the past three months increased to 34%, compared to 26% a year earlier. Meanwhile, 27% reported workforce expansion (15% previously), and 80% expect demand to increase in the next three months, up from 77% last year.

In industry, business climate growth was more moderate, increasing by 2 points to 67. At the same time, business expectations remain high, with continued growth in demand and gradual employment expansion.

Over the past three months, 32% of entrepreneurs reported increased demand, compared to 29% a year earlier. Workforce expansion was noted by 22% (13% previously), while 77% expect further demand growth in the next three months, also exceeding last year’s level.

Barriers to Business Activity

According to the survey, 61% of entrepreneurs reported no constraints in their operations, up from 57% in the previous month, indicating an overall improvement in the business environment.

Compared to the previous month, the share of respondents reporting difficulties related to access to credit, electricity supply, transport, and logistics has declined. At the same time, there has been a moderate increase in concerns related to access to land resources, utility costs, and tax rates.

CERR Sector for Competitiveness and Investment Activity Analysis

Tel: (78) 150 02 02 (441)

CERR Public Relations and Media Sector

Tel: (78) 150 02 02 (417)

In recent years, the deepening cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan has emerged as a significant new strategic direction across Eurasia. Two countries standing at the historic crossroads of ancient trade routes are now consistently building a modern “architecture of connectivity” that permeates all key areas, including the economy, culture, education, and technology. Their shared centuries-old historical roots, dating back to the era of the Great Silk Road, are being transformed into concrete projects and initiatives capable of strengthening economic resilience, ensuring technological independence, and creating a solid foundation for regional integration.

Since the early 2020s, relations between Tashkent and Islamabad have been developing steadily, largely driven by the strong political will of the leaders of both countries. The Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, signed in 2021, set a high pace for bilateral dialogue, opening a new chapter in the history of relations. Regular meetings at the highest level, active consultations between the foreign ministries, and engagement within international forums make it possible to address pressing issues in a timely manner, identify mutually acceptable solutions, and explore promising areas of cooperation.

A vivid confirmation of the strengthening bilateral ties was the official visit of the Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Uzbekistan in February 2025 and his meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The leaders of both countries expressed deep satisfaction with the impressive dynamics of multifaceted cooperation encompassing the economy, investment, transport, digital technologies, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

Admiring the achievements of Uzbekistan’s large-scale reforms under the Presidency of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Shehbaz Sharif stated that “miracles are possible only through a clear vision, high dynamism, hard work, and a resolute pursuit of a common goal.”

The culmination of the Prime Minister’s visit was the establishment of the High-Level Strategic Partnership Council, which imparted a new strategic impetus to bilateral relations. This step not only consolidated the prior agreements but also created a strong institutional platform for systematic cooperation.

The legislative framework of bilateral cooperation plays a key role in strengthening strategic interaction between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. A special contribution in this regard is made by inter-parliamentary friendship groups, which consistently promote legislative initiatives aimed at simplifying business procedures, increasing transparency, and creating a reliable legal environment for the implementation of joint projects. Their work forms a long-term platform of trust that ensures stability and predictability in bilateral relations.

The economic sector, in turn, serves as the most visible indicator of cooperation dynamics. Pakistan confidently ranks among Uzbekistan’s leading trade partners in South Asia, demonstrating strong interest in the Uzbek market. Over recent years, bilateral trade turnover has increased manifold and continues to grow steadily. In 2025, mutual trade exceeded $440 million, which is twelve times higher than in 2016, with particular attention drawn to Uzbek exports amounting to over $320 million.

These figures not only reflect the growing interest of businesses in both countries in expanding mutually beneficial cooperation but also demonstrate the emergence of a more diversified and resilient trade model incorporating new industries and segments. The current environment creates a foundation for further development of investment flows, financial services, and joint projects in mining, energy, and digital technologies, opening additional opportunities for deepening strategic partnership.

In line with agreements reached at the highest level, concrete steps have been outlined to increase bilateral trade turnover to $2 billion in the near future.

An important tool for achieving this goal has been the Preferential Trade Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which provides customs benefits for 17 categories of goods from each side. This significantly facilitates market entry for companies and stimulates the expansion of trade flows.

At the same time, business ties are expanding rapidly. An increasing number of Uzbek and Pakistani companies are finding partners, establishing joint ventures, and exploring new niches. As of October 1, 2025, around 180 companies with Pakistani capital are operating in Uzbekistan, reflecting growing business confidence in joint projects and long-term partnership.

Cooperation spans a wide range of sectors – from the textile and food industries to the production of construction materials, electrical equipment, and logistics. Regular meetings of the intergovernmental commission, business forums, and specialized exhibitions serve as effective platforms for direct dialogue, experience exchange, and contract signing. The agreements concluded at these venues already amount to hundreds of millions of dollars, generating tangible economic returns and laying a solid foundation for further expansion of cooperation.

In 2024, Tashkent hosted the first International Exhibition “Made in Pakistan” and a joint Logistics Forum, featuring more than 80 leading Pakistani companies. These events created a platform for direct business dialogue, demonstrating real opportunities for joint ventures and logistics cooperation.

In turn, a national exhibition “Made in Uzbekistan” was held in Lahore in February 2025, resulting in the signing of 181 bilateral trade agreements worth $500 million. These events clearly illustrate mutual interest in expanding trade turnover and growing business confidence in bilateral cooperation prospects.

Significant progress has also been achieved in investment cooperation. In 2024, $33 million in Pakistani investments were utilized within joint projects, and from January to July 2025 this figure more than doubled, reaching nearly $70 million. This steady growth reflects increasing interest in long-term projects, confirms the stability of the business environment, and opens new opportunities for expanding strategic partnership.

Active work continues on joint projects in the textile, pharmaceutical, perfumery, and agricultural sectors, allowing both sides to strengthen traditional industries while developing new high value-added niches. Notably, Uzbek companies are conducting feasibility studies in Pakistan for the production of household appliances, tractors, smart meters, and modern gas blocks, opening avenues for technological exchange and the adoption of advanced manufacturing solutions.

Particular attention is paid to the digital sphere, where a broad range of promising initiatives is emerging: software development, IT solutions for business and public services, and joint startups and innovation projects. This direction accelerates technological modernization, enhances competitiveness, and facilitates the integration of digital products into key sectors of the economy.

