Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan: stable friendship and reliable partnership

📅 02.07.2025

 

How candidates are selected in Uzbekistan through a single portal of vacancies of state bodies and organizations

📅 31.07.2024

How candidates are selected in Uzbekistan through a single portal of vacancies of state bodies and organizations
In Uzbekistan, electronic document management systems are being implemented, the range of public services is expanding, human resource management processes are being optimized, and a unified public sector ecosystem is being developed through integration and other measures.
In recent years we have seen the adoption of several key strategies, including the National Strategy of Action on Five Priority Directions of Development of Uzbekistan for 2017-2021, the "Digital Uzbekistan - 2030" Strategy, the "New Uzbekistan Development Strategy for 2022-2026," and the "Uzbekistan - 2030" Strategy. These strategies aim to drive digital transformation across the national economy, industry, and society as a whole.
Digitalization has also impacted the public civil service. Notably, the decree of the President of Uzbekistan "On measures for the radical improvement of personnel policy and the system of public civil service in the Republic of Uzbekistan" dated October 3, 2019, established the Agency for the Development of Public Service under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ARGOS). ARGOS is responsible for implementing a unified state policy in personnel management and human resource development within state bodies and organizations.
ARGOS was tasked with implementing innovative personnel management and human resource development methods based on principles of openness, professionalism, and accountability. This includes introducing a system of measurable indicators (key performance indicators) for evaluating public civil servants and analyzing their performance, systematically identifying and attracting qualified specialists (including those abroad), and widely involving talented youth and women in public service. Additionally, ARGOS organizes an open, competitive selection process for the most promising personnel in public service.
Including the implementation of an open, independent competitive selection system announced through a single portal for public vacancies (vacancy.argos.uz). Previously, entering public service required visiting various agencies, submitting resumes, and waiting for responses.
Today, candidates can log into their personal account on the vacancies portal, select a suitable position, and submit an application. The platform provides information on the candidate's status and upcoming selection stages. The open competitive selection involves stages such as application acceptance, verification of qualification requirements, testing, and interviews. Not all candidates pass all stages on their first attempt.
The competitive selection process is based on meritocracy, ensuring that only the most deserving candidates are chosen, thus promoting transparency and fairness.
As of now, more than 188,000 competitive selections have been announced on the vacancy.argos.uz platform, with over 2.9 million applications submitted and 69,163 candidates successfully hired.
Another significant change in state personnel administration is the formation and management of the National Personnel Reserve using modern information systems. ARGOS is responsible for this task, and continuous work is underway to develop and enrich the National Personnel Reserve.
Managing the National Personnel Reserve involves more than just record-keeping; it includes comprehensive measures to prepare personnel for managerial roles. Each person in the Reserve receives an individual development plan for the certain period of time, which includes professional development courses and internships in public bodies. Candidates should regularly report on their progress, providing additional insights into their suitability for managerial positions.
All these activities are managed through the unified information portals: my.argos.uz for personal users, hrm.argos.uz for personnel departments of ministries and agencies, kadrlar.argos.uz for ARGOS performance monitoring, and zaxira.argos.uz for individual performance data and activities.
A third key change is reflected in the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On measures to improve the human resource management system in Republican and local executive bodies" dated September 22, 2023. It stipulates that from November 1, 2023, all information and documents related to human resource management in these bodies will be maintained on the electronic platform hrm.argos.uz.
Starting from this date, all ministries and agencies are required to conduct personnel administration documentation exclusively on hrm.argos.uz. This new system enables comprehensive monitoring and analysis of personnel management, providing accurate information on vacancies, employee numbers, career movements, and compliance with public service legislation.
Ultimately, this platform acts as a mirror, reflecting both the successes and shortcomings of personnel management departments, allowing ARGOS to respond promptly, prevent, and address issues in public civil service.
In conclusion, digital technologies play a crucial role in development and should be a primary focus for building a sustainable economic and public sector. Expanded digitalization and digital transformation, along with investments in the digital ecosystem, IT infrastructure, and electronic services, will drive further modernization of the national public service system and accelerate growth in various sectors.

Peace and Trust in Asia - essential conditions for sustainable development

📅 14.10.2026

The third decade of the 21^st century is shaping up to be a complex yet opportunity-rich period for the international relations system.

In this context, trust can be viewed today as a unique form of developmental capital. This is because in an environment where political trust exists, economic cooperation expands, investment climates improve, transport and logistics links develop and scientific and technological exchanges accelerate. Most importantly, nations begin to seek solutions to common problems through collaboration rather than in isolation.

Central Asia’s role as a region of peace, trust, and cooperation has also achieved international recognition within the framework of the United Nations General Assembly. In 2025, Uzbekistan delegation to the UN emphasized that joint efforts aimed at strengthening mutual trust, expanding economic and humanitarian ties and ensuring stability in Central Asia are shaping a new regional agenda based on equality, solidarity and shared responsibility. 

Adoption of a resolution at the UN General Assembly in May 2026, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and economic integration to ensure sustainable development in Central Asia, served as a logical continuation of this process. It places special emphasis on promoting innovation, creating new jobs, ensuring long term sustainable economic growth and further developing good-neighborly relations among Central Asian nations.  

In Uzbekistan’s contemporary foreign policy, transforming Central Asia into a peaceful, stable and prosperous region is viewed as a top priority. The Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asian nations have become an important mechanism for coordinating positions, advancing shared initiatives and strengthening mutual trust on an institutional basis. 

Today's Asia is one of the leading spaces for the global economy, industry, innovation and technological progress. However, the long-term future of the continent is not determined solely by economic growth rates. Asia's true potential also depends on the ability of states with diverse political, economic, and cultural systems to cooperate around shared interests. 

From this perspective, the meaning of “connectivity” in modern international relations is also evolving. While it was previously explained primarily through transport and trade routes, today it manifests as a complex phenomenon encompassing transport, energy, digital infrastructure, science, education and people-to-people ties. 

A technological innovation created in one country can increase the efficiency of another nation's economy, and joint scientific research can offer a solution to a pressing issue for the entire region. For this reason, the new Asian model must rely not only on the movement of goods and capital but also on the free exchange of knowledge, technology and human capital. 

In this regard, the cooperation between Central Asia and the Republic of Korea serves as a promising example. At the first “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” Summit held in Seoul in September 2026, security, practical economic cooperation and humanitarian exchanges were discussed as priority areas. Uzbek side particularly emphasized the open, pragmatic, and constructive nature of this partnership. 

Value of such formats lies in the fact that they enrich traditional diplomatic relations with concrete economic, technological, scientific and educational projects. As a result, mutual trust transcends the level of political declarations and begins to manifest in practical outcomes. 

One of the strongest foundations for sustainable peace is mutual understanding between people. Education, science and culture play an incomparable role in shaping it. 

Political agreements establish the legal and institutional framework for relations between states. However, long-term trust between nations is primarily strengthened by people who understand each other's language, history, culture and values. 

