The year 2025 marked a stage of qualitative renewal and consolidation of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy positions. Amid a complex and ambiguous international environment characterized by rising geopolitical tensions, the transformation of global institutions, and intensifying competition for resources and markets, Uzbekistan, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, consistently pursued an open, pragmatic, active, and proactive foreign policy. This approach not only helped preserve the stability of external relations but also infused them with new substantive content aligned with the country’s long-term interests and domestic development priorities.

As emphasized by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in his Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people on December 26, 2025, “in recent times the country has been becoming an international platform for dialogue where global issues are discussed.”

As an integral part of the large-scale socio-economic reforms underway in the country, the diplomatic strategy of New Uzbekistan was aimed at creating favorable external conditions for economic modernization, attracting foreign investment and tourists, expanding export potential, and strengthening humanitarian and cultural ties. The foundations of this foreign policy course remained the principles of openness, equal partnership, mutual respect, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, and strict adherence to international law.

Political dialogue at the highest level with prominent world leaders has reached a new stage and become regular. New agreements have been reached with the leaders of the United States, China, Russia, France, Italy, Turkey, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia and a number of Arab states. In 2025, the number of bilateral meetings at the level of heads of state and government exceeded 55, which indicates a growth in mutual trust with foreign partners.

A similar trend was observed in the development of intensive high-level political dialogue. Throughout the year, high-level Uzbek delegations carried out 172 visits to 93 countries, covering virtually all key regions of the world. Representatives of ministries, agencies, and regional administrations also played a substantial role in shaping the international agenda. With the support of diplomatic missions, they undertook around 300 official visits to more than 50 countries, bringing foreign relations to a more practical and results-oriented level.

Acting as an active host, Uzbekistan has become one of the centers of world diplomacy. This is clearly demonstrated by the fact that the country has hosted forums, assemblies and conferences of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the United Nations Civil Service, the UNESCO General Conference, the International Climate Conference, the Tashkent Summit of the countries of the region and a number of other major events. Our country has hosted over 120 high-level foreign delegations, as well as about 300 delegations from regional authorities of foreign states. These contacts have contributed to the development of interregional cooperation, the establishment of direct links between business circles and the expansion of the legal framework for cooperation.

Central Asia traditionally occupies a special place in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy strategy. In 2025, this priority received further institutional development. Uzbekistan chaired the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, with the chairmanship implemented for the first time on the basis of a comprehensive standalone program. Its agenda covered economic cooperation, transport connectivity, environmental issues, rational use of water resources, and humanitarian exchanges.

The organization of more than twenty major events and the holding in Tashkent of a summit of Central Asian leaders—historic in its outcomes and chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev—became the culmination of regional diplomacy for the year. These developments confirmed the region’s aspiration to deepen mutual trust and pursue joint development.

Today, we can say with confidence that our vast region is becoming a unified, fully-fledged player in world politics for the first time in a long time. This is evidenced by the growing attention of the international community and the changed perception of the region on the global stage. A striking example is the development of the ‘Central Asia Plus’ formats, which in 2025 were filled with new concrete practical content. The summits with the European Union, China, Russia, the United States and Japan clearly demonstrated the region's increased role in global politics and strengthened its position as an area of stability, predictability and mutually beneficial cooperation.

An important direction of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy in 2025 was the further expansion of its geographical reach. Alongside traditional partners in the CIS, Europe, and Asia, contacts with countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America were intensified. The first-ever bilateral high-level engagements with Slovakia, Serbia, Jordan, Paraguay, and several other states testified to the consistent expansion of Uzbekistan’s international presence. As a result, the total number of countries with which Uzbekistan maintains diplomatic relations reached 165.

Against this backdrop, several events of strategic significance had a profound impact on Uzbekistan’s foreign policy positioning in 2025. The signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the European Union and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Brussels marked a transition in relations with the EU to a qualitatively new level. The agreement established a solid legal framework for deepening political dialogue, expanding trade and economic ties, attracting investment, and developing cooperation in sustainable development, the green economy, and digitalization, while also reflecting the high assessment by European partners of Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms.

Continuing its course toward expanding and deepening engagement with key global centers of power, Uzbekistan steadily developed relations with the United States. A landmark event in this regard was the successful outcome of the “C5+1” summit held in Washington in November, which brought together the leaders of the United States and the Central Asian states. Uzbekistan’s role in this format has been widely recognized by international experts and policymakers as that of a key initiator of regional cooperation and a responsible partner of the United States in the areas of sustainable development, security, economic interaction, and humanitarian ties.

Equally significant was the participation of the President of Uzbekistan in the session of the United Nations General Assembly. The head of state’s address from the UN’s main international platform reaffirmed the country’s commitment to multilateralism, peaceful dialogue, and the collective search for solutions to pressing global challenges.

In 2025, four resolutions initiated by Uzbekistan were adopted by the UN General Assembly, reflecting the country’s priorities in sustainable development, regional security, and humanitarian cooperation. In addition, Uzbekistan was elected to several authoritative UN bodies, underscoring the growing trust of the international community.

A historic event of the year was the holding of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand. For the first time in forty years, this forum took place outside Paris, representing unprecedented recognition of Uzbekistan’s cultural, historical, and civilization significance. For several days, Samarkand became a global platform for dialogue on education, science, and culture, strengthening the humanitarian dimension of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy and its image as a center of intercivilizational interaction.

Alongside active political diplomacy, economic diplomacy developed dynamically in 2025, firmly establishing itself as one of the key instruments of the country’s foreign policy. Systematic work within the framework of “Ministry of Foreign Affairs — diplomatic missions — sectoral agencies — regions” yielded tangible results in attracting foreign investment and expanding external economic ties. Over the first ten months of the year, USD 34.4 billion in foreign investment was mobilized with the support of diplomatic missions.