Trade infrastructure development is also a key priority. In 2025, Uzbek trade houses were opened in Lahore and Karachi, with plans to establish Pakistani trade missions in Tashkent and Samarkand. These initiatives simplify market access, stimulate business cooperation, and strengthen trust within the business community.

Thus, the combination of industrial, digital, and infrastructure cooperation creates a multi-level platform for accelerated bilateral development, transforming Uzbek–Pakistani cooperation into a strategically significant and mutually beneficial endeavor.

Transport infrastructure remains a priority area of dialogue. Central and South Asia have historically been interconnected through trade and cultural routes, and today targeted efforts are underway to restore this natural connectivity. Improved logistics, new transport corridors, and simplified transit procedures create real opportunities to boost trade and deepen cooperation. For landlocked Central Asian countries, reliable transport links are a key factor in sustainable growth and regional integration.

One of the flagship projects is the Trans-Afghan Railway, a strategic corridor capable of transforming regional transport networks, strengthening the countries’ positions within the Eurasian economic space, and establishing a solid foundation for trade, investment, and logistics flows between Central and South Asia. By reducing delivery times from several weeks to 3–5 days and cutting transport costs by 40% or more, the route will significantly enhance the competitiveness of regional goods on global markets and stimulate export-import activity.

In 2025, tangible progress was achieved: key components of the feasibility study were prepared, and intergovernmental consultations on the route design and financing terms continue, reinforcing the project’s practical implementation.

Energy cooperation is another vital area with significant joint potential. Projects in geological exploration, oil and gas development, and modernization of processing facilities can ensure strategic energy security, diversify energy sources, and stimulate industrial growth in both countries.

Along with economic cooperation, cultural and humanitarian interaction is actively developing, as the peoples of Uzbekistan and Pakistan share a rich historical heritage rooted in the Silk Road era. This commonality manifests in joint scientific projects, educational initiatives, and cultural exchanges that strengthen human ties and build long-term trust.

In Pakistan, special attention is given to the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s concept of the Third Renaissance, viewed as a continuity of Uzbekistan’s rich historical and scientific legacy. The intellectual and spiritual traditions shaped by scholars such as Al-Horezmi, Mirzo Ulugbek, and Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur inspire modern educational and innovation initiatives, reinforcing cultural and intellectual bonds between the two nations.

Tourism deserves special mention as an important component of bilateral cooperation. Uzbekistan, with its unique spiritual and architectural heritage, is increasingly attracting Pakistani tourists and pilgrims. Ancient cities and the mausoleums of prominent scholars – Imam Bukhari, Imam Termezi, and Bahauddin Naqshband – reveal the country’s rich cultural and scientific traditions while strengthening people-to-people ties as enduring as official interstate agreements.

Improved transport connectivity has become a key catalyst. Direct flights between Islamabad and Tashkent, as well as between Tashkent and Lahore, enabled over 10,000 Pakistani tourists to visit Uzbekistan in 2025 – nearly 2.5 times more than in 2023. This data highlights both growing demand for tourism routes and the effectiveness of integration measures in transport and logistics.

Taken together, tourism, cultural, and economic initiatives form a solid platform for deepening connectivity between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. This comprehensive cooperation model not only enhances economic potential but also strengthens long-term trust, making bilateral relations a key component of regional integration between Central and South Asia.

The upcoming visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Islamabad early February 2026 will mark an important milestone in enhancing strategic partnership. It will open new opportunities for joint initiatives, activate projects in the economy, transport, energy, and digital technologies, and provide additional momentum to cooperation, enhancing its practical impact and strategic significance.

Today, it is especially important to maintain the high momentum of interaction, expand practical cooperation mechanisms, cascade dialogue to lower governance levels, and more actively engage regions, small and medium-sized enterprises, the academic community, youth, and civil society institutions. Such a comprehensive approach will not only consolidate achievements but also ensure sustainable growth of mutual cooperation, creating a platform for new joint projects and initiatives at all levels.

Thus, the “bridges of friendship” built between Uzbekistan and Pakistan – rooted in shared history, traditions, and spiritual affinity – connect the past and present while opening the way for deeper comprehensive cooperation. They transform traditional mutual trust into sustainable and long-term partnership forms that will serve as a foundation for expanding interaction at all levels, from local initiatives to strategic projects of regional significance.

Nigora Sultanova,

Chief Research Fellow at the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

In an era characterized by growing disunity among global powers, the strategies employed by so-called “middle” states in forging stable regional relations present promising solutions for achieving international peace and cooperation. Uzbekistan, a Central Asian nation situated at the heart of the historic Silk Road, and Finland, a Nordic state with a unique experience as a neutral border state during the Cold War, exemplify how a consistent commitment to dialogue can contribute to regional stability amidst the complexities of global relations.

Geographically separated, these countries have developed strikingly similar approaches to ensuring sustainable development, peace, and stability in their regions. They address key regional security challenges by strengthening multifaceted and mutually beneficial good-neighborly relations with their neighbors. Additionally, they engage in multilateral, long-term partnerships with interested countries and organizations.

While Uzbekistan and Finland have been shaped by different historical contexts, these experiences have contributed to the development of a shared diplomatic philosophy centered around stability, cooperation, sovereign equality, mutual respect, and multilateral interaction.

Central Asia, a region steeped in ancient history, has long been a cultural and historical hub. Centuries ago, it was a unified space where politics, economics, and culture intertwined seamlessly. As one of the cradles of human civilization, Central Asia boasts a rich tapestry of history and a vibrant cultural heritage that has shaped universal values. These values emphasize cooperation over confrontation, tolerance over imposition, and the belief that the well-being of neighbors is intrinsically linked to one’s own.

Since gaining independence in 1991, Uzbekistan has consistently championed a policy of regional interaction. This policy, which gained prominence under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2016, became a cornerstone of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy. Tashkent’s “diplomatic offensive” to enhance intra-regional cooperation became one of the most significant policy changes that transformed relations in modern Central Asia.

Tashkent’s unprecedented focus on dialogue and building trust with neighboring states has transformed Uzbekistan into the primary organizer of cooperation in the region. It has advocated for the development of multilateral interaction mechanisms, spanning various domains such as water resource management, transport corridor expansion, industrial cooperation, border demarcation, and regional security.