Therefore, viewing universities merely as educational institutions that train personnel no longer fully meets the demands of the modern era. A modern university is a space where scientific ideas are generated, different cultures engage in dialogue, youth gain international experience and long-term intellectual ties are formed between states. 

Educational cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea

demonstrates noteworthy experience in this regard. Cooperation in higher education, vocational training, science and technology is expanding, making education a vital area of bilateral relations that shapes human capital. In particular, the need to train specialists who do not simply import modern technology but understand, adapt and develop it under local conditions is becoming increasingly urgent. 

Conceptual significance of this approach is that the education-science innovation-production chain ensures the stability of international cooperation alongside economic development. Joint scientific laboratories, academic exchange, mobility of professors and students, and international research projects build professional trust between states. Over time, professional trust transforms into intersocietal trust.  In this sense, international cooperation focused on education can be evaluated as a long-term investment in peace. Looking at this issue through the example of Bukhara, one can see a unique continuity between history and the present day. As one of the vital crossroads of the Great Silk Road, Bukhara has served for centuries not only as a hub for trade but also for science, education, culture and the exchange of ideas. 

This historical experience carries significant meaning for the modern era as well. Having connected peoples and civilizations through caravan routes in ancient times, Bukhara can contribute to dialogue between different countries today through international education, scientific cooperation and academic diplomacy. 

At Bukhara State University, we approach international cooperation precisely from this perspective. Joint educational programs with foreign higher education institutions, scientific research, international conferences, academic mobility and the exchange of professors and students are not isolated directions of the university's international activity. They serve a single purpose — bringing peoples closer together through knowledge and strengthening mutual trust through scientific cooperation. 

In this process, role of youth is especially critical. A student participating in an international academic program today may become a scientist, engineer, entrepreneur, diplomat or public administration specialist tomorrow. Their experience of communicating with representatives of other nations and cultures today will undoubtedly influence their future professional decisions. 

Therefore, it is not enough to evaluate the results of cooperation between universities simply by the number of signed memorandums or implemented projects. Its most significant outcome is the formation of a new generation that understands one another and can cooperate for the sake of common goals. 

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals also define the formation of peaceful and inclusive societies as an indispensable condition for sustainable development. This approach is no coincidence. Where there is no peace, long-term investment is difficult; in an unstable environment, scientific research and innovation slow down; and under conditions of distrust, states are forced to spend their resources on risk management rather than development.  Therefore, when thinking about sustainable development in Asia, it is necessary to view three interconnected concepts as a single whole: peace, trust and human capital. Peace creates a stable environment for development. Trust expands cooperation between states, institutions, and societies. Human capital, in turn, transforms these opportunities into scientific, technological, economic and social outcomes. 

Support for the initiative to strengthen regional cooperation and economic integration in Central Asia at the UN General Assembly in 2026 also shows the intrinsic link between peace, good-neighborliness, and sustainable economic development. 

In today's environment, Asia's future is determined not by the isolated success of a single state, but by the capacity of regional states to collectively find solutions to shared problems. Climate change, water resources, ecological safety, energy, food supply, digital transformation and technological progress are issues that are not restricted by national borders. Their solution also demands transnational cooperation. 

Therefore, modern era requires us to understand peace not merely as the absence of conflicts, but as an active socio-political environment that creates opportunities for development. Trust should be evaluated not as an abstract category of diplomatic relations, but as a practical mechanism for economic and intellectual cooperation.

Asia's progress in the 21st century largely depends on the degree to which we strengthen trust between states, how effectively we establish dialogue, and our ability to place common interests above competition. 

New cooperative environment emerging in Central Asia demonstrates important experience along this path. Open dialogue, good-neighborliness, economic integration and scientific and humanitarian exchanges are shaping a qualitatively new stage of relations between states.  The task now is to further deepen this trust through strong institutions, joint economic and scientific projects, academic exchanges, cultural dialogue and youth cooperation.  After all, peace is not just today's tranquility — it is an opportunity created for future development. Trust, on the other hand, is the force that realizes this opportunity.  Peace builds trust, trust expands cooperation and cooperation creates a solid foundation for sustainable development and shared prosperity.  This principle must become the most essential substance of Asia's future development paradigm.

 

 

 

 

Obidjon Khamidov 

Rector of Bukhara State University

Surkhandarya the cradle of ancient civilizations

📅 26.06.2025

TIIF-2026: Shaping a New Investment Architecture for Central Asia

📅 27.05.2026

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

 

TERMEZ DIALOGUE: FROM CULTURAL-HUMANITARIAN TIES TO BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE REGIONAL ARCHITECTURE

📅 27.05.2026

The crises observed today in the system of international relations once again testify to the growing need for mutual understanding, unity, and the achievement of common goals for the states of Central and South Asia. In this regard, dialogue platforms that contribute to strengthening mutual understanding and trust are of particular importance. In this context, the Termez Dialogue serves as a platform for developing interregional cooperation. Its first meeting took place on May 19, 2025, aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and elevating cooperation to a new level.

The growing demand for this platform was reflected in the organization of a separate session dedicated to the Termez Dialogue within the framework of the Doha Forum in December 2025. The discussions highlighted the importance of practical approaches to enhancing interregional cooperation.

The current meeting of the Termez Dialogue is aimed at defining a new stage in the development of the platform - the transition from conceptual discussions to defining priority areas and practical mechanisms for realizing the potential of interregional cooperation.  During the Termez Dialogue, special emphasis is expected to be placed on strengthening cultural ties.

This is relevant because interdependence must be understood more broadly than just trade, infrastructure, and transport corridors. It includes social, intellectual, and cultural ties that unite the communities of the region. Revisiting this history creates an important conceptual foundation for modern regional cooperation.

It is noteworthy that even in the past, Termez, a city located between the Greco-Bactrian, Kushan kingdoms, and other ancient states where Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islamic traditions emerged and developed as a center of intercultural and religious dialogue, flourished during the Timurid era and became a major center of trade, crafts, and science^[1]. Indeed, if we look at our history, the countries of Central Asia and the South Asian region have always developed harmoniously as a single space, closely cooperating in all spheres. The works of the great thinker Abu Rayhan Beruni “India,” Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur “Baburnama” and other historical sources are clear evidence of these close ties.

Furthermore, the following remarks by Muhammad Sobir Turkestani, Deputy Ambassador of Afghanistan to Uzbekistan, deserve attention: “Both Uzbekistan and Afghanistan are located on the land between two rivers, which was once called Mawarannahr.” There are many similarities in our cultures.  The cultural heritage of Alisher Navoi is the wealth of the peoples of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. The remains of our ancestor Alisher Navoi are in the Herat region. All the minarets built in Herat during the reign of Sultan Husayn Bayqara stand as a single complex. Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur was buried in Kabul. In a complex called Babur's Garden. There are also large cultural museums in Afghanistan. Our antiquities are kept in our museums in Kabul, Herat, and Mazar-i-Sharif.”^[2] Of course, the main goal of our efforts today is not to develop these historical ties, but to restore them, and to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between our peoples.