The effectiveness of Uzbekistan’s economic policy received high praise from international financial institutions and rating agencies. In 2025, Fitch Ratings and S&P upgraded the country’s sovereign credit rating from “BB-” to “BB,” while Moody’s revised its outlook from “stable” to “positive,” reflecting growing confidence in the economy and the sustainability of ongoing reforms.

The intensification of foreign economic activity also contributed to the growth of trade indicators. Over the first eleven months of 2025, Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover reached USD 72.7 billion, with exports amounting to USD 30.8 billion—an increase of USD 6.6 billion compared to the same period of the previous year. A significant reduction in the trade deficit was the result of targeted efforts by diplomatic missions to diversify markets and promote domestic products abroad.

Tourism, as an element of “soft power,” played an important role in shaping Uzbekistan’s positive international image in 2025. Over eleven months, the country was visited by 10.7 million foreign tourists, with more than one million foreign visitors welcomed each month on average. Active participation in international exhibitions, large-scale promotional events abroad, and the hosting in Tashkent of the first “Central Asia–European Union” Tourism Forum helped strengthen Uzbekistan’s position as one of the most promising tourist destinations in the region.

Considerable attention was also devoted to protecting the rights and interests of Uzbek citizens abroad, an important humanitarian dimension of foreign policy. From January to September 2025, more than 385,000 consular actions were carried out, including the return of unlawfully confiscated documents and the recovery of unpaid wages, alongside the implementation of programs facilitating the return of compatriots to their homeland. In parallel, digital consular services were improved, the geography of visa-free and simplified entry for Uzbek citizens was expanded, and cooperation with diaspora communities was strengthened.

In summary, the outcomes of 2025 clearly demonstrate that Uzbekistan’s foreign policy has reached a high level of maturity, consistency, and effectiveness. The country not only strengthened its positions on the international stage but also successfully leveraged diplomatic instruments to support domestic development, enhance investment attractiveness, and improve the quality of life of its citizens. Uzbekistan concludes the year with an expanded network of partnerships, a robust legal and contractual framework, and a clear vision for the future—remaining open to the world and looking ahead with confidence and optimism.

Dunyo IA

Today, global development is proceeding at an unprecedented pace of urbanization — by 2050, nearly 68% of the world’s population is expected to live in cities.

This process is also advancing rapidly in Uzbekistan: the country’s population has exceeded 38 million, the urbanization rate has reached 51%, and nearly 20 million people now live in urban areas.

According to economic analyses, every 1% increase in the urbanization rate grows the economy by at least 1% and accelerates investment flows and startup development — making reforms in this sector of strategic importance.

With this in mind, within the framework of Uzbekistan’s urbanization policy, the practice of “chaotic construction” has been abandoned in favor of smart and integrated territorial development — an approach recognized as essential in global best practices.

One of the most important institutional steps was the establishment of the National Committee for the Sustainable Development of Urbanization and the Housing Market. This body serves as the central “think tank” unifying architecture, economics, and social policy into a single system.

To reduce administrative barriers in the construction sector, the number of permitting stages has been cut by a factor of 3, and processing timelines by a factor of 4. Additionally, 420 outdated urban planning norms have been restructured, replaced by 140 modern regulatory documents.

Furthermore, in Uzbekistan, land ownership no longer automatically grants the right to build — the process is now based on the principle of integrated territorial development.

Most importantly, a strict principle has been enshrined in law: schools, clinics, and modern utilities must be built before or simultaneously with residential construction.

These new mechanisms provide, above all, trust and financial stability. To ensure stability in the housing market and strengthen buyer confidence, measures have been taken to fully eliminate the risk of “unfinished constructions.” To this end, a system of escrow accounts is being widely introduced in Uzbekistan for the first time.

Through this modern mechanism, citizens’ funds are securely held in banks until the keys to the property are handed over. Developers, in turn, gain access to affordable and convenient project financing. As a result, urban development has transformed from a chaotic process into a managed industry operating under transparent rules.

Development Strategy and Achievements

Over the past eight years, 120 million square meters of housing have been built across the country. The total volume of construction work grew from 30 trillion soums in 2016 to 314 trillion soums last year, and the sector now employs more than 3.5 million people.

According to the state’s long-term priority strategy, the following key targets have been set:

• Raise the urbanization rate to 60%;
• Increase housing provision from 18.9 square meters per capita to 23 square meters;
• Nearly double the annual housing construction volume to 30.3 million square meters.

Innovative Mega-Projects and an Ecological Approach

The most vivid practical expression of this strategy is the “New Tashkent” mega-project, rising across 20,000 hectares. Designed for a population of 1 million residents, this ecologically clean, high-tech metropolis implements the globally recognized “15-minute city” concept. The project includes the creation of a 420-hectare “green belt,” the planting of 200,000 trees, and a fully ecological transport system (electric buses, metro, and bicycle lanes).

These high living standards are not limited to the capital. Across the country, 56 “New Uzbekistan” residential districts, each designed for at least 70,000 residents and equipped with rich social infrastructure, are being constructed at an accelerated pace.

In conclusion, Uzbekistan has formed a sustainable and effective model for managing urbanization, encompassing the National Committee, the escrow system, and the smart “New Uzbekistan” districts. By transforming modern cities into ecologically clean, socially oriented, and livable spaces, the country is establishing a high benchmark for urbanization in the Eurasian region.

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.

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

Leading international media outlets - including “CNN”, “Forbes”, “The Wall Street Journal”, “The Economist”, “Arab News” and “China Daily” - characterize the project as a “global-scale megaproject”, “pearl of Central Asia and a space that is shaping the modern understanding of Islamic civilization”.

The opening of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan has sparked broad international interest and has become a focal point for the world's leading media. Publications about the Center have appeared in more than 20 countries and in 7 languages - including English, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Turkish and Russian - reaching a total audience of over 1.5 billion people. These materials, prepared by international journalists, analysts and experts, reflect the high level of interest in the project from the global professional community.