The positive impact of these policy changes has reverberated throughout the entire region. After 2016, economic cooperation witnessed a remarkable surge, leading to a nearly doubling of the total GDP of Central Asian states from $273 billion to $520 billion. Trust and strengthened ties between countries have facilitated a 4.5-fold increase in intra-regional trade, soaring from $2.4 billion to $11 billion. Moreover, the number of tourists visiting the region has doubled, further boosting its appeal.

The collective openness and enhanced stability have become attractive factors for third countries, resulting in a significant increase in the region’s foreign trade. This growth has seen a remarkable rise of over 200 percent, from $112 billion to $253 billion.

Finland’s diplomatic traditions were shaped by its unique position at the crossroads of Eastern and Western “spheres of influence.” Its vulnerable geographical location drove its pursuit of interaction and stability.

Finland consistently advocates for strengthening friendly relations with all countries, particularly its neighbors, and fostering ties within Nordic cooperation structures like the Nordic Council, the Council of Ministers of the Nordic Countries, and the Nordic Investment Bank.

This approach is reflected in Finland’s active involvement in the OSCE with aims to enhance dialogue and trust.

Finland’s 2025 OSCE chairmanship, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, holds symbolic significance. It exemplifies Finland’s commitment to building bridges, fostering dialogue, and cultivating trust, aligning with its dialogue-based foreign policy. Finnish diplomacy consistently emphasizes the importance of strengthening common positions and approaches among states, reflecting Finland’s consensus-oriented diplomatic style, which Uzbekistan shares as well.

It’s worth noting that both countries adhere to the same fundamental principles of international law. Respect for national sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and the inviolability of borders serve as practical guidelines shaping Uzbekistan and Finland’s foreign policy, regional behavior, and international positioning.

Tashkent’s approaches to regional interaction resonate with Helsinki’s priorities for cooperation with the Nordic and Baltic countries. Uzbekistan’s efforts in resolving border disputes and collaborating on water resources in the region mirror Finland’s approach to peacebuilding and fostering cooperation.

Furthermore, both countries have established themselves as advocates of results-oriented cooperation. They are pragmatic architects of projects that create mutual benefits and strengthen regional stability and interregional connectivity.

Under the leadership of President Sh. Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan is actively promoting the development of transport infrastructure within Central Asia and with neighboring regions, including the West, East, and South. For instance, the development of the “Middle Corridor” (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route) has led to a remarkable six-fold increase in cargo shipments along it over four years, from 2020 to 2024, reaching a substantial volume of 4.5 million tons. Tashkent is also actively involved in the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and is promoting connectivity between Central and South Asia.

Economic cooperation and environmental protection are additional pillars of Uzbekistan’s regional strategy. These aspects play a crucial role in Uzbekistan’s environmental programs, particularly in mitigating the consequences of the Aral Sea disaster.

Finland, following a similar pattern of project-oriented cooperation, has been an active participant in initiatives of the Nordic Council and the Barents Euro-Arctic Council. These initiatives encompass cross-border cooperation in environmental protection, innovation, and people-to-people contacts. Finland also promotes initiatives of the Trans-European Transport Network and Arctic connectivity.

Known for its leadership in environmental protection, Finland actively participates in cross-border economic projects with partners from the Nordic and Baltic countries.

Alongside their close cooperation with countries in their respective regions, Uzbekistan and Finland pursue a policy of strategic multilateralism. Both countries actively participate in various regional and global institutions, reflecting their shared views that modern challenges require collective responses. They believe that “middle powers” can exert effective influence through institutional engagement.

Since 2016, Uzbekistan has significantly increased its involvement in regional organizations, primarily the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), and various United Nations bodies.

Additionally, the “Central Asia +” (C5+1) platform, now comprising over 10 partner countries and organizations, actively promotes interregional cooperation. Notably, the inaugural “Central Asia – European Union” summit held in April 2025 resulted in an agreement on “deep and comprehensive cooperation” between the two regions.

Finland’s international engagement, while having a longer history, also follows a similar pattern of active institutional participation. As a member of the European Union since 1995 and multiple international organizations, Finland maintains its traditional interactions with regional structures in Northern and Baltic Europe.

As the international landscape becomes increasingly intricate, Uzbekistan and Finland encounter similar challenges that test their historically established unique diplomatic approaches.

Uzbekistan faces the primary challenge of sustaining the momentum for deepening regional partnership and intensifying cooperation with external actors amidst escalating geopolitical tensions, environmental threats, and economic shocks.

From Uzbekistan’s perspective, responding to the changing geopolitical landscape and the economic transformation needs of Central Asia requires strengthened cooperation, both among Central Asian countries and between regions.

Finland’s challenge lies in finding a balance between its commitments within the EU and NATO and its traditional role as a mediator in building consensus and dialogue, particularly in organizations like the OSCE, where it continues to promote “strengthening dialogue and trust.”

Overall, Uzbekistan and Finland exemplify successful regional cooperation based on a consistent commitment to dialogue and interaction. Despite their distinct geographical and historical contexts, both countries have adopted similar foreign policy approaches focused on conflict prevention, institutional engagement, and pragmatic regionalism.

In an interconnected world characterized by great power rivalry, the diplomatic approaches of Uzbekistan and Finland serve as a reminder that sustainable security and prosperity are achieved through dialogue, cooperation, and practical collaboration, rather than diktat, isolation, or empty rhetoric.

And unsurprisingly, these foreign policy approaches positively impact the lives of their citizens. It’s not a coincidence that Finland consistently ranks as the “happiest country in the world” for the eighth consecutive year in the World Happiness Report. Similarly, Uzbekistan leads in the level of happiness among Central Asian countries in the same ranking.

Sharif Akhmedov,

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

TASHKENT, January 14. /Dunyo IA/. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Olimjon Abdullaev held a meeting with the Ambassador of Latvia Reinis Trokša, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the MFA, the main agenda of the meeting was to discuss expanding cooperation in the field of external labor migration.

During the talks, the topics of organized labor migration of citizens of Uzbekistan to Latvia, simplification of the visa regime, creation of a legal framework in the field of labor migration and establishment of joint educational institutions and centers, as well as attracting specialists from Latvia to train potential labor migrants were discussed.