To this end, in recent years, Uzbekistan has been increasingly developing ties with the countries of South Asia.

At the same time, special attention is paid to the development of cultural ties and people-to-people contacts, which contributes to strengthening economic ties and realizing untapped potential.

This approach is relevant given the ineffectiveness of using only military-political means to ensure security. For example, the failure to achieve positive results was once again confirmed by the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in 2021, which was carried out with the help of weapons and military to establish peace and stability on Afghan soil. In this context, Uzbekistan's economic ties with Afghanistan today serve as one of the important factors in establishing peace in the country and restoring its economy.

According to estimates by the Statistics Agency of Uzbekistan, mutual trade turnover amounted to $653 million in 2021, $688.8 million in 2022, $784.1 million in 2023, and $999.9 million in January-November 2024^[3]. Over the past five years, trade turnover has increased 2.5 times, reaching $1.68 billion in 2025, while Uzbekistan's exports amounted to approximately $1.5 billion. The parties set a new medium-term goal to increase trade turnover to $5 billion. Therefore, today Uzbekistan is becoming one of the important investors in Afghanistan. Specifically, according to a $1 billion agreement signed between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, Uzbekistan will participate in the development of the Tuti Maidan gas field in the Jauzjan and Faryab regions for 10 years.

The Termez International Trade Center, established in the Surkhandarya region, plays a very important role in implementing such trade and economic instruments. This shopping center is the first trade zone in Central Asia serving various entrepreneurs, especially Afghan entrepreneurs, who cooperate with Afghanistan. The shopping center features permanent exhibitions and fairs, an Uzbek-Afghan business school, a medical clinic for the treatment and provision of medical care to patients who are citizens of Afghanistan, a hotel, enterprises specializing in the production of precious metal jewelry, a multi-currency system, and other conditions that allow entrepreneurs to trade freely.

According to analytical data, 60% of Uzbekistan's total international transport passes through the transit routes of Central Asian countries and Afghanistan. Uzbekistan's access to seaports through Afghanistan is 2-3 times shorter than the access to the Black and Baltic Seas, and 5 times shorter than the route to the Pacific ports^[4]. According to economic analysts, the cost of delivering one container from Central Asia to South Asia through Afghanistan to seaports will decrease from $900 to $286. In addition, transportation time will be reduced from 35 days to 3-5 days. At the same time, export potential will also increase sharply. Improving transport and infrastructure communications and attracting international transit carriers to Central Asia is one of the most important tasks uniting the countries of the region. Its resolution is determined by the need to improve the socio-economic situation in the region.

In conclusion, interdependence is the most important task for the countries of Central and South Asia in terms of ensuring stability and sustainable development. In this sense, the Termez Dialogue, as a prestigious international forum, will be effective in further expanding ties between our regions, opening new horizons for cooperation, and moving confidently along the path of peace and development.

Furthermore, the Termez Dialogue, as a platform for strengthening interregional connectivity and restoring common historical, cultural, and civilizational ties, opens opportunities for the development of new international transport and logistics corridors through Afghanistan. In the current difficult conditions of growing mutual trust and conflict of interests, such a format of cooperation as the Termez Dialogue is of great importance.

 

Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, Foreign policy and international economic relations Deputy Director of the Institute PhD., O. Abdurakhmonov

 

Eldor Aripov: "Termiz muloqoti Markaziy va Janubiy Osiyo o‘rtasidagi o‘zaro bog‘liqlikni mustahkamlashda muhim ahamiyatga ega". (21.05.2025), https://daryo.uz/2025/05/21/eldor-aripov-termiz-muloqoti-markaziy-va-janubiy-osiyo-ortasidagi-ozaro-bogliqlikni-mustahkamlashda-muhim-ahamiyatga-ega

Afg‘onistonda O‘zbekistonga aloqador madaniy boyliklar kam emas. (07.11.2023). https://xabar.uz/uz/madaniyat/afgonistonda-ozbekistonga-aloqador-madaniy-boyliklar-kam-emas

O‘zbekiston Respublikasi Tashqi savdo aylanmasi. 2024-yil yanvar-noyabr oylari uchun dastlabki ma’lumot // O‘zbekiston Respublikasi huzuridagi Statistika agentligi. – B.4.

Akmalov Sh. O‘zbekiston va Afg‘oniston: o‘tmishdan hozirgacha. Monografiya. – T.: “Zamon poligraf”, 2023. – B. 70.

Aquatherm Tashkent 2026 to Showcase Latest Technologies for Construction and Utility Infrastructure

📅 30.09.2026

More than 200 companies and brands from 11 countries to participate

 

14^th International Exhibition for Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Water Supply, Plumbing, Swimming Pools, Environment and Renewable Energy – Aquatherm Tashkent 2026 will be held from October 6 to 8, 2026, at the Uzexpocentre National Exhibition Complex in Tashkent.

The event will bring together equipment manufacturers and suppliers, distributors and dealers, as well as key market professionals, including installers, developers and engineering systems designers, representatives of construction and utility organizations, industry experts and professional associations.

The organizers are international exhibition company “Iteca Exhibitions” and its partner “ICA Eurasia Group.” The exhibition is held with the official support of the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services of Uzbekistan.

“Aquatherm Tashkent” is the leading specialized exhibition in Uzbekistan showcasing the latest developments and comprehensive solutions in the fields of HVAC, water supply, plumbing and related sectors. For 14 years, it has remained a key platform for demonstrating modern equipment, exchanging professional expertise and developing business cooperation.

In Uzbekistan, it is the only specialized exhibition that comprehensively presents all types of engineering solutions, including equipment for heating and hot water supply, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration, water treatment systems, wastewater and sewage systems, gas supply, pipes, fittings and valves, plumbing equipment, solutions for swimming pools, saunas and spas, as well as instrumentation and control systems, automation, tools and installation technologies.

This year, the exhibition will feature more than 200 companies and brands from 11 countries, including Belarus, Germany, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, China, the Republic of Korea, Poland, Russia, Türkiye and Uzbekistan.

Among the participants are Climadens Pro, Akfa, Bosch, Buderus, Besterm Itermic, Tepliy Vozdukh, Format, Rols Isomarket, Termaflex Izolyatsiya, Daikin, Haier, Thaicon, Hitium, Lesso, Tokamnet, Newterm, Akvadis, PK Kontur, Craft, Zip24, Nimbus, Santim, Ostendorf Rus and Edelweiss.

The exhibition will offer solutions across different price segments, including affordable options for a wide range of consumers.

A new area at this year’s exhibition will be wastewater treatment, which is particularly relevant for Uzbekistan amid water resource shortages, population growth, aging infrastructure and the pollution of water bodies by industrial and municipal wastewater.

The exhibition program will include expert presentations, professional skills competitions and practical master classes.