International media emphasize the symbolic nature of this event. As “Arab News” notes, “the opening of the Center, initiated by President of Uzbekistan, took place during the holy month of Ramadan, just as the laying of the first stone did eight years ago, giving the project a special historical and spiritual continuity”. Meanwhile, “Khaleej Times” writes that the Center represents a “unique space where cutting-edge technology and modern scientific approaches are harmoniously combined”.

As “Forbes” notes, “under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the country is implementing a strategy of sustainable development and economic openness” and amidst rapid technological changes and growing global tensions - ranging from geopolitical conflicts to discussions on cultural identity - Center of Islamic Civilization “is transforming its civilizational heritage into a modern tool of soft power”. “The Wall Street Journal” points out that the Center “unites a rich historical legacy”, highlighting its integrative function.

“China Daily” refers to the Center of Islamic Civilization as “one of Uzbekistan's key cultural and scientific projects”, contributing to the strengthening of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Uzbekistan and China, while “The Korea Times” notes that the complex “reflects the humanistic and enlightening essence of Islamic civilization” and “serves as a modern platform for cultural dialogue and scientific collaboration”.

“Euronews” characterizes the Center as a “new hub for heritage and research”, bringing together scientific research, education and modern exhibition practices. The Spanish publication “ABC” notes that “Uzbekistan is reviving the legacy of the Great Silk Road”, linking the project to the region's historical role as a center of civilizational exchange.

In turn, Hungarian publication “Hello Magyar” emphasizes that “the complex's architectural concept is impressive not only for its grandeur but also for its full compliance with modern urban planning and environmental sustainability standards”, noting its architectural expressiveness and alignment with contemporary sustainable development requirements. The Turkish publication “Yeni Konya” characterized the Center of Islamic Civilization as a “monumental and majestic center that can be considered one of the most important historical, cultural and artistic achievements of the Islamic world in the last century”.

In Azerbaijani media, specifically the publication “Caliber.az”, Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan has been described as a “candidate for the Guinness World Records”, highlighting its immense scale and uniqueness.

Center is becoming more than just a new museum; it is part of a broader narrative - a story of how countries rediscover their heritage and make it accessible to the world. Today, the Center is already open to visitors. Experts also note the Center's potential influence on the development of cultural tourism. This new complex is capable of becoming a key attraction for international visitors, strengthening interest in Uzbekistan as a destination with a unique historical and intellectual legacy. However, judging by the attention from the global press, its significance extends far beyond tourism.

In the context of rapidly changing global economies, transport and logistics are becoming more than just infrastructure elements, but crucial instruments of economic and geopolitical influence. Against this backdrop, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is gradually emerging as one of the most promising platforms for regional cooperation in Eurasia. The development of transport and transit links, which are now becoming the foundation for the economic integration of the Turkic countries, holds a special place in the Organization's activities.

In this regard, the informal summit of the OTS, which will take place on May 14-15 this year in Turkestan (Republic of Kazakhstan), will be positive step in further strengthening the position of the Organization, deepening cooperation and uniting the efforts of all Turkic states.

Transport as the basis of a new Eurasian architecture

Today, the member states of the OTS interact in more than 40 areas – from economics and energy to digital technologies and artificial intelligence. However, transport sphere is gradually becoming the main driver of integration.

This is due to the unique geographical location of the Turkic countries. The region is located at the intersection of major international routes connecting Europe, Central Asia, China, the Middle East, and South Asia. A new Eurasian logistics system is effectively emerging, in which the OTS’s member states play a key link between East and West.

Amid the transformation of global supply chains and growing competition between international transport routes, the states of the region are striving not only to strengthen their own infrastructure but also to create a unified transit and logistics space.

Formation of a common transport policy

In recent years, a solid legal framework has been created within the OTS, which enshrines the strategic importance of this area in documents such as «Turkic Vision 2040» and «OTS Strategy for 2022–2026».

The 2022 Samarkand Summit was of particular significance, as it saw the signing of «Agreement on International Combined Freight Transport among the Governments of the Member States of the OTS» and «the Transport Connectivity Program». These documents ushered in a new era of cooperation among Turkic countries in the near future and established specific mechanisms for its implementation.

An important step was the introduction of the e-CMR system in 2026, which allows for the electronic transfer of transport documentation. This significantly simplifies transportation, reduces bureaucratic procedures, and expedites the passage of goods across state borders. At the same time, cooperation is developing in the digitalization of customs processes, the implementation of electronic permits, and the unification of transit procedures.

Institutional strengthening of cooperation

In recent years, the OTS has been consistently developing an institutional framework for transport integration, moving cooperation from a political and declarative level to a practical level. Regular meetings of the competent authorities of the Organization’s member states play a key role in this process.

Thus, at the meeting of OTS Transport ministers in April 2026 in Bishkek, the focus was on the development of transport corridors and the removal of border crossing barriers. Essentially, this is about creating a more coordinated regional transport system capable of increasing the competitiveness of OTS routes amid growing freight flows between Asia and Europe.

Meetings of heads of railway administration, held since 2022, serve a similar function. At the October 2025 meeting in Bishkek, issues of digitalization of transportation management and improving the efficiency of rail service were discussed. This demonstrates the desire of the OTS countries to unify transport procedures and reduce logistics costs within the region.

An additional step toward institutionalization was the creation of the Alliance of Logistics Centers and Cargo Carriers within the OTS in Tashkent in 2024. The establishment of this structure demonstrates a shift toward deeper business involvement in transport integration processes.

Transport corridors as a strategic basis for the integration of OTS countries

One of the key areas of the OTS's transport strategy is the creation of a unified space of transport connectivity, centered on the development of international corridors linking East and West, as well as North and South Eurasia.