The parties noted the importance of strengthening cooperation between the relevant agencies of the two countries in protecting the rights of labor migrants and confirmed their readiness to further develop bilateral relations in the field of external labor migration.

In October, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will pay a visit to the Kingdom of Belgium, during which important decisions are expected to be made that will mark a qualitatively new stage in relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union. In particular, the visit will feature the signing of the Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has been actively shaping a new framework of engagement with Europe – a key pillar of stability amid current geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty. The ties between Uzbekistan and European countries continue to grow, and the areas of cooperation are diversifying, supported by the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan.

Building a New Chapter in Relations

After gaining independence, Uzbekistan’s relations with the European Union developed dynamically. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Uzbekistan and the European Commission was signed in 1992, followed by the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1994. The foundation of cooperation was laid by the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) signed in June 1996 and entering into force in 1999. However, at a certain stage, cooperation faced difficulties due to the insufficient pace of democratic reforms in Uzbekistan.

With the election of Shavkat Mirziyoyev as President, the situation changed dramatically. As early as 2017, during his visit to Tashkent, Stefano Manservisi, Director-General for International Cooperation and Development of the European Commission, stated that “the EU regards Uzbekistan as a strategic partner.” The sweeping democratic and economic reforms launched in Uzbekistan helped resolve within a short period many issues that had long remained unsolved. Forced labor was completely eradicated, and reforms in the cotton sector enabled the country to abandon raw cotton exports altogether.

As reforms advanced, the legal and institutional framework of relations with Europe expanded rapidly. While previously Uzbekistan and the EU granted each other most-favored-nation treatment under the PCA, in April 2021 the EU granted Uzbekistan GSP+ beneficiary status, and in 2022 the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) was initialed.

Along with internal transformation, Uzbekistan’s foreign policy architecture also changed. Priority was given to closer cooperation with neighboring Central Asian states, as well as the active expansion of ties with European countries – a vector that has strengthened steadily in recent years.

Just in the past year, Uzbekistan established strategic partnership relations with France, Italy, and Slovakia, while discussions on expanding strategic cooperation with Hungary continued. President Mirziyoyev also visited Slovenia, and Italy’s Prime Minister and Bulgaria’s President visited Uzbekistan.

A milestone in strengthening relations between Uzbekistan and Europe, and between Europe and Central Asia as a whole – was the first EU–Central Asia Summit, held in Samarkand in April 2025 under the chairmanship of Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Uzbekistan presented a broad range of initiatives to create a new model of regional cooperation between Central Asia and Europe, including: a multilateral agreement on investment protection and promotion; the launch of a Central Asia–EU Joint Chamber of Commerce; the adoption of a regional support program for SMEs and women’s entrepreneurship; the establishment of an investment platform to promote regional projects in green energy, innovation, transport, infrastructure, and agriculture.

The Samarkand Summit was highly productive. A Joint Declaration was adopted, establishing a strategic partnership between the two regions in trade, transport, energy, digital connectivity, and water management. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU had prepared a €12 billion investment package for Central Asia under the Global Gateway initiative.

The Trajectory of Economic Cooperation

Uzbekistan’s deep democratic transformations have significantly improved relations with European countries. Economic reforms have enhanced the competitiveness of Uzbekistan’s economy, stimulating investor confidence and growing interest from European businesses.

The results are impressive. Over the past 8 years, Uzbekistan’s GDP has doubled, reaching $115 billion in 2024. Since 2017, investment in fixed capital has totaled $240 billion, of which foreign investment exceeded $130 billion. The country’s foreign exchange reserves surpassed $48 billion for the first time in history. Structurally, the share of industry in the economy increased from 20% to 26%, and services from 44% to 47%. Labor productivity (GDP per employed person) rose by 45%.

As a result, opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation between Uzbek and European businesses have expanded. Between 2017 and 2024, Uzbekistan’s trade with the EU increased 2.4 times to $6.4 billion; exports grew 3.6 times to $1.7 billion, and imports 2.2 times to $4.7 billion. In 2024, the EU’s share in Uzbekistan’s total trade turnover was 9.7%, in exports 6.3%, and in imports 12%. The EU ranked third among Uzbekistan’s trade partners, after China and Russia.

The EU’s share in Uzbekistan’s total exports increased from 3.8% to 6.3% over the same period. This growth was driven by Uzbekistan’s accession to the GSP+ preferential trade system, granting duty-free access to the EU market across roughly 6,200 tariff lines. The share of Uzbekistan’s exports benefiting from GSP+ reached 59%, with a preference utilization rate of 84%, indicating efficient use of trade benefits.

In 2024, Uzbekistan’s exports to the EU were dominated by chemical products (52.1%), as well as textiles, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, minerals, and food products. Among EU members, France accounted for 47.2% of exports, Lithuania for 10%, and Latvia for 6.9%.

Uzbekistan’s imports from the EU significantly exceeded exports – a reflection of the ongoing technological modernization of the national economy. Around 16% of Uzbekistan’s total imports of machinery, equipment, and transport vehicles come from EU countries.

Investment cooperation is also expanding rapidly. In 2024, foreign investments and loans from EU countries and their financial institutions increased by 77%, reaching $4.1 billion (compared to $2.3 billion in 2023). The most active investors were Germany ($1.37 billion), the Netherlands ($1.05 billion), Cyprus ($858.9 million), the Czech Republic ($137.8 million), Italy ($99.8 million), and Sweden ($97.5 million). Today, around 1,000 enterprises with EU capital operate in Uzbekistan, with a total project portfolio of €30 billion.

A special role in recent years belongs to the EBRD, of which Uzbekistan has become one of the largest beneficiaries. The Bank’s total investments in Uzbekistan’s economy exceeded €5 billion, including around €1 billion in 2024, primarily directed toward the private sector.

Reforms in Uzbekistan have become the key driver for unlocking the significant potential of trade and economic cooperation with the European Union.

Uzbekistan–Belgium

The upcoming visit will also focus on strengthening relations between Uzbekistan and Belgium. Diplomatic relations were established following the opening of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Brussels in 1993. In 1996, the two countries signed an Agreement on avoidance of double taxation, and in 1998 – an Agreement on mutual protection and promotion of investments, which provide legal guarantees for investors in both states.