Aquatherm Tashkent 2026 is of practical interest to international manufacturers of equipment and raw materials, chambers of commerce and industry, and specialized associations that view Uzbekistan as a promising market for developing business ties and establishing new partnerships.

The exhibition will also serve as a networking platform for official delegations, representatives of the construction industry and utility companies seeking modern solutions for engineering infrastructure, water supply, water treatment, heating, ventilation and more efficient use of resources.

Every year, Aquatherm Tashkent brings together the professional community, providing an opportunity to see new technologies and equipment in operation, receive consultations, establish direct business contacts, discuss prospective projects and find solutions for construction and infrastructure facilities.

Visitors from across Uzbekistan and abroad attend Aquatherm Tashkent to see what the market has to offer, compare available technologies and equipment, find reliable suppliers and identify suitable solutions for their specific needs.

As a result, the exhibition serves as a starting point for a new stage in the development of the engineering market for the following year – a place where new business relationships are established, priorities for further work emerge and the foundations for future projects are laid.

Visitors are encouraged to register in advance and obtain an online badge at: https://bit.ly/ATT_Dunyo_ru

More information is available at www.aquatherm-tashkent.uz or by phone at +998 71 205 14 14.

“Aquatherm Tashkent” is held under the internationally recognized Aquatherm® exhibition brand in the HVAC sector, owned by Austrian company Wiener Messe und Congress GmbH.

 

Dunyo IA

Initiatives of Uzbekistan open new opportunities for cooperation among Turkic states

📅 02.11.2026

In an interview with Dunyo IA, Bakhtiyor Mustafayev, Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan (ISRS), commented on the outcomes of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's participation in the Summit of the Organization of Turkic States, held in Ankara on October 30^th, 2026.

 

Uzbekistan became a full member in 2019. What place does the OTS occupy in our country’s foreign policy today, and how has the economic dimension of cooperation evolved?

— The importance of this area of cooperation is clearly reflected in trade trends. According to various estimates, Uzbekistan’s trade with OTS countries, including observer states Turkmenistan and Hungary, increased from US$4.13 billion in 2017 to US$10.82 billion in 2025, approximately a 2.6-fold increase. Growth continued in January–July 2026, reaching 19.8% compared with the same period of the previous year. This shows that historical and cultural affinities are increasingly reinforced by economic ties. At the same time, expanding trade increases the need for joint manufacturing ventures, affordable financing, and coordinated transport and legal procedures.

The initiatives put forward by the President of Uzbekistan in Ankara address precisely these needs. For Tashkent, the OTS is becoming a platform for combining the capabilities of national economies and jointly addressing challenges that are difficult for any one country to tackle alone. The next stage requires more advanced processing of raw materials, the adoption of technologies, and joint efforts to enter international markets with finished products. The Organization’s practical value will grow as expanding trade is accompanied by the development of lasting production chains and new jobs.

President proposed launching cooperation in the “OTS Plus” format, beginning with meetings of sectoral ministers. To what extent can the economic scale of the Turkic states attract interest from external partners?

— According to the 2025 annual edition of the Turkic Economic Review, the combined GDP of member and observer states amounted to US$2.11 trillion, while their combined foreign trade turnover with countries worldwide stood at US$1.12 trillion. Potential partners are interested in the combination of market size, the resource base, and the countries’ location along transport routes.

Engagement at the sectoral level can translate this interest into concrete agreements. Ministers can agree on the terms for external investors’ participation in a manufacturing project, the development of a transport route, or the provision of technology. For Uzbekistan, it is particularly important that cooperation with third countries should help increase the technological sophistication of production and expand export markets. An open format also makes it possible to combine OTS countries’ raw material resources and manufacturing capabilities with external partners’ technology, equipment, and financing. In this way, demand for joint projects will strengthen the Organization’s international standing.

President proposed the “Turkic World – 100” programme, covering one hundred strategic investment and industrial projects. What financial resources are already available to support its implementation?

— The Organization is already developing its own financial infrastructure. According to information published on the Turkic Investment Fund’s official website, its authorised capital amounts to US$600 million. The agreement establishing the Fund was signed in 2023, and it announced the launch of its operations in 2025. Its priorities include industry, infrastructure, renewable energy, and support for entrepreneurship. The programme of one hundred projects can therefore draw on an existing institution capable of combining its own resources with financing from international banks and private investors.

However, the Fund’s capital should not be regarded as the budget for the entire programme. Its most useful role is to help develop sound projects, reduce risks at the initial financing stage, and attract co-investors. The areas proposed by the President, including the processing of rare and strategic minerals and the domestic production of equipment for green energy, require precisely this approach. Project selection must involve assessments of demand, technology costs, and investment returns. For Uzbekistan, the outcomes should be new capabilities and more advanced processing; for its partners, economically viable participation in shared production chains.

Why has the President proposed a treaty on mutual legal assistance in commercial matters as business ties expand? How large is the business community whose interests it would protect?

— We are already talking about thousands of enterprises. According to the National Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as of 1 January 2026, there were 2,137 enterprises with Turkish capital and 1,212 with Kazakh capital operating in our country. These two OTS states alone accounted for 3,349 enterprises. Behind these figures are supply contracts, loans, investment commitments, and property relations.

As business relationships become more complex, the cost of legal uncertainty rises. Entrepreneurs need to understand how to protect their right to pursue a claim, obtain the necessary documents, and enforce a court judgment when a counterparty or its assets are abroad. The proposed treaty could make these procedures more predictable, while the digital exchange of requests could reduce the time needed for cooperation between the competent authorities. This would be particularly significant for small and medium-sized businesses, which find it difficult to maintain legal teams in several countries. Reliable legal protection can support further investment and reduce the costs of cross-border transactions.

What could the proposed Network of Logistics Complexes of Turkic States offer as traffic along the Middle Corridor increases? Why is joint management necessary?

— Growing freight volumes are already making coordination an economic necessity. According to the report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Enhancing the Competitiveness of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor in Central Asia, freight volumes along the Middle Corridor exceeded 4.7 million tonnes in 2025. The report also highlights persistent infrastructure and organisational constraints. As volumes increase, the effects of poorly coordinated schedules, terminal congestion, and duplicate paperwork become more pronounced. A delay on one section disrupts the entire route.

Joint management of the network could ensure coordinated service standards, the exchange of cargo data, and advance booking of terminal capacity. For businesses, the results are measured in the overall cost and predictability of delivery. Uzbekistan has an interest in ensuring that logistics complexes connect domestic enterprises to international markets and provide additional services, including storage, packaging, sorting, and product processing. This would generate revenue at different stages of transportation. Under this model, the Middle Corridor and connecting routes become a basis for locating production facilities and supporting regional development, rather than serving solely as transit routes.

What tourism potential underpins the proposal for a Turkic Tourism Alliance? How significant are travel flows between Uzbekistan and other OTS countries?