The «Middle Corridor», connecting China and Europe via Central Asia and the South Caucasus, is particularly important in this system. Against the backdrop of the transformation of global logistics, geopolitical instability, and the desire of states to diversify trade routes, this corridor is becoming one of the most promising transport arteries in Eurasia.

While the volume of traffic along this route remained relatively limited in 2020, by 2025 it exceeded 5 million tons, an increase of almost sixfold. This demonstrates the gradual transformation of the «Middle Corridor» from an alternative route into an important element of the global transport system.

Moreover, the corridor's significance extends far beyond its purely transit function. For the OTS’s member states, its development means strengthening trade and economic ties, expanding access to external markets, attracting investment, and increasing the resilience of national economies to external challenges. In the long term, the «Middle Corridor» is seen as the foundation for the development of a new model of Eurasian connectivity.

A key element of this strategy is the implementation of the «China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan» railway project, which is already considered one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Central Asia. Construction of the highway, which includes 50 bridges and 29 tunnels with a total length of approximately 120 kilometers, is estimated to cost approximately $4.7 billion.

The project will significantly reduce freight delivery times between China and Europe, strengthen Central Asia’s transit potential, and enhance the integration of the OTS’s transport system. Essentially, this creates a new strategic route capable of transforming the region's logistics configuration.

Equally important is the development of the «Trans-Afghan Corridor», which opens OTS countries to the markets of South Asia, with a population of approximately 1,9 billion and a combined GDP of approximately $3,5 trillion. For Central Asian states, this creates opportunities to diversify foreign trade, expand export routes, and reduce transportation costs. At the same time, the Trans-Afghan route has the potential to become a factor in the economic stabilization of the region by boosting trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.

Uzbekistan as a Driver of Transport Integration in the OTS

Since the Republic of Uzbekistan joined the Organization of Turkic States in 2019, transport and logistics cooperation has become a key focus of the country's foreign economic strategy within the Organization. Against the backdrop of the transformation of global supply chains, the growing importance of alternative Eurasian routes, and increased competition among international transport corridors, Tashkent has consistently promoted initiatives aimed at creating a unified transport and transit space for the OTS.

The initiatives of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, play a key role in advancing this agenda. He views transport connectivity as a key factor in regional integration and economic development. At the OTS summit in Turkey in 2021, the head of state emphasized the need for systemic cooperation in transport and transit, effectively marking a shift to a more comprehensive approach within the Organization. This agenda received significant impetus at the 2022 Samarkand Summit, where Uzbekistan advocated for the development of multimodal routes and the implementation of the e-TIR, e-Permit, and e-CMR electronic systems.

Uzbek logistics centers Universal Logistics Services (Tashkent), Akhtachy (Andijan), and Termez Cargo Center (Surkhandarya) joined the «Sister Ports» initiative, marking a practical step toward integrating Uzbekistan’s transport infrastructure into the regional logistics network.

At the summit in Astana in 2023, Uzbekistan again emphasized the diversification of transport routes and the development of the «Middle Corridor», which, in the current geo-economic environment, is acquiring strategic significance as an perspective route between Asia and Europe. At the same time, Tashkent promoted for the expansion of transport routes connecting OTS countries with the markets of China, South Asia, and Europe.

A logical continuation of this line of action was the initiatives announced at the OTS summit in Bishkek in November 2024. The focus was on optimizing transit tariffs, simplifying border procedures, creating joint logistics mechanisms, and transitioning to electronic document management.

In May 2025, at the informal OTS summit in Hungary, Uzbekistan supported for the accelerated implementation of «single-window» systems and «green corridors» along the Trans-Caspian route. At the summit in Gabala in November 2025, special attention was paid to enhancing the competitiveness of the «Middle Corridor», modernizing infrastructure, and other areas. Particular importance was placed on linking this route with the «China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan» railway project and the «Trans-Afghan Corridor», which effectively creates a new system of transport connectivity across a vast region.

The International Forum on Multimodal Transportation held in Tashkent on November 12, 2025, was a practical confirmation of Uzbekistan's growing role in the OTS’s transport agenda.

Overall, the Turkic countries are already demonstrating a willingness to move beyond the idea of ​​partnership to the creation of a unified interconnected space. Joint infrastructure projects, the development of interregional corridors, the digitalization of logistics, and Uzbekistan’s active role in promoting these processes form the foundation of a new transport architecture within the OTS.

Sarvar Kamolov,

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

On 24 October 2025, Uzbekistan and the European Union signed the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) — a comprehensive framework that culminates negotiations launched in February 2019 and initialled in July 2022. More than a ceremonial milestone, the EPCA codifies a strategic upgrade in our relationship with the EU. It is broad in scope — nine titles, 356 articles, and 14 annexes — and practical in ambition: to align our cooperation with the realities of a rapidly changing world economy while reinforcing the rule-of-law foundations of sustainable development at home.

The agreement’s timing is revealing. Uzbekistan’s recent balanced, multi-vector foreign policy and people-centred reforms — strengthening the rule of law, expanding public administration openness, and advancing market reforms — have laid the necessary groundwork. These steps in human rights and governance have increased international confidence, enabling a rules-based partnership with Europe. The EPCA is both a vote of confidence in Uzbekistan’s reform trajectory and a tangible roadmap to deliver measurable outcomes.

Economically, the EPCA offers a clear pathway for integration and growth. It promotes approximation to EU norms on technical regulations, product safety, and sanitary and phytosanitary measures. The agreement is designed to reduce non-tariff barriers, simplify border procedures, and make our exporters more competitive in the EU market. It encourages joint ventures and industrial clustering, extends agro-processing and manufacturing value chains, and supports energy efficiency and industrial modernisation. In short: more trade, more investment, and more quality jobs at home.