Business contacts have intensified in parallel with Uzbekistan’s reform agenda. The visits of 2019 and 2022 set the tone for cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and the digital economy. More important than the current trade volumes has been the recognition and support of Uzbekistan’s reforms by EU partners, laying the foundation for long-term engagement.

In 2024, bilateral trade amounted to $62.3 million, including $7.3 million in Uzbek exports and $55 million in imports. Investment cooperation is gaining momentum: several dozen companies with Belgian capital now operate in Uzbekistan, including wholly owned enterprises. New technologies are being localized, for example, Jaga Climate Designers is participating in a joint venture for heating and ventilation systems, and Picanol Group is localizing the assembly of high-tech textile machinery. Belgian brands Belcolade and Prefamac are exploring opportunities to launch chocolate production with subsequent localization.

Despite modest trade volumes, there is significant potential for expanding cooperation in several areas. Given Belgium’s leading role in pharmaceuticals and biomedical research and Uzbekistan’s growing pharmaceutical market, joint ventures or industrial clusters could be developed in this sector, involving companies such as UCB and Janssen Pharmaceutica.

There is also strong potential for joint fruit and vegetable processing projects in Uzbekistan, targeting exports to the EU via Belgian logistics hubs such as the Port of Antwerp and wholesale markets. Potential partners include Greenyard and Puratos. Direct seasonal exports of fresh fruits (e.g., grapes in autumn and winter), as well as dried vegetables, spices, and organic products, could also be expanded. In light industry, there is room to increase exports of ready-made knitwear and home textiles, provided European quality and safety standards are met. The market potential is evident – Belgium imported about $7.9 billion worth of clothing in 2024.

The main challenges remain logistics and standards. Belgium functions as a major EU maritime hub centered around Antwerp, while direct routes from Uzbekistan are still limited. The near-term priority should be pilot supply chains ensuring quality and traceability, the development of cold logistics, certification under EU technical and sanitary regulations, the use of Benelux consolidation hubs, and trade finance tools for SMEs. With the gradual development of new overland routes along the Middle Corridor, Uzbekistan will gain a stronger foothold in high value-added exports without higher costs or delivery delays.

Conclusion

Uzbekistan is entering a stage of deepened economic cooperation with the European Union. During the ongoing modernization and digital transformation of its economy, European investment, technology, education, and research experience can play a key role. At the same time, Uzbekistan seeks to expand exports of industrial goods as their quality improves.

Uzbekistan is also a rapidly growing market with a young and dynamic population, now reaching 38 million people – an 18% increase since 2017. Every year, around 700,000 economically active individuals enter the labor market, forming a substantial human resource base for the economy, including joint ventures.

As a result of poverty reduction policies, living standards and household incomes have risen significantly. Whereas a third of the population once lived below the poverty line, 7.5 million people have been lifted out of poverty, and the poverty rate declined to 8.9% in 2024, with plans to reduce it further to 6% this year. These policies not only address social challenges but also expand domestic demand, increasing the interest of European businesses in entering Uzbekistan’s market.

The further deepening of Uzbekistan’s economic engagement with the EU and Belgium is an objectively mutually beneficial process – one that will define the success of the upcoming state visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Belgium.

The agreements expected to be signed will help advance joint projects in sustainable energy and infrastructure, strengthen transport and technological connectivity between Central Asia and Europe, and position Europe as a key partner in Uzbekistan’s long-term growth and modernization trajectory.

Оbid Khakimov,  

Director of the Center for
Economic Research and Reforms

Amid growing water scarcity and climate instability in Central Asia, Uzbekistan and Finland are implementing a unique form of scientific cooperation that combines digital innovation with sustainable water resource management.

In 2021, the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at the rational development of natural resources through advanced technologies. Today, this project stands as an example of scientific diplomacy that unites European expertise with Uzbekistan’s potential.

From Paper Maps to Digital Models.

For many years, hydrogeological maps of Uzbekistan existed only in paper form. Within the framework of the joint project, they were digitized using the ArcGIS platform, creating a unified national groundwater database. This digital transformation enables specialists to monitor aquifer conditions, analyze water balances, and forecast the impacts of climate change.

Finnish experts conducted a series of training programs for Uzbek specialists, introducing modern methods of digital mapping and data processing. This strengthened the professional capacity of the sector and laid the foundation for scientifically grounded and transparent water resource management.

Scientific Practice: Experimental Site in Akhangaran.

An experimental site was established in the Akhangaran district of the Tashkent region, where joint research teams conducted geophysical studies and developed digital models of groundwater flow. The obtained data help predict groundwater levels, plan water supply systems, and identify areas vulnerable to drought.

The use of the MODFLOW software package made it possible to create models that provide scientifically based solutions for water resource allocation — particularly important for regions with limited water reserves.

European Partnership for Climate Resilience.

Cooperation with Finland is part of a broader European agenda aimed at supporting climate adaptation and sustainable development in Central Asia. By combining European technologies with Uzbekistan’s scientific resources, the project demonstrates how international partnerships can strengthen ecological security and water stability.

The results of the joint work were published in the journal Water (Scopus) under the title “Assessing Climate Change Impacts on Groundwater Recharge and Storage Using MODFLOW in the Akhangaran River Alluvial Aquifer, Eastern Uzbekistan.”

Furthermore, new areas of cooperation have opened — with the University of Padua (Italy) in geological risk monitoring, and with the Belarusian Scientific and Production Center for Geology in groundwater observation.

Looking Ahead.

The joint project between Uzbekistan and Finland is more than a transfer of technology — it represents a step toward creating a new culture of rational water use and responsible climate action. The establishment of a national digital hydrogeological database will become a key element in the country’s environmentally sustainable development.

As Europe and Central Asia continue to strengthen cooperation in water, energy, and climate, the Uzbek-Finnish project serves as a model of how scientific initiatives can deliver tangible environmental and social benefits.

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

During one of his visits to the Kashkadarya province, President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, emphasized the profound wisdom and exemplary value embedded in the literary works dedicated to our historical figures. In particular, he highlighted the significance of texts related to Amir Temur, most notably the Temur tuzuklari (Institutes of Temour), which he identified as a critical source for understanding our national heritage. The President stressed again the necessity of comprehensive scholarly engagement with this text, recognizing it as a testament to the intellectual and statecraft traditions of the Uzbek people.