— At the summit, the President noted that the Turkic states welcomed more than 100 million international tourists in 2025. Uzbekistan is also recording rapid growth. According to the National Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the number of foreign visitors arriving for tourism purposes reached 11.7 million in 2025, an increase of 46.8% over the previous year. Of these, 3.3 million came from Kyrgyzstan, 2.7 million from Kazakhstan, and 174,900 from Türkiye. These three countries alone accounted for approximately 6.2 million visits. In the other direction, citizens of Uzbekistan made 3.3 million trips for tourism purposes to Kyrgyzstan, 1.3 million to Kazakhstan, and 268,900 to Türkiye.

These flows provide a substantial basis for cooperation, although statistics on travel for tourism purposes also include visits to relatives and other types of trips. The alliance’s task is to expand demand for comprehensive tourism itineraries spanning several countries and to promote them jointly in international markets. The proposed agreement on mutual travel by citizens and the wider use of ID cards could make travel easier to arrange. For Uzbekistan, this offers an opportunity to encourage longer stays and increase demand for hotels, guide services, handicrafts, and local cuisine. It is important that growth in visitor numbers should generate more income for businesses in the regions.

President expressed readiness to provide 200 scholarships annually to young people from the Turkic states. What existing cooperation does this initiative build on?

— Educational cooperation already involves concrete activities. According to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, four universities in Uzbekistan, together with two Turkish universities, are delivering six bachelor’s degree programmes in the 2025/2026 academic year, with 718 students enrolled. Nearly 300 lecturers and researchers have participated in exchanges over the past five years. Of more than 400 applications submitted to joint research calls with TÜBİTAK, 53 projects have been recommended for funding. The proposed 200 annual scholarships under the “New Uzbekistan Scholarship” programme are intended to extend this work to young people across the Turkic states.

It is now important to connect the training of specialists more closely with industrial and technological priorities. The scholarships can support the training of engineers, researchers, and logistics specialists needed for joint projects. Internships at enterprises and business involvement in defining research tasks will help graduates apply their knowledge in production. The value of exchanges also extends beyond an individual degree. They create a professional community whose members are familiar with their partners’ languages and business cultures. These ties facilitate subsequent cooperation between universities and enterprises and provide a skilled workforce for long-term collaboration.

Ankara summit supported the initiative to declare 2027 the Year of Nature Protection, and a Dictionary of Common Turkic Words was proposed. How can environmental and cultural cooperation deliver practical results?

— Uzbekistan can share its experience in environmental protection with its partners. According to information released by the Press Service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on 6 July 2026, new forest plantations covering more than 2 million hectares have been established on the dried bed of the Aral Sea. The country’s green cover increased from 8% in 2020 to 14.3% in 2025. Work on this scale provides a basis for discussing specific technologies for land restoration, the cultivation of drought-tolerant plants, and the monitoring of planted areas. The Year of Nature Protection could provide a framework for joint pilot sites, the exchange of scientific data, and specialist training in climate adaptation.

Cultural cooperation can also build on existing ties. For example, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation has reported that more than 5,000 students in Uzbekistan have chosen Turkish as their second foreign language. A Dictionary of Common Turkic Words could be a useful resource for these students, as well as for teachers and translators. A digital edition, examples of usage, and accessible learning materials would enhance its practical value. The scholarly task is to reflect shared roots and differences in meaning accurately. This would combine the preservation of heritage with easier everyday communication and educational exchanges.

How do you assess the overall outcomes of the Ankara summit? What should be the main criterion for judging the effectiveness of the mechanisms proposed by Uzbekistan?

— Ankara Declaration adopted at the summit set out shared priorities for further cooperation. The initiatives build on a substantial existing portfolio of investment projects. In 2026, work is under way on 280 projects involving partners from OTS countries, including Turkmenistan and Hungary, with a total value of US$17.24 billion. Investment in these projects amounted to US$3.84 billion in January–August. The proposed mechanisms are therefore important primarily as a means of supporting the preparation and implementation of concrete projects.

The main criterion will be how the conditions for cooperation change for businesses and citizens. In industry, this means launching production and adopting technologies; in transport, lower costs and reliable deliveries; and in the legal sphere, access to protection for commercial interests. Educational and tourism initiatives should expand opportunities for people and increase business income. Implementing the proposals put forward in Ankara will require agreement on project parameters and sources of financing. Their common purpose is to create institutions that enable more reliable investment, production, and trade. It is these practical benefits that will strengthen the resilience of the partnership within the OTS.

Dunyo IA

Tashkent

New Opportunities to Expand Cooperation Between Uzbekistan and Serbia

📅 24.08.2026

The upcoming visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Serbia could mark an important stage in the development of bilateral relations. Over the past year, the political dialogue between Tashkent and Belgrade has intensified noticeably and taken on a more systematic character. Against this backdrop, one of the key tasks now is to translate the political engagement achieved so far into concrete trade, investment, transport, and humanitarian projects.

The current momentum builds on relations that have developed over three decades. Serbia recognized Uzbekistan’s independence on 31 December 1991, and the two countries established diplomatic relations on 18 January 1995. In the early years, the diplomatic mission of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in Tashkent maintained contacts between the two sides. In 2003, the mission ceased operations amid the economic situation in Serbia at the time.

Relations gained new momentum in 2025. In September, on the sidelines of events in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Second World War, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held conversation with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic. A key milestone followed on 28–31 October, when the Serbian leader paid his first official visit to Uzbekistan. Following the talks, the two heads of state signed a Joint Declaration and adopted a package of intergovernmental and interagency documents covering the economy, investment, education, tourism, labor migration, and other areas of cooperation.

The mutual accreditation of ambassadors marked another important institutional step. On 7 July 2025, the first Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Serbia presented his credentials to the President of Serbia, and on 27 October the Ambassador of Serbia to Uzbekistan presented his credentials to the Uzbek side.

High-level contacts continued in 2026. In April, the foreign ministers of the two countries held talks on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, and in May, Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric visited Uzbekistan. On 18 May, Sh.Mirziyoyev and A.Vucic met again on the sidelines of the World Urban Forum in Baku. In July, the two leaders held a phone conversation, and on 3 August, the foreign ministries of the two countries held a third round of political consultations in Belgrade.

The political dialogue is gradually being complemented by growing ties between the two countries’ legislatures. The chambers of the Oliy Majlis have set up an inter-parliamentary group for cooperation with the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia. Senate Chairwoman T.Narbaeva visited Belgrade in June 2026 to take part in the IPU Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians, and a few weeks later Tashkent hosted a delegation from the “Serbia–Uzbekistan” parliamentary friendship group, led by its chairman A.Markovic.

The political and institutional foundation now in place creates favorable conditions for expanding economic cooperation. At the same time, its current scale still falls well short of the existing potential. In 2025, bilateral trade turnover totaled around $12 million. 9 enterprises with Serbian capital currently operate in Uzbekistan, pointing to considerable room for expanding both trade and industrial cooperation.