Human capital is an equally central pillar. The EPCA expands cooperation across education, science, skills development, and public health. It encourages joint university programmes, faculty and student exchanges, and research grants — mechanisms that accelerate knowledge transfer and help align our skills base with the demands of a digital and green economy. The spillovers are immediate and tangible: better public services, higher productivity, and new career pathways for our young people.

The rule-of-law dimension is another strategic gain. Deeper cooperation on judicial reform, anti-corruption, data protection, and cybersecurity increases predictability for investors and protections for citizens. The agreement’s chapter on foreign and security policy expands dialogue on conflict prevention, crisis management, non-proliferation, and export controls. This cooperation supports regional stability, which is essential for long-term growth.

Connectivity is the backbone that makes these ambitions feasible. Through synergies with the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, the EPCA supports logistics hubs, border modernisation, and greener infrastructure. Better connectivity means lower trade costs, faster delivery times, and diversified export routes — practical levers for competitiveness. It also enables cooperation on water management, climate adaptation, and resilient energy systems — strategic priorities for a land-linked Central Asian economy.

Critically, the EPCA opens structured avenues for collaboration on critical raw materials needed for the green and digital transitions. This builds on the EU-Uzbekistan memorandum of understanding signed in 2024. It creates opportunities to upgrade domestic standards, attract responsible investment, and join higher segments of global value chains, while maintaining environmental and social safeguards.

Beyond the text, the joint statement issued at the signing underscores a shared commitment to the UN Charter and to the principles of independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity — principles that guide our positions in international fora. It also welcomes the outcomes of the EU–Central Asia Summit, including plans for a Central Asia–EU Economic Forum and a Trans-Caspian Connectivity Investors Forum in Tashkent in 2025. In short, the EPCA is embedded in a wider, forward-looking regional agenda.

In practical terms, success requires implementation of three clear priorities: coordinated institution building, enhanced business support, and transparent, data-driven tracking. These will ensure commitments translate to outcomes.

First, institutional coordination. Translating commitments into outcomes requires a whole-of-government mechanism with clear mandates, timelines, and dashboards. A national EPCA coordination council, supported by technical working groups, should steer approximation to EU standards, monitor progress, and troubleshoot bottlenecks.

Second, business enablement. Firms need guidance to navigate new standards and opportunities. An 'EU Helpdesk' for exporters and investors would offer practical advice on certification, rules of origin, and compliance. This would turn legal text into business practice. Expanding the capacity of testing, inspection, and certification bodies will further reduce transaction costs and speed market entry.

Third, open, data-driven delivery. Customs and trade facilitation should be fully digitised through single-window systems and interoperable data exchange. Regular public reporting on milestones — such as education partnerships, financed projects, and adopted standards — will sustain credibility and invite feedback from business and civil society.

The EPCA also aligns with Uzbekistan’s WTO accession path by encouraging market-based reforms and transparent, rules-based trade. As reforms deepen, our economy will see more diversified exports, stronger investor protections, and a more competitive domestic market. These outcomes raise household incomes and expand opportunity.

This agreement is ambitious by design. Ambition alone is empty; execution alone is stagnant. The EPCA combines both — setting a high bar and supplying the means to reach it. By acting decisively, we turn this framework into a catalyst for inclusive growth, institutional maturity, and global credibility.

Ultimately, the EPCA is more than a diplomatic success; it is the engine for Uzbekistan’s reform agenda. By linking citizen welfare, business competitiveness, and international engagement, the EPCA puts us on a path to fundamental transformation. The critical task ahead is to deliver on this promise and make the Uzbekistan-EU partnership impactful and enduring.

By Eldor Tulyakov,

Executive Director, Development Strategy Centre, Uzbekistan

The text of the article is in Uzbek!

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim!

Honorable chairman!

Distinguished heads of delegations!

I would like to extend my deep gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty the King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud for hosting this important summit today on the most urgent and painful issue on the global political agenda - the problem of Palestine.

Regrettably, since the historic meeting in Riyadh in 2023, the scope of this unfair and violent war has further widened.

Despite the resolute efforts and urges of the international community, flagrant violation of international norms and resolutions continues to this day.

We are all dismayed by the fact that now the flames of war encompass Lebanon as well.

As my colleagues have noted in their statements, these devastating and horrific attacks, which have caused the deaths of thousands of innocent children, women and the elderly, are turning into the darkest page of the new history of humanity.

One cannot watch without broken heart how social infrastructure facilities, schools, hospitals, mosques and even entire cities are turning into ruins, leaving millions of civilians homeless and doomed to hunger and disease.

Worst of all, as we all can see, this tragedy on the international arena is being approached through double standards.

This dramatically increases the potential for spillover of the war and poses a serious threat to international security.

Dear participants of the summit!

Uzbekistan fully supports all practical initiatives aimed at addressing the Palestinian-Israeli problem through peace and diplomacy.

In this regard, we believe that today's Summit will demonstrate common political will and unity, develop effective global and regional mechanisms and specific solutions, and swiftly put them in practice.

In first place, here we are referring to the need to drastically increase the role and influence of the United Nations and the Security Council in addressing this long-standing conflict.

Immediate cessation of military action, provision of safe humanitarian corridors and, most importantly, the initiation of peace negotiations should be at constant focus of this universal international structure.

Second. On November 15, the long suffering Palestinian people will celebrate their National Day - the Declaration of State of Palestine.

I am confident that this nation with an ancient and rich history has every right to establish an independent and free state within the borders of 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

In this regard, we fully support the activities of the Global Alliance for Implementation of the Two-State Solution, organized at the initiative of Saudi Arabia.

Third. In order to prevent an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Palestine and Lebanon, we need to expand the scope of assistance from our countries and within the framework of leading international organizations.

We support increasing the necessary assistance to the activities of UNRWA and other United Nations institutions, which have great experience.