The Temur tuzuklari commissioned by Amir Temur, occupies a prominent place in the historiography of world civilization. Its significance is multifaceted. First, the authorship is attributed to a statesman of exceptional strategic and intellectual capacity, and the text has remained a subject of sustained scholarly interest. Second, the clarity of the work’s prose enhances both its accessibility and its continued relevance. Third, the work was produced in a period marked by geopolitical realignments and intellectual developments that would later contribute to the European Renaissance. Finally, Amir Temur’s enduring stature within a multipolar global order, all of these factors emphasize the broader historical value of the text, which continues to engage both academic and general audiences.

Temur tuzuklari is a very simple yet deeply meaningful and richly substantive work. To write such a piece, the author must possess a broad worldview, have personally experienced the heavy footsteps of history and the hardships of building an immense state, and must have attained the status of a noble figure who could easily fathom the world, deeply understand history and geography, be well-versed in ethnonymy, toponymy, and be capable of drawing profound conclusions about life, the flow of the world, and the paths of existence, a figure at the level of a wise philosopher. In other words, the Turon saltanati (Turanian kingdom) was the creation of Amir Temur. He referred to himself as the “Sultan of Turan”. In 1391, these words were inscribed in Old Uzbek on stone in Dasht-i Kipchak Steppe. That empire was built through the arduous labor of our forefather, and its institutions did not emerge spontaneously, but arose from pressing necessity (emphasis by the author). Temur tuzuklari came about as a vivid expression of all of this.

Only an individual of Amir Temur’s stature, who, as the historian Nizomiddin Shomiy described, attained perfection and high rank through his own mature effort and determined striving,” and who had acquired firsthand experience in the art of empire-building, could have created the Tuzuklar. The authorship of such a piece lies solely within the capacity of such a figure; there can be no room for doubt in this regard. In fact, a close reading of the Temur tuzuklari reveals the expansive intellectual breadth of its author.

Another important point: it would be illogical, a fundamental error, to suggest that this intellectually rich and thematically mature work, which has been the subject of scholarly inquiry for six centuries and continues to attract global interest, was authored by an anonymous writer and merely “presented” to Amir Temur, with authorship later attributed to him as a gesture of “flattery”. Such speculation lacks credibility. Moreover, Major William Davy, Persian secretary to the Commander in Chief of the Bengal Forces, was the first translator of the Tuzuklar into English, emphasizing that Amir Temur was the genuine author of the work.

The composition of the Tuzuklar appears to have been an iterative process, spanning several years and undergoing multiple revisions, abridgments and expansions.

The Arab historian Mazhar Shihab, as cited by Ubaydulla Uvatov, affirms that “Amir Temur began recording his memoirs long before he assumed power”. This observation suggests that Temur maintained a long-standing interest in documenting his thoughts and experiences and that he may have been reluctant to delegate such a task to others, either  out of concern for accuracy or due to the absence of individuals he deemed suitably qualified.

The Temur tuzuklari, enriched with wisdom, also offers invaluable insight into Amir Temur’s character. The text depicts him as a champion of justice, committed to truth, loyalty, and the well-being of his people. He is portrayed as magnanimous, fearless, and principled ruler. He bravely strives to uphold the rights of the oppressed against the tyrants, for he knows that a country may endure with disbelief but cannot tolerate oppression.

Alisher Navoi, a contemporary of Amir Temur’s legacy, begins the seventh chapter (majlis) of his work “Majalis un-Nafais” (The Assemblies of the Refined) with the name of Amir Temur Kuragon. Navoi portrays the Sahibkiran as an intellectual and a man of high spirituality, awarding him the most prestigious place among the “refined souls”.

Navoiy also recounts a remarkable episode that illustrates the Sohibqiron’s powerful memory. When a long-sought criminal–Xoja Abdulkadir Marogi, famous composer, musician, the Qur’an reciter–was finally brought before Amir Temur, the man began reciting the Qur’an in a melodious voice. Moved by the recitation, Temur’s wrath softened and he forgave the offender. Deeply affected, the Sohibqiron then recited a line of poetry in response.

Navoiy was astonished by this poetic line. The Sohibqiron had recited the fourth line of a rubai (quatrain) composed by the renowned Sufi poet and sheikh Abusaid Abulxayr, who had lived about four centuries earlier. Amir Temur had become enamored with this verse and had committed it to memory. This incident reveals not only his deep appreciation for poetry but also his exceptional memory and reverence for spiritual literature. These are precisely such moments that justify the inclusion of Temur’s name in “Majalis un-Nafais”.

Amir Temur was deeply invested in ensuring the accuracy and truthfulness of the work being produced. In this context, the guidance, instructions, demands, advice, and reflections he directed toward the authors, reflecting his intellectual acuity and refined cultural sensibilities, are particularly compelling and merit close scholarly attention.

One thing appears particularly striking: for nearly two centuries after Amir Temur’s death, no information can be found regarding Tuzuklar or its fate. The work seemed to have been engulfed in a darkness of neglect and oblivion.

“The 'Tuzuk-i-Timuri” (Temur Tuzuklari) was a high document of the empire and a state secret; such a document exists in only one, at most two copies, kept in strict confidentiality and secrecy.

Major Davy once wrote the following about Boburnoma: “The book of Baburnama, too, remained in the shadows of neglect and forgetfulness until nearly the middle of the reign of Bobur’s grandson, Emperor Akbar (1566–1605), when it was finally translated from Chagatai Turkic into Persian. Until that time, no one in either Asia or Europe had questioned the authenticity of Babur’s memoirs. Nevertheless, this work, like Tuzuklar, eventually faced a similar degree of scholarly neglect.

An essential scholarly and cultural imperative now rests with leading institutions, including the International Amir Temur Public Foundation, the State Museum of the History of the Temurids, the Al-Beruniy Institute of Oriental Studies of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Institute of History of the Academy of Sciences and the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, as well as with the broader intellectual community: namely, to locate the original manuscript of the “The 'Tuzuk-i-Timuri” - Temur tuzuklari, subject it to rigorous academic scrutiny, and reintegrate this foundational text into the corpus of the nation’s cultural and historical legacy.

The recovery of the authentic manuscript, an unparalleled artifact that reflects the political thought and historical consciousness of a pivotal epoch, would constitute a landmark achievement in the advancement of Uzbek historiography and civilizational self-understanding.