The cultural and humanitarian dimension of bilateral ties is also gradually expanding. An important step in this direction came in October 2025, when the two sides signed an agreement establishing partnership relations between Tashkent and Belgrade during the Serbian President’s visit. The agreement opens additional opportunities for direct contacts between the two capitals and for joint initiatives.

The progress achieved over the past year lays the groundwork for moving to more systematic work across several areas.

First, significant potential remains in trade and economic cooperation. Priorities here could include broadening the range of Uzbek exports, increasing the share of high-value-added products, and establishing a preferential trade regime. In February 2026, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan J.Khodjaev and Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia A.Mesarovic identified this as one of the priorities for further work.

Both sides have solid economic grounds for expanding trade. Uzbekistan has a growing industrial base in the textile, chemical, food, and machine-building sectors. Serbia, for its part, enjoys preferential access to the EU market and an extensive network of free trade agreements. This creates opportunities not only for increasing mutual deliveries but also for developing industrial cooperation with a view to reaching third markets.

Second, developing transport connectivity holds practical interest. In February 2026, an Uzbek delegation held talks with representatives of Serbia’s transport sector in Belgrade. In separate meetings, the delegation discussed prospects for rail cooperation with Serbian Railways Infrastructure and explored the possibility of launching direct flights between Tashkent and Belgrade with Air Serbia.

Launching direct flights could substantially ease business, tourism, education, and humanitarian contacts between the two countries. Developing freight links between Central Asia and the Balkans also represents a promising direction. Going forward, growing freight volumes on routes involving Uzbekistan could further strengthen transport connectivity between Central Asia and European markets.

Third, developing labor mobility carries particular significance. Uzbekistan has consistently built up a system of organized external labor migration and established itself as a reliable partner in training skilled personnel. According to the Migration Agency, the country has concluded 48 agreements with 23 states in this area.

This experience provides a practical foundation for building a similar mechanism with Serbia. Reaching agreements would make it possible to establish transparent channels for organized employment, strengthen the protection of citizens, and, at the same time, promote regulated labor mobility between the two countries.

Fourth, education, science, and technology cooperation offer significant opportunities. An intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in education, science, and culture, signed in October 2025, has strengthened the legal basis for this cooperation. One practical avenue could involve Uzbek students participating in Serbian state educational programs, including the “World in Serbia” scholarship program.

Ongoing transformations in Uzbekistan’s higher education system are creating further opportunities to expand such cooperation. The country now has 215 universities, including 30 branches of foreign educational institutions. Uzbek universities continue to strengthen their standing in international rankings, while joint programs with leading foreign educational institutions continue to expand.

Building on the existing institutional foundation, joint educational programs and research projects could become promising directions going forward, particularly in technical fields, digital technologies, and workforce training for priority sectors of both countries’ economies. Such cooperation could give the relationship a long-term character, complementing political contacts with lasting professional and institutional ties.

Fifth, tourism and cultural exchanges serve as an additional resource for rapprochement. In April 2026, the relevant agencies of the two countries discussed joint projects in film tourism, PR promotion, and familiarization trips for media representatives and bloggers. In practical terms, such initiatives could not only help increase tourist flows but also expand direct contacts between the two societies.

In sum, over a relatively short period, Uzbekistan and Serbia have built a fairly solid political and institutional foundation for further developing their relations. At the same time, the level of political dialogue still clearly outpaces the scale of trade, economic, and investment cooperation. The trajectory of the next stage will therefore largely depend on the two sides’ ability to translate the political capital they have accumulated into concrete projects and durable cooperation mechanisms.

The upcoming visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Serbia could give this process additional momentum. Its practical significance will depend above all on progress in trade and investment, transport, labor mobility, education, and tourism. Implementing such initiatives will help fill the rapidly developing political dialogue with more substantial economic and humanitarian content.

Madinabonu Kayumova,
Leading Researcher
of ISRS under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

 

Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan: How a cultural initiative became a global media focus

📅 27.03.2026

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.

The awakening lion: the era of renewal

📅 20.08.2024

Hey, great Turan, land of lions!
What has become of you? What are these days you endure now?
Oh, glorious cradle of Genghis, Timur, Oghuz, and Attila!
Where have the esteemed seats you once held gone?..
Abdurauf Fitrat
An American politician once said of the current life and fate of the Central Asian region: ‘They are neither post-Soviet nor post-communist countries now’.
Today no specialist knowledge is needed to understand this idea, which suggests that such labels are outdated in the research community. For example, ten to fifteen years ago the political behaviour of Central Asian societies – neighbours for thousands of years – was prone to national separatism, mutual dislike and latent hostility, but today they have undergone a remarkable transformation. Ideologues and ordinary Central Asians only a couple years ago endeavoured to prove their superiority, their antiquity and, for these very reasons, their greater belonging to the historical and cultural heritage of the region. Though they still might hurl some sharp insults at each other, now they have become united neighbours.
Every day we see and hear of events that illustrate this unity and provide concrete evidence of it. Meanwhile, as already noted, some latent and outdated policies of these neighbouring countries towards each other still attempt to turn the common cultural heritage of the region into a language of hatred.
As a result of Soviet nationalisation and post-Soviet ideologisation, these five states in the Eurasian centre, the land that once founded great empires and was famous throughout the world, unfortunately turned away from one another after gaining independence. This, in turn, allowed the region to remain a geopolitical object for the modern world’s empires.
At this moment, I do not intend to delve into the geopolitical picture of the region and its current situation. I would like to share my brief thoughts on the bold steps and the international image of what Uzbek leadership is calling ‘New Uzbekistan’. The country is transforming day by day and now has the ability to directly influence regional processes.
These joyful events have made me take up my pen.