In this regard, we express our readiness to provide free medical care to war-affected Palestinian children and women in Uzbekistan's hospitals.

We also intend to discuss the issue of extending practical assistance to the Palestinian people at the forthcoming GCC-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand next year.

Fourth. As part of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, we should attach greater attention to ensuring the sanctity and preservation of the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque and other unique historical and cultural sites in Jerusalem.

Dear heads of delegations!

I hope that our extraordinary meeting today will be a big step towards addressing the Middle East problem.

I pray to Allah Almighty to bestow peace and tranquility upon the world and further strengthen the unity of our Ummah.

Thank you for your kind attention.

From June 16^th to 19^th, the capital will host the 5^th Tashkent International Investment Forum, the country's primary investment platform and one of the region's largest business forums.

Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2026) has solidified its position as a key investment platform in Central Asia, bringing together states, international investors, and representatives of global business. The forum serves not merely as a platform for dialogue, but as a space where the region's practical investment agenda is actively shaped.

The core idea of the forum lies in the fact that Uzbekistan is consistently cementing its status as a regional investment hub, capable not only of attracting capital but also of defining long-term rules and directions for the economic development of Central Asia.

The scale of TIIF-2025 clearly demonstrated that the forum has transitioned to a new stage of its development. The event brought together more than 8,000 delegates from 97 countries, with the total volume of signed investment agreements reaching 30.5 billion US dollars. These indicators stand as some of the most significant results among regional investment platforms.

The growing number of participants, the broadening geography, and the increased volume of concluded deals bear witness to a notable strengthening of international business confidence in Uzbekistan's investment climate. The forum is increasingly perceived not as a one-off discussion platform, but as a sustainable mechanism for generating real investment solutions.

The significance of the Tashkent International Investment Forum is determined not only by its scale, but also by its practical value for participants. TIIF provides a unique opportunity for direct access to key economic and political decision-makers - ranging from heads of state and governments to representatives of international financial institutions, sovereign wealth funds and major corporations.

The forum cultivates a rare environment where the state, investors, and business are concentrated within a single space, allowing for a seamless transition from general discussions to concrete formats of cooperation. Within the framework of TIIF, B2B and B2G meetings are actively advanced, serving as the cornerstone for concluding investment agreements and launching new projects.

TIIF-2026, scheduled to take place from June 16 to 19 in Tashkent, will maintain and expand upon the framework of previous years, combining elements of high-level political dialogue, business negotiations, and sectoral discussions. The forum's program features a plenary session with the participation of heads of state, panel sessions, thematic pitch presentations, and an expanded exhibition showcasing the country's industrial and investment potential.

One of the defining features of TIIF-2026 is its exceptionally high level of representation, which brings together a unique concentration of political, financial, and corporate capital within a single venue. The forum features heads of state and government, including leaders from Central Asian and European nations, alongside executives from international organizations and multilateral development banks.

Among the participants are representatives from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), alongside sovereign wealth funds and export credit agencies. Such a composition ensures a direct link between state reforms, global financial institutions, and private capital.

The outcomes of the 4th Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2025) received widespread international acclaim from representatives of government structures, financial institutions, and global business, who noted Uzbekistan's growing role as the region's premier investment hub.

The Director of the Center for Global and Regional Studies (CEGREG), Professor Ikboljon Qoraboev (Kazakhstan), emphasized the scale and significance of the forum:

• Central Asia has once again taken center stage in the international business community. From June 9^th to 12^th, Tashkent hosted the 4^th Tashkent International Investment Forum - the largest regional investment platform, which is consistently gaining momentum and international resonance with each passing year. The scale of this year's forum is truly unprecedented, bringing together around 3,000 foreign delegates from nearly 100 countries.

TIIF is emerging as the premier platform for showcasing the industrial and economic potential of Central Asia, while the participation of state leaders, major investors, and international banks highlights the strategic significance of the forum as a window of opportunity for the region.

Associate Professor at the Azerbaijan State University of Economics, political scientist Emin Garibli (Azerbaijan), accentuated the integration significance of the forum:

• Tashkent International Investment Forum is emerging not only as a key economic platform for Central Asia, but also as a vital instrument for deepening integration processes between Europe and Asia. The forum strengthens Tashkent's status as a regional center of gravity for investment and demonstrates the country's resolve in advancing reforms within the framework of the New Uzbekistan strategy.

Executive Producer of CGTN, Zhang He (China), highlighted the investment impact of the reforms:

• The economic reforms implemented in Uzbekistan have created a more favorable environment for investors. Uzbekistan possesses immense potential in sectors such as industry, 'green' energy, agriculture, information technology, and tourism. This will serve to diversify investments and expand the manufacturing of high-value-added products.

Governor of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Nobumitsu Hayashi (Japan), noted the transformation of the forum's role:

• The forum has transformed into a fully-fledged regional platform, uniting business leaders and financiers from across Central Asia and Eastern Europe. The reforms in Uzbekistan are creating a predictable and attractive environment for long-term investments.

Chairman of the Chinese company CAMCE, Wang Bo (China), noted the practical value of the forum:

• This prestigious event opens up excellent opportunities not only for our company, but also for foreign investors seeking prospects in the dynamically developing economy of Uzbekistan. For foreign investors, Uzbekistan represents a unique opportunity, particularly in light of the WTO accession process. As the President noted, this will open up even greater prospects for sustainable development, making Uzbekistan an attractive destination for global investment.

Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2026) is cementing its role as one of the key platforms for investment dialogue in Central Asia, where not only the directions of economic policy are shaped, but also real mechanisms for interaction between the state and global capital are forged.

On the whole, the experience of previous years demonstrates that TIIF has already transitioned from a traditional conference format into a practical investment ecosystem that influences the structure of regional economic development. In this context, TIIF-2026 is viewed as the next phase in strengthening Uzbekistan's role within the global investment architecture and further expanding its integration into international capital markets.