        Muhammad ALI

                              Chairman, International Amir Temur Public Foundation

                                      Distinguished Writer of Uzbekistan, Professor

The first session of the Fergana Peace Forum, titled “Fergana Valley: Uniting Efforts for Peace and Progress” is scheduled for October 15–16, 2025, in the city of Fergana.

Next week, the city of Fergana will transform into a focal point for international dialogue and cooperation, hosting key stakeholders from across the region and beyond. This gathering underscores the city’s growing importance as a center for promoting peace, mutual understanding, and collaborative development in Central Asia.

The Forum will be organized by the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISRI), jointly with the Center for Progressive Reforms, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and the Peacebuilding Hub — a platform that brings together reputable international organizations specializing in peacebuilding and social cohesion.

Entitled “Fergana Valley: Uniting Efforts for Peace and Progress” the Forum is organized in partnership with the National Institute for Strategic Initiatives under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, and Institute of studying of the problems of Asian and European countries of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan.

The two-day forum will bring together over 300 participants from Central Asian countries, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), as well as from Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Among the high-level guests are Head of the UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze, European Union Special Representative for Central Asia Eduards Stiprais, Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre Kate Fearon, Secretary-General of CICA Kairat Sarybay and Deputy Secretary-General of the SCO Sohail Khan.

A key feature of the upcoming session will be its inclusive nature, with participation from representatives of civil society, youth organizations, women’s associations, as well as expert and academic communities.

Leading international peacebuilding institutions such as Berghof Foundation (Germany), the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation (Finland), the PeaceNexus Foundation (Switzerland), and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) will also be at the Forum. Reflecting a commitment to be inclusive, the Forum will also draw participation from youth, women groups and the academia circle. 

The Forum aims to create a standing platform for promoting dialogue, mutual trust, good-neighborly relations, and for developing a shared strategy for the development of the Fergana Valley.

The forum’s agenda includes discussions on ensuring stability and sustainable development in the Fergana Valley, unlocking its economic potential, strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties, and expanding the roles of the private sector, youth, and civil society.

The Forum will see the first observation of the “Yntymak Day” (“Day of Unity”) which celebrates the unity in diversity spirit of communities in Fergana Valley. 

Among the anticipated outcomes of the forum is the adoption of a Communiqué calling for the establishment of a unified space of friendship, good-neighborliness, and sustainable development in the Fergana Valley.

At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, underlined that “the era of closed borders, unresolved disputes and conflicts in Central Asia has receded into the past. In recent years, the volume of mutual trade, investment and transport flows in our region has increased fivefold. Joint investment funds, cross-border trade and industrial cooperation zones are being established, while major infrastructure projects are under implementation”.

The President of Uzbekistan emphasized that “today marks the beginning of the formation of a New Central Asia. Thanks to its unity, stability, and growing regional identity, it is securing an increasingly strong position as an independent actor in the system of international relations”.

“Peace in Fergana Valley has been made possible by strong commitments in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and by the diverse communities who have transformed differences into strength. The First Peace Forum on Fergana Valley will showcase how this political resolve and communities’ bond could usher peace,” said Eldor Aripov, Director of ISRS.   

According to him, “The Ferghana Forum is intended to create a new image of the Ferghana Valley as a space of peace, harmony, and opportunity,” demonstrating that the political will of the countries’ leaders and the unity of their peoples can ensure stability and prosperity in the region”.

Dunyo IA

We are the luckiest children of our people. We are fortunate to see the days dreamed of by our Jadid ancestors and to build the future they desired. During the events of the seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, I was once again convinced of this.

         In recent years, Central Asia has acquired a new image on the world political map. Today, it is recognized that the countries of the region are not competitors, but reliable partners moving together on the path of development and cooperation. Consequently, other regions and powerful states are seeking to engage with us, envisioning a future in harmony with the spirit of Central Asia. This is not without reason. Because in the international arena, various conflicts and the pursuit of solely material interests have intensified. In such a situation, thanks to the political will and wise decisions of our President, a completely new policy, inherent to our people—one of openness and magnanimity—has gained priority in our region. All Central Asians rejoice in this. Why? Because our peoples have lived as neighbors, in-laws, sharing joys and sorrows as one nation.

         In awakening the spirit of Central Asia, our President first took the path of bringing our peoples closer together. We wisely used the power of literature and art to elevate relations to a new stage. In particular, various events and festivals were organized among cultural representatives of our countries. As part of state visits, performances by art and culture representatives and grand concerts have become commonplace.

         Our President has turned the gifting of books to his colleagues into a tradition. At the time, we understood this only within the framework of cultural ties. Time itself shows that the path chosen by our President is the way to reach the hearts of the people!

         After all, the peoples of Central Asia consider Khazrat Navoi their ancestor. Likewise, we also love Jami, Fuzuli, Makhtumkuli, and Abai just as we do Bobur or Alisher Navoi. We value the epic of Manas as if it were our own, and we read the works of Aitmatov more than anyone else. This alone indicates that our peoples have lived for centuries as close as flesh and nail. The leader of our state elevated such important aspects to the level of state policy. This opened a path to the hearts of our peoples. As a result, the seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia was rich in historic events. Importantly, following its conclusion, very important decisions for the future of the region were adopted.

         In particular, a concept for regional security and stability in Central Asia was adopted. In today's global world, security is of paramount importance. In such a situation, one cannot develop in isolation. Where there is peace, there is also stability. That is why the new Central Asia is seen on the international stage as a peaceful and stable zone. Our region has not only natural resources and economic potential but also a sufficient level of human capital. At a time when mutual conflicts and economic blockades are intensifying in various parts of the world, it is also true that Central Asia's ability to maintain stability is seen as a lifeboat for others.

         Maintaining this stability and achieving economic growth by utilizing its opportunities is not easy. Anyone who closely observes the working regime of our President understands this correctly. Because the leader of our state works day and night to strengthen international ties. From the world podium, he is advancing not only national but also universal human interests. He calls for resolving any conflict and dispute through peaceful, diplomatic means.

         It is these calls, aspirations, and initiatives that have awakened the spirit of Central Asia today. The entire region has unanimously decided to safeguard security and stability together. As our President put it, we have deeply understood that our strength is in unity, and our path to success is in friendship and cooperation.

         In recent years, relations in the "Central Asia Plus" format have expanded. Our region is demonstrating a unified position on the international stage. At the same time, it is actively integrating into the world economy. Investment attractiveness is growing, export opportunities to third markets are expanding, and transit potential is increasing. For example, last year, the mutual trade volume between our countries reached 10.7 billion US dollars. The total volume of investments attracted to our region increased by 17 percent.

         Further enhancing economic relations and correctly assessing the rapidly changing, unpredictable geopolitical processes is an urgent task. In this sense, it is gratifying that at the Consultative Meeting, a catalog of threats to Central Asian security and measures to prevent them for 2026-2028 were outlined.

         The Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia was established on the initiative of our President. The leader of our state chaired its seventh meeting. During this period, our cooperation has been highly effective. To further enhance the potential of cooperation, over 20 major events were held. A forum for inter-regional cooperation at the level of deputy prime ministers was launched. Likewise, meetings of ministers were held for the first time. In particular, ministers of geology, industry, agriculture, ecology, and culture held meetings.

         Due to such aspects, we are right to say that a new era of the Consultative Meeting has begun. Just one example: now, member states will engage in separate, individual cooperation in each sector within the Consultative Meeting. We were convinced of this once again at the ministerial meetings.

         Within the framework of the international congress on "Central Asia: Common Spiritual and Educational Heritage – Common Future" at the Islamic Civilization Center, we held our first meeting with the culture ministers of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. Various issues of multilateral cooperation were discussed. We discussed issues of cooperation in various fields of culture and art. We exchanged views on the current state of regional cultural cooperation and future plans.

         Our peoples have one thing in common. That is, people listen more to elders, to individuals respected by the community. They follow them. Precisely this aspect is considered our unique strength, unlike other regions. Therefore, for the future, vital issues were raised about expanding cultural exchange among cultural figures. As a result, we reached agreements on expanding regional cultural cooperation.

         Mutual respect and magnanimity among peoples do not appear by themselves. It must be admitted that the human psyche has a strong tendency towards negative information. In today's global world, we see enough examples of this. Our President, deeply understanding this very aspect and analyzing it thoroughly, created the opportunity for cultural workers to strengthen such ties. I believe that cultural workers, and intellectuals in general, are responsible for further developing peace and mutual understanding in the region. It is precisely we who must prepare and present to our peoples the positive content that will lead to this. In this sense, we united around a common idea to hold joint events and festivals in the fields of art, literature, cinema, theater, and music. Such events remind us of ourselves once again. They sing the universal ideas, friendship, and magnanimity promoted by Navoi, Jami, Fuzuli and Makhtumkuli, Abai and Aitmatov, which are the cause for awakening the spirit of Central Asia today.

         The gratifying aspect is that we will also expand joint projects for the study, restoration, and digitization of cultural heritage. Furthermore, we will develop exchange programs among young creators. We reached an agreement on organizing seminars, conferences, and summer schools. We also exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in training and advanced training in the field of culture and art. Importantly, positive opinions were expressed on developing a "Central Asian Cultural Brand."

         Observing this process, the meetings and agreements at the level of state leaders, I felt that today Central Asia has truly become a single region, a unified force. Our peoples have gone through many trials to reach this day. We can see this in the example of our Jadid ancestors. Thankfully, the river that flows, flows on. Our ancestors always called the people of the world to enlightenment, friendship, and kindness. Today, we, as a single region, continue this eternal tradition. It is gratifying that the leader of our state is wisely using these values of ours not only for our country but also for the benefit of the whole world. This was clearly evident in the initiatives put forward by our President at the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia.

         In particular, an initiative was put forward to establish an Council of Elders, comprising respected public figures with life experience and authority, based on the values and traditions of people's diplomacy. At the same time, it was emphasized that further improving cooperation mechanisms and the contractual-legal basis is of fundamental importance. Especially, the initiative to transform the Consultative Meeting into the strategic format of a "Central Asian Community" became the words in all our hearts.

         Because now Central Asia is not just a region, but is strengthening its place on the world political map as a single voice, a united force. That is why our President emphasized in his speech at the seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia: "I am fully confident that today we are on the threshold of a period of historical awakening of our region as the New Central Asia."

         Precisely for this reason, developed countries are eager to cooperate with us. This is a great opportunity for the countries of the region. Using it wisely depends on our ability to protect our unity, friendship, and interests in a coordinated manner. In New Uzbekistan, it is recognized as a people-oriented policy precisely because such important aspects are always the focus of attention. The scale of countries wishing to cooperate with us confirms how sincere these recognitions are. There are two important reasons for the strong aspiration of developed countries towards New Uzbekistan. First, New Uzbekistan has become known as a state promoting the ideas of peace and humanity.

         Here, a vital truth must be stated. No matter how a person may appear in a hostile guise, they still strive to live for peace and friendship. Countries are the same. They may engage in various conflicts for their own interests. But deep down, they desire peace and prosperity. The foreign policy position of New Uzbekistan offers guarantees of this peace and friendship.

         The second important point is that thanks to the people-centered foreign policy, Central Asia has achieved unity. Now it is not seen as a field for labor or natural resources. Rather, it is seen as a new force with broad economic power in the international arena. During the Consultative Meeting, the leaders of the countries were at the Islamic Civilization Center. Our President emphasized that this center is a unique platform for creating scientific knowledge and ideas, conducting research, and popularizing our common cultural-historical heritage. Therefore, it is natural for the center to become a haven for the scientific and spiritual elevation of youth.

         We certainly have grounds for saying this with full confidence. At the Consultative Meeting, our President proposed to regularly organize the first International Congress dedicated to spiritual heritage and enlightenment ideas. According to it, the congress will be held annually in the country chairing the Consultative Meeting.

         All this shows that the countries of Central Asia are uniting not only because of economic or security issues, but because they are familiar with enlightenment. We know well that relationships built solely on material interests are fragile. In our region, however, live peoples with a single history, a common past. This is the reason for a unity that surpasses any material interests. That is why, at the meetings of state leaders, issues of culture and enlightenment always find a place on the agenda. This evokes boundless pride and honor in our hearts. At the same time, it also imposes the responsibility of being a generation worthy of such honorable days. For, at a time when the educational policy of New Uzbekistan is opening new horizons in Central Asia, being worthy of it is the duty and debt of every child of this land