August 2024 began with good news. That month’s two important events to which I would like to draw attention, are related to the growing role of New Uzbekistan in world politics, culture, and modern history. These were the state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan and his participation in the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States in Astana, as well as the historic victory of our athletes at the Olympic Games in Paris.
True, some may argue, “Well, the President has repeatedly participated in meetings in this format, and our athletes have delivered victories commensurate with those from other countries. What’s the big deal?”
But I also have a question for such people: When did the world powers take Uzbekistan, which will soon be celebrating thirty-three years of independence, so seriously? When have this country and its long-suffering people been recognised as independent subjects of international politics? When did our country’s representative reach thirteenth place in a set of international competitions in which athletes from more than two hundred countries took part? When was the anthem of Uzbekistan played eight times at such prestigious competitions? When was our flag raised thirteen times over the winners' podium? And when else did we hear that ‘Uzbek athletes have no equal in the world!’?
Of course, no one will be able to contradict me when I say that these two factors are the worthy fruit of the hard work of our country’s president Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
I would like to say a few words about the meetings in Kazakhstan. The details of this visit vividly demonstrated the results of Mirziyoyev’s changes in regional policy, which he put into place eight years ago.
The first meeting of the Interstate Supreme Council, which took place 7-9 August 2023, was cochaired by Mirziyoyev and President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
This was the first time in our history that the leaders of these two Central Asian states have met to agree on multifaceted supranational cooperation, which is recognised by the world community and international experts as one of the main locomotives of international affairs in the modern world. In the past, despite supranational general concepts such as ‘Central Asia’, ‘regional unity’ or the substanceless slogan ‘Turkestan is our common home’, the identity of the region as a whole has remained extremely blurred. The actions of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the two main powers in the region, towards this end are an important step in transforming these previous abstractions into a concrete plan. We will talk about this a little later, but for now let us focus on the first meeting of the Interstate Council.
The visit hosted meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council, as well as a business forum, political consultations, a think tank forum and intellectual games. The organizers of the meetings also organised cinema days and other cultural events to strengthen the unity of Central Asian peoples in cultural terms as well as economic and political.
One of the most significant events of these meetings was the adoption by the leaders of the two countries of the Programme for Strategic Partnership and Allied Cooperation for 2024-2034. This document undoubtedly marks the beginning of a new stage in Uzbek-Kazakh relations of friendship and good neighbourliness.
Economic relations between the two parties have already reached record highs in recent years. As a result of previous meetings, such as economic forums and business meetings of the parties, solid agreements worth $7 billion were signed.
‘We have opened a new chapter in our multifaceted relations – we have held the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council. This format is an expression of the highest level of interstate cooperation and clearly demonstrates the close ties between our countries and peoples and their firm desire to strengthen cooperation in all areas,’ Mirziyoyev said at the meeting.
Of course, this unprecedented level of cooperation between the two countries did not go unnoticed by the world community and international experts. Analysts and think tanks commented widely on the details of the visit. In particular, Roy Anthony Rogers, Deputy Director of the Asia and Europe Institute at the University of Malaya (Malaysia), outlined his observations as follows:
‘Thanks to the strong historical ties and personal friendship between the leaders of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, the current state of Uzbek-Kazakh relations is characterised by special dynamics, a high level of mutual understanding and trust. I believe that this visit of the president of Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan is of historic significance not only for the peoples of the two countries, but also for the prosperity of the entire Central Asian region.’
Praising Uzbekistan’s policy of regional cooperation, Nasri Al Saadi, Managing Partner of Premium Construction (Qatar), focuses in his article on the sincere actions of the neighbouring countries:
‘The two leaders are committed to uniting the region and coordinating efforts through consultative meetings and the Central Asia Plus platforms, which are becoming increasingly popular mechanisms for international cooperation. They actively support each other on global and regional political issues’.
Of course, my aim is not to summarise or comment on the opinions of foreign analysts on this historic meeting. My intention is to tell you about the activities of Mirziyoyev, who is striving with equanimity and wisdom to achieve his goal of transforming Uzbekistan’s previous isolation into regional openness and is achieving great success. After all, I am always proud to be a contemporary and compatriot of a person who has glorified and continues to glorify the name of the Uzbek people and Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan-Turkey: A New Stage of Cooperation and Prospects for Developing Cultural and Humanitarian Ties

📅 28.01.2026

It is worth noting that one of Uzbekistan’s greatest achievements since independence has been ensuring peace, interethnic harmony, and mutual understanding among its multinational population. In particular, the wise national policy developed in our country in recent years is based on the key idea: “Multinationality is the wealth of Uzbekistan”.

         It should be emphasized that cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkey is currently gaining increasing significance in both quantitative and qualitative terms. Relations between the two countries, as a truly new stage of strategic cooperation, clearly demonstrate that historically and today, the Turkish and Uzbek peoples are truly fraternal peoples, not only in ethnic origin but also in spirit. Despite all the changes in historical development, these two fraternal peoples are steadily and diligently strengthening their national statehood, implementing the necessary reforms to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world. In this context, Turkey’s developed industry, achievements in agriculture, tourism potential, extensive statehood experience, and the growing natural interest of Turkish investors in the Uzbek market are of great importance to our country.

         This closeness and commonality of approaches are the most reliable guarantee that the development of cultural and humanitarian ties between Uzbekistan and Turkey will continue to strengthen and deepen in the future, for the benefit of the Uzbek and Turkish peoples.

         In particular, this is due to the age-old bonds of friendship, brotherhood, and mutual understanding between the Uzbek and Turkish peoples, as well as the similarity of culture, religion, and traditions of the peoples of both countries. This also demonstrates that these relations have deep historical and cultural roots, which provide a solid foundation. Moreover, culturally and historically, these two countries played a central role in the development of the civilization of the Turkic peoples. Therefore, at the 7^th summit held in Baku on October 15, 2019, Uzbekistan’s accession to the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States as a full member was highly praised and greeted with enthusiasm by all participating states. It is no exaggeration to say that this event not only strengthened the spirit of brotherhood in the Turkic world but also led to the emergence of a new regular cooperation format between Ankara and Tashkent.

         At the 8^th Summit of the organization, held in Istanbul on November 12, 2021, its name was changed to the Organization of Turkic States. The Summit also approved the concept of the Turkic world through 2040. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed holding the first summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Uzbekistan in 2022. The proposal was accepted, and the next, 9^th summit of the organization was held in Uzbekistan in November 2022.

         It is important to emphasize that in 2022, the leaders of the two countries celebrated the 30^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 5^th anniversary of the establishment of a strategic partnership. Our view is supported by the agreement to strengthen cooperation on reforms in Uzbekistan, implement public-private partnership mechanisms, and deepen partnerships in science, education, art, cinema, tourism, and information.

         Furthermore, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh. M. Mirziyoyev is actively implementing a large-scale reform program aimed at expanding Uzbekistan’s economic opportunities and improving the well-being and living standards of the population. The success of this policy, to some extent, depends on elevating our country’s effective relations with its international partners to a qualitatively new level. The special attention is deserved that Uzbekistan is responding to fundamental global changes with a new, proactive, pragmatic, and constructive foreign policy.

         The goals of modernizing our country’s economy and enhancing its global competitiveness require strengthening cooperation with foreign partners in industrial cooperation, studying the experience of developed countries, and attracting large-scale foreign investment and high technology. In this regard, notable that the economic development strategies of Uzbekistan and Turkey can complement each other in a number of important areas. This is due to the fact that Turkey is among the 20 largest economies in the world and has achieved high results in such important sectors for Uzbekistan as tourism, textiles, automotive manufacturing, construction, and food processing.

         Especially, Turkey’s textile and jewelry industries are among the top five in the world. Forty-four Turkish building contractors are among the world’s top 250 construction companies. This ranks Turkey second only to China, one of the world’s leading economies. While the country’s food industry has successfully entered Western markets and strengthened its position there, the Turkish automotive industry is on the cusp of transitioning from conventional automobile production to mass production of domestically produced electric vehicles. This once again confirms that Turkey is an important economic partner for us. Laying the foundations for a completely new export-oriented economic development model in the New Uzbekistan requires systemic changes across all economic sectors and further strengthening ties with reliable external partners with whom industrial cooperation can be developed in these sectors.