Dunyo IA

Over the past decade, the socio-economic, cultural, humanitarian, scientific, and educational relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the countries of Central Asia have clearly demonstrated that the region's strategic partners have entered a fundamentally new stage of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the recent agreements and high-level meetings among the Presidents of the Central Asian states have provided a strong impetus to the development of educational transfer, scientific cooperation, joint innovation projects, and the modernization of systems for training highly qualified specialists.

It should be emphasized that geopolitical stability, economic prosperity, and sustainable development in Central Asia are directly dependent upon the quality of good-neighborly relations among the countries of the region. Since 2016, the incorporation of the principle of "Good Neighbourliness as a Foreign Policy Priority" into the foreign policy doctrine of the Republic of Uzbekistan has elevated cooperation with neighboring brotherly states to an entirely new strategic level.

For centuries, the peoples of Central Asia have been united by a common history, shared cultural heritage, religious traditions, and spiritual values. Today, in the era of globalization and the digital economy, these nations are advancing regional integration to a qualitatively new stage. The principal driving force behind this transformation is intellectual capital, embodied primarily in cooperation in the fields of higher education, science, and innovation.

Prior to 2016, relations among neighboring countries experienced a period of relative stagnation, with numerous long-standing issues remaining unresolved. However, thanks to the far-sighted foreign policy, effective diplomacy, and strategic leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, historical barriers were overcome, opening a new chapter in regional cooperation. This breakthrough created a stable foundation for the significant expansion of educational, scientific, and cultural exchanges throughout Central Asia.

A compelling example of this transformation can be found in the rapidly developing partnership between Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. The declarations on strategic partnership, friendship, and good-neighborly relations, together with numerous intergovernmental agreements signed during official visits of the two countries' leaders, have established a comprehensive legal framework comprising more than 200 bilateral legal and regulatory instruments.

Whereas bilateral trade amounted to only USD 150–200 million in 2016, by 2025–2026 it had exceeded USD 1 billion, reflecting the remarkable intensification of economic cooperation. The establishment of the Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan Development Fund has enabled the financing of dozens of industrial, logistics, and agricultural projects. Assembly plants producing automobiles under Uzbek brands have been launched in Kyrgyzstan, while joint ventures in textile manufacturing and the production of construction materials have also been established.

Furthermore, the commencement of the active construction phase of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway is expected to fundamentally reshape the transport and logistics architecture of the entire Central Asian region, creating new opportunities for regional connectivity and economic integration.

During the same period, cooperation between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic underwent profound transformation. Since 2016, universities of the two countries have significantly expanded direct institutional cooperation, resulting in numerous bilateral academic initiatives.

Among the most significant achievements has been the establishment of the Forum of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, which has evolved into one of the principal platforms for strengthening academic cooperation, promoting joint research, and expanding university partnerships between the two countries.

Over the past several years, Uzbekistan’s higher education system has evolved into one of the principal drivers of regional integration and is increasingly emerging as a leading educational and scientific hub of Central Asia.

Today, 3,020 students from the countries of Central Asia are enrolled in higher education institutions across Uzbekistan, reflecting the growing confidence of neighboring nations in the quality and international competitiveness of Uzbek higher education. This student community includes 1,554 citizens of Turkmenistan, 646 from Kazakhstan, 436 from Tajikistan, and 384 from Kyrgyzstan. Beyond acquiring professional knowledge and competencies, these students contribute to the formation of a common educational space through the exchange of academic, cultural, and intellectual experiences.

In order to provide practical support for regional integration, the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan has introduced a system of state-funded scholarships for citizens of Central Asian countries. Under this initiative, 20 fully funded scholarships are allocated annually to each neighboring state, enabling talented young people to pursue higher education in Uzbekistan.

This initiative has become one of the most effective instruments of educational diplomacy, strengthening mutual trust, expanding people-to-people contacts, and fostering long-term humanitarian cooperation throughout the region.

A notable example of deepening academic integration is the establishment of the branch campus of Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan University in the city of Chirchiq. During the initial stage of its operation alone, the branch enrolled 350 students, demonstrating the growing demand for cross-border educational opportunities.

As a reciprocal step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation, the National Research University “Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers” established its branch at the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University in Almaty. The branch currently educates 16 students in the fields of transboundary water resources management and agricultural innovation, drawing upon Uzbekistan's scientific schools, educational methodologies, and technological expertise.

Language and cultural cooperation has also become an important dimension of regional integration. Centers of Uzbek language and culture have been restored and expanded at higher education institutions in Osh and Jalal-Abad, while departments of Kyrgyz language and literature have resumed and broadened their activities at universities in Tashkent and Andijan.

These initiatives not only promote linguistic and cultural exchange but also contribute to strengthening mutual understanding, preserving shared historical heritage, and educating younger generations in the spirit of friendship, tolerance, and good-neighborly relations.

The expansion of academic cooperation has demonstrated that universities today perform a role far beyond their traditional educational mission. They increasingly serve as platforms for scientific diplomacy, intercultural dialogue, and regional cooperation, making a substantial contribution to sustainable development and long-term stability across Central Asia.

The powerful momentum of educational integration that has emerged across Central Asia has gradually expanded beyond the region, reaching the South Caucasus and, in particular, the Republic of Azerbaijan. Contemporary Uzbek–Azerbaijani cooperation in higher education, science, and culture stands as a vivid example of the growing strategic partnership between the two fraternal nations.

At present, 44 new bilateral agreements and memoranda of cooperation between higher education institutions of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have been prepared for implementation, laying a solid foundation for the further expansion of academic and scientific collaboration.

Currently, 51 Azerbaijani students are pursuing higher education in Uzbekistan, while 31 Uzbek students are enrolled at leading universities in Baku and Ganja. Although these figures may appear modest, they reflect the emergence of sustainable mechanisms for academic exchange and increasing educational mobility between the two countries.

Academic mobility has become one of the defining features of bilateral cooperation. In 2024, five students from Tashkent State Pedagogical University completed a period of study at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University and Baku Slavic University, gaining valuable exposure to Azerbaijan's educational system, teaching methodologies, and academic environment.

During the same year, 15 students representing Termez State University, universities in Tashkent, and higher education institutions specializing in arts and culture participated in scientific conferences and international academic forums held in Azerbaijan, thereby strengthening scholarly communication and expanding professional networks between young researchers.

Reciprocal academic exchanges have also intensified. Eleven Azerbaijani professors and scholars visited Uzbekistan, delivering lectures in philology, psychology, and management for students and academic staff of Uzbek universities. These visits have significantly contributed to strengthening scientific dialogue and promoting the exchange of academic expertise.

A particularly promising area of cooperation is the joint initiative between the Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology and the Baku Higher Oil School to develop innovative joint degree programmes in Petroleum Engineering and Chemical Engineering. The project is expected to combine the scientific and technological capacities of both countries while preparing highly qualified professionals capable of meeting the demands of modern industry and the global energy sector.

Cooperation between the Alisher Navoi Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature and the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan has likewise continued to develop dynamically. Their partnership encompasses joint research projects, scholarly publications, academic conferences, and collaborative initiatives in the humanities, linguistics, and literary studies.

Humanitarian cooperation has also acquired a strong institutional dimension. Since 2019, the Muhammad Fuzuli Azerbaijani Center for Culture, Education and Research in Tashkent has become an important intellectual platform for students, researchers, and academics interested in Azerbaijani language, literature, history, and culture.

Similarly, the Alisher Navoi Research Center, established within the Nizami Ganjavi Institute of Literature of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, has become a significant venue for collaborative research on Turkic literature, comparative philology, and shared cultural heritage.

Regular literary evenings dedicated to the works of Alisher Navoi and Muhammad Fuzuli have further strengthened cultural dialogue, inspiring young people in both countries to explore the rich literary traditions of the Turkic world and reinforcing a shared sense of historical and cultural identity.

These initiatives demonstrate that educational cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan has evolved beyond conventional academic exchange. It has become a strategic instrument of cultural diplomacy, scientific partnership, and intellectual integration, contributing to the long-term development of both countries and to broader regional cooperation.

Another significant dimension of Uzbek–Azerbaijani cooperation has been the establishment of specialized academic and cultural centers dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the shared intellectual heritage of the Turkic world.

The Kara Karayev Center, established at the Uzbekistan State Institute of Arts and Culture, introduces students to the rich musical legacy of the distinguished Azerbaijani composer while fostering professional cooperation in the field of performing arts.

Likewise, the Khurshidbanu Natavan Center, opened at Termez State University, has become a symbol of Uzbekistan's profound respect for Azerbaijani cultural heritage and a tangible manifestation of the growing humanitarian partnership between the two countries.

A landmark event took place on 13 September 2024, when a new Center for Uzbek Language and Culture was officially inaugurated in the city of Ganja. The center is expected to play an important role in promoting the Uzbek language, literature, history, and national traditions among Azerbaijani students and scholars while strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations.

Collectively, these educational, scientific, and cultural initiatives have gradually evolved into one of the fundamental pillars of cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), contributing to the formation of a common intellectual and educational space across the Turkic world.

Regular dialogue among the ministries responsible for education and science within the Organization of Turkic States has further accelerated this process. In particular, the visits of Emin Amrullayev, Minister of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to Tashkent, together with discussions involving Nagif Hamzayev, Member of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, have elevated to the policy agenda the establishment of a comprehensive system for teaching the Uzbek language to international learners, modeled on Türkiye's internationally recognized TÖMER framework.

The implementation of such an initiative would substantially expand opportunities for foreign students to study the Uzbek language while simultaneously strengthening Uzbekistan's educational diplomacy and enhancing the country's cultural influence throughout the broader Turkic region. Beyond language instruction, the project could become an effective mechanism for promoting Uzbekistan's higher education system, national heritage, and academic potential on the international stage.

More importantly, the Turkic states are today becoming increasingly integrated not only in political and economic terms but also as a unified scientific and intellectual community. Shared historical memory, common cultural values, and mutual aspirations for innovation are gradually giving rise to a common educational ecosystem capable of generating new knowledge, technologies, and human capital.

Only a few years ago, the concept of a "common intellectual home" existed primarily as a strategic vision. Today, however, this vision is becoming a tangible reality within university classrooms, research laboratories, joint scientific projects, and international academic exchanges. Students, researchers, and faculty members have emerged as the principal architects of this transformation, strengthening academic cooperation through everyday collaboration and knowledge sharing.

The students who are currently studying in neighboring countries within an atmosphere of mutual trust, friendship, and respect will become tomorrow's scientists, engineers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. They will jointly address such strategic challenges as regional economic security, transboundary water governance, environmental sustainability, food security, technological modernization, and scientific advancement.

From this perspective, educational integration in Central Asia should not be regarded merely as another dimension of humanitarian cooperation. Rather, it represents a long-term strategic investment in the formation of a single competitive intellectual space, capable of enhancing regional resilience, promoting sustainable development, and increasing the global competitiveness of Central Asia in the twenty-first century.

Ultimately, the future of regional integration will depend not only on infrastructure projects, trade agreements, or political dialogue, but also on the ability of the countries of Central Asia and the broader Turkic world to cultivate a new generation of highly educated, globally competitive professionals united by common values, shared responsibility, and a collective vision for regional prosperity. In this regard, cooperation in higher education, science, and innovation should be viewed as one of the most effective strategic instruments for ensuring lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development across the region.

Fazliddin MUMINOV,

Head of Department

Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

of the Republic of Uzbekistan