         Thus, in recent years, in a historically short period of time, a solid foundation has been laid for revolutionary changes in Uzbek-Turkish relations that will last for centuries — important programmatic plans have been developed and decisive practical steps have been taken. There is no doubt that this development of relations will further enhance the prestige of Uzbekistan and Turkey on the international stage, ensure stable economic growth in both countries, the socioeconomic well-being of their peoples, and the full realization of their creative potential.

         Turkey and Uzbekistan are actively developing not only bilateral relations but also cooperation in multilateral formats. Participation in the Organization of Turkic-Speaking States is also an important component of international cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkey.

         Currently, Uzbekistan has created ample opportunities for citizens of more than 130 different nationalities to actively participate in socioeconomic, political, legal, spiritual, and educational life, to recognize their national identity, and to preserve their ethnic values. Also, interethnic harmony and religious tolerance, national unity and solidarity are envisaged, and, above all, the upbringing of a harmoniously developed generation that understands its national identity based on a rich historical and spiritual heritage, national values, customs and traditions, possesses a high sense of national pride and has a worldview formed on the basis of universal human values, modern technology, and scientific achievements.

         Currently, in the New Uzbekistan, unity and mutual understanding are the main principles of policy in the sphere of interethnic relations, aimed at maintaining unity and harmony in society, where an important aspect is not only protecting the interests of various ethnic groups but also shaping a civic identity based on respect and consideration for the rights of others.

         In the area of ​​interethnic relations, Decree No. DP-52 of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan as of March 19, 2025, “On measures to advance to a new stage in strengthening nationwide unity and relations with compatriots abroad”, was adopted. In this decree, the harmonization of interethnic relations in society and the formation of a unified civic identity through strengthening friendship, mutual solidarity, tolerance, and unity in society are defined as one of the priority tasks for strengthening national harmony and ties with compatriots abroad.

         The Committee is designated as the authorized republican executive body implementing state policy in the area of ​​interethnic relations, supporting compatriots abroad, and coordinating the activities of state bodies in this area.

         The Committee’s primary objectives are: harmonizing interethnic relations, forming a unified civic identity by strengthening friendship, mutual solidarity, tolerance, and unity in society; strengthening the involvement of all nationalities and peoples living in Uzbekistan in national development by ensuring their rights and legitimate interests; developing socio-cultural and friendly ties with foreign countries through public diplomacy; supporting the mobilization of the socio-economic potential of compatriots abroad for the development of our Homeland; and systematically analyzing issues of national unity among the people of Uzbekistan and compatriots abroad in the name of common societal goals.

         The Committee has taken significant steps to develop cooperation with the USA, Canada, China, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and several other countries to elevate the consistent implementation of state policy toward compatriots living abroad to a new level.

         Currently, the Committee implements state policy aimed at ensuring interethnic harmony and tolerance in society and supporting the mobilization of the socio-economic potential of compatriots abroad for the development of our country. It also establishes friendly international relations, strengthens friendship with civil societies in foreign countries, and implements a “public diplomacy” mechanism with 157 national cultural centers, 43 friendship societies located in the republic, as well as with more than 60 brother cities, and nearly 100 societies of compatriots abroad.

         Enormous opportunities have been created for the preservation, presentation, and development of national identity, language, traditions, customs, history, and culture of various nationalities. Furthermore, the role of national cultural centers, established by representatives of various nationalities living in our country is of particular importance in strengthening cultural cooperation between the New Uzbekistan and foreign countries.

Specifically, Turkish National Cultural Centers were established in Bukhara in 1991, in Tashkent - in 1992, and in 1997, the Turkish National Cultural Center of Uzbekistan.

         Since 1997, the primary focus of the Turkish National Cultural Center of Uzbekistan (chairman Umar Ibrahimov Salmanov) has been the revival of the Turkish language, culture, traditions, and customs. To this end, the Center has established a Council of Elders, a Women’s Council, a Youth Wing, and a department for working with sports clubs and ensembles.

         Currently, three folklore ensembles operate under the auspices of the Center: Sevinch, Anadolu, and a women’s folklore group.

 In 1999, under the direction of Mikail Suleymanov, an honorary member of the Turkish National Cultural Center of Uzbekistan, the MIKO Comedy Theater was founded. The performances were shown in Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. These theatrical productions are primarily aimed at strengthening unity, solidarity, and harmony among representatives of different nationalities.

         A number of representatives of Turkish nationality have been awarded state awards for their contribution to strengthening interethnic harmony, mutual understanding, and friendship in our country.

         The first information about the arrival of Turks in Uzbekistan was found in the diary of the Spanish ambassador González de Clavijo. Written sources mention Turkish musicians at the court of the Temurid Shahrukh. There is information that Turkish merchants and artisans settled in the territory of modern-day Uzbekistan in the late Middle Ages to engage in trade and crafts.

         When did the Turks arrive in Uzbekistan? We pondered this question for a long time, examining over 100 sources. The results yielded varied answers. The first representatives of the Turks settled in the territory of modern-day Uzbekistan, in the lands of Akhsi, which corresponds to the territory of today’s Namangan Region, when Turkic peoples migrated from the Yenisei River to the state known today as Turkey. The second group arrived during the reign of Amir Timur, in the 1400s.

         In 1992, the number of Turks living in Uzbekistan was 21,000, while today it has exceeded 50,000.

         Currently, our citizens of Turkish nationality living in Uzbekistan actively participate in the political, economic, social, and cultural life of the republic, making a worthy contribution to the development and progress of the state.

         The visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Turkey ushered in a new era in the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, based on mutual trust and expressing a desire for long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of our peoples.

         Official visits by the leaders of the two countries contribute to strengthening political dialogue and demonstrate a fruitful practical partnership. To further develop bilateral cooperation, the parties discussed in detail priority areas for further expansion of their partnership, including in areas such as trade and economics, investment, transport, textiles, energy, agriculture, as well as cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

         Furthermore, in accordance with the Action Plan for 2026-2027 signed between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and Turkey, the most effective cooperation aimed at ensuring sustainable development and prosperity based on lasting security has been established.

         It is noteworthy that the first part of the book by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, “Modernity and the New Uzbekistan
 is entitled “Humanity’s Chosen Path of Sustainable Development”. The fact that it reflects the priority criteria for human development in the 21st century and the noble global goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development confirms our aforementioned ideas.

         Overall, the primary and most important factor in maintaining socio-political stability in Uzbekistan is the ability to ensure unity and national harmony among its multi-ethnic population. It should be noted separately that national understanding and national unity, which are strengthening day by day in our society, serve the cohesion processes on an ethnic and cultural basis among representatives of all nationalities living in Uzbekistan.

Saodat Tilovberdievna Davlatova

Head of Department of the Committee on interethnic relations and compatriots abroad of the Republic of Uzbekistan,

Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor