In December 2025, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay an official visit to Japan and take part in the high-level Central Asia + Japan Dialogue summit.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two states on 26 January 1992, the development of Uzbek–Japanese cooperation has been one of the key priorities of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific region. Based on mutual respect and trust, Tashkent and Tokyo are today building dynamic, multi-tiered cooperation covering politics, security, the economy, investment, innovation, education, culture, tourism, and interaction within regional formats.

Japan has traditionally been a key strategic partner in modernizing industrial and energy infrastructure, advancing digital transformation, promoting sustainable development, and supporting progress in education, science, culture, and humanitarian exchange.

Bilateral cooperation between Uzbekistan and Japan is rich and dynamic. A turning point in the development of the dialogue was President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to Japan in December 2019, which gave a powerful impetus to the implementation of major joint economic, investment, and humanitarian projects and defined the long-term trajectory of bilateral engagement.

On the international stage, Uzbekistan and Japan interact effectively within international organizations and support each other’s positions. Over the years, Uzbekistan has supported Japan’s candidacy to UN bodies more than 40 times, while Tokyo has co-sponsored a number of UN General Assembly resolutions initiated by Uzbekistan, including resolutions on the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone, education and religious tolerance, youth support, and the role of parliaments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The strategic nature of bilateral relations is also reflected in inter-parliamentary cooperation. Friendship groups operate within both national parliaments, regular meetings of the Uzbekistan–Japan Inter-Parliamentary Forum are held, mutual visits take place, and online consultations and negotiations are conducted.

Cooperation between the foreign ministries is likewise intensive. Since 2002, 19 rounds of political consultations have been held between the foreign ministries of the two countries.

A significant milestone in this regard was the first Strategic Dialogue between the Foreign Ministers of Uzbekistan and Japan, held on 25 August 2025 in Tashkent. This new format underscored the long-term nature of bilateral engagement and the readiness of both sides to expand mutually beneficial cooperation across all areas.

Regular contacts, telephone conversations, meetings on international platforms, and reciprocal visits by foreign ministers help coordinate positions on bilateral and multilateral issues and further intensify cooperation in other areas.

Honorary consuls of Uzbekistan in Japan also play an important role in promoting interstate cooperation, actively contributing to the advancement of economic and cultural initiatives.

Economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Japan is developing dynamically and encompasses industry, energy, communications, infrastructure, innovation, transport, and the “green economy.” Trade between the two countries is conducted under the most-favored-nation regime, which has contributed to steady growth in bilateral trade turnover.

In 2024, the Uzbek–Japanese Trade House opened in Nagoya, demonstrating Japan’s growing interest in expanding trade ties with Uzbekistan.

Joint meetings of the Uzbekistan–Japan and Japan–Uzbekistan Committees on Economic Cooperation serve as the key coordination mechanism for bilateral economic projects.

Today, 84 joint ventures with Japanese capital operate in Uzbekistan, and 13 major Japanese companies have representative offices in the country, working in the oil and gas, chemical, engineering, logistics, education, and tourism sectors.

Japanese financial institutions play a strategic role in modernizing Uzbekistan’s economy. In January 2025, a loan agreement worth USD 150 million was signed in Tashkent with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the construction and equipping of the Republican Center for Neurology and Stroke — a modern project that will represent an important step in advancing national healthcare.

The cultural and humanitarian dimension of Uzbek–Japanese relations is distinguished by depth and emotional resonance. For more than two decades, the Uzbekistan–Japan Friendship Society, as well as the Fukushima–Uzbekistan Association and the Japan–Uzbekistan Association, have been actively operating. The Hiroshima Peace Stone installed in Tashkent and the Japanese Garden in the heart of the capital have become symbols of strong friendship between the peoples of Uzbekistan and Japan.

Uzbekistan regularly hosts Japanese cultural festivals, film screenings, performances, and exhibitions. In turn, Uzbekistan widely showcases its cultural traditions in Japan — from national cuisine and traditional garments to music and dance. Such exchanges form a unique basis for friendship between the two nations, fostering mutual respect and strengthening long-term cooperation.

Modern cultural projects have become the hallmark of humanitarian dialogue. In April 2022, Tokyo hosted the vibrant event “Spirit of the Silk Road — Bridge of Friendship,” and in 2024, the Japanese ensemble “Japanese Pearl” won third place at the traditional Boysun Bahori festival.

Education is one of the most rapidly developing areas of humanitarian cooperation. More than 2,500 students study Japanese language across seven universities in Uzbekistan. The Uzbek–Japanese Center for Human Resource Development operates in the country, the Japan Development Scholarship (JDS) program is being implemented, and joint projects are carried out with the universities of Tokyo, Nagoya, Tsukuba, Keio, and Toyohashi. Over 400 Uzbek students have received JDS scholarships, and about 2,500 specialists have undertaken internships in Japan. Exchange programs and faculty visits are active, and university rector forums are held.

Joint scientific research is being conducted in ancient history, archaeology, oriental studies, agriculture, and climate processes.

Japan provides financial and technical support to the development of healthcare in Uzbekistan. More than USD 60 million has been allocated for equipping medical facilities, training specialists, and supplying vaccines. Over 100 Japanese volunteers have worked in Uzbekistan, and more than 200 Uzbek medical professionals have completed internships in Japan.

Interregional diplomacy occupies an increasingly important place in bilateral relations. Sister-city partnerships have been established between Rishtan and Maizuru, Tashkent and Nagoya, and Samarkand Region and Nara Prefecture. Within this framework, Samarkand Days are regularly held in Japan, alongside cultural events in Nagoya.

Growing interest among Japanese visitors in Uzbekistan’s culture and history is stimulating cooperation in the tourism sector. The number of Japanese visitors to Uzbekistan continues to rise, facilitated by expanded air connectivity, active promotion of cultural tourism, and improved infrastructure.

Particular interest is drawn to Uzbekistan’s Buddhist heritage sites — Kara-Tepe, Fayaz-Tepe, Dalverzin-Tepe, and the temple complexes of Termez and its surroundings. Thanks to the research of Japanese scholars, these monuments have gained international recognition and attract visitors and experts from around the world.

Another vivid example of Japanese public interest in Uzbekistan was the success of the Uzbek pavilion, “Garden of Knowledge: Laboratory of the Future Society,” at EXPO 2025 in Osaka. Uzbekistan’s national pavilion was recognized as one of the most remarkable exhibits and was awarded a Gold Medal. The world premiere of the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan’s performance “Celestial Dance,” dedicated to bilateral friendship, captivated Japanese audiences.

The Central Asia–Japan Dialogue, whose first leaders’ summit President Mirziyoyev will attend during his visit, is a format that fully aligns with Uzbekistan’s regional priorities and reflects the growing political consolidation of Central Asian states.

The initiative to establish the Dialogue was first proposed by Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi during her visit to Tashkent on 24 August 2004. The priority goals identified at the time included ensuring peace and stability in the region, supporting reforms and social development, strengthening intra-regional ties, enhancing Central Asia’s partnership with neighboring regions and the international community, and cooperating on pressing regional and global issues.

Today, the Dialogue has evolved into a stable platform for trusted interaction and discussions on sustainable development.

To provide the format with practical substance, regular working meetings of senior officials, sectoral expert consultations, and Tokyo Intellectual Dialogues are held. In recent years, the Economic and Energy Dialogues at the ministerial level, conducted in Tokyo in 2023–2025, have become particularly significant.

Infrastructure assistance has always been one of Japan’s priorities within the Dialogue. Japanese organizations such as JICA and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) systematically participate in modernizing transport corridors, logistics hubs, roads, engineering facilities, airports, and rail infrastructure. These projects significantly increase regional connectivity and strengthen Central Asia’s role as a key bridge between East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Japan, a global leader in digitalization and automation, actively shares its expertise with the countries of the region. For Uzbekistan, this cooperation is especially important: the country is rapidly developing its IT sector, creating IT parks and technology parks, launching digital economy programs, and attracting Japanese experts for training national specialists.

Given Japan’s long-standing leadership in environmentally sustainable development and energy-efficient technologies, environmental cooperation is also a central element of the partnership.

As the most populous country in the region and a major transport and logistics hub, Uzbekistan plays a central role in shaping the agenda of the Dialogue. In recent years, Uzbekistan has contributed significantly to strengthening the practical content of cooperation by initiating new projects across various fields.

Over the past two decades, the Dialogue has proven itself as a stable and in-demand mechanism of partnership that allows the countries of the region and Japan to build systematic cooperation across a wide range of areas.

Thus, the upcoming visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Japan and his participation in the Central Asia + Japan Summit will deepen both bilateral and multilateral political dialogue, expand economic and investment cooperation, and strengthen educational and scientific ties. Undoubtedly, the active efforts of the President to expand mutually beneficial partnerships will once again confirm Uzbekistan’s commitment to regional integration and open, constructive international dialogue.

The second day of the visit of the Head of our state to Navoi region began with a joyful event. A ceremony dedicated to new projects was held with the participation of representatives of the public.

In recent years, entrepreneurship in Navoi region has been actively developing, and the interest of investors in the region continues to grow. In 2023 alone, the region produced more than 101 trillion soums worth of industrial products and exported $648 million. Foreign investments worth about $478 million were also absorbed, and the foreign trade turnover of the region amounted to about $1.3 billion. More than 300 foreign enterprises operate in the region, and their number will continue to increase.

Fifteen new projects were announced at the ceremony.

In particular, the projects on extraction and processing of oil shale in Kanimekh district, construction of a 300 megawatt solar photovoltaic station and a 75 megawatt electricity storage system in Karmana district, production of technical gases in Navoi city, processing of marble in Gazgan and granite in Zarafshan, extraction and enrichment of kaolin in Uchkuduk district, and production of fish feed in Khatyrchi district were launched. 

Enterprises were launched to produce potassium sulfate and sulfuric acid in Karmana district, cotton pulp in Navoi city, and granite processing in Nurata district.

The total cost of the 15 projects is $3.6 billion. More than 7 thousand jobs will be created.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev pressed a symbolic button and gave start to the construction and operation of the new projects.

The Regional Environmental Summit, to be held on 22–24 April 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan, is of significant importance for Central Asia. Above all, it serves as clear evidence that the countries of the region are jointly seeking solutions to complex challenges such as climate change, water scarcity and land degradation. This reflects a transition to a new phase of environmental policy—one grounded in strong and sustained cooperation.

Shared Challenges Require Collective Solutions

Environmental challenges in Central Asia do not recognize national borders. The tragedy of the Aral Sea, inefficient use of transboundary water resources, desertification, and air pollution affect not just individual countries, but the future of the entire region.

In recent decades, unsustainable water management—particularly in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins—has increased pressure on both ecosystems and economic resilience. In this context, the regional summit represents a practical step forward—from acknowledging shared challenges to addressing them collectively.

The summit agenda outlines eight priority areas, reflecting a comprehensive approach to environmental policy. These include climate change mitigation; ensuring food security and ecosystem resilience; adaptation to natural risks and strengthening economic resilience; reducing air pollution and improving waste management; developing mechanisms to achieve environmental goals; sustainable management of natural resources; a just and inclusive green transition; and the development of environmental and digital competencies.

Thus, the summit agenda encompasses not only environmental, but also socio-economic dimensions.

Support for this initiative at the United Nations level adds considerable political and international weight to the process. It sends a strong signal that environmental issues are no longer confined to nature conservation alone—they are increasingly matters of security, economic stability and social well-being.

The participation of international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, is particularly important. It expands the potential to translate environmental initiatives into concrete projects, as addressing these challenges requires not only political commitments, but also substantial financial resources and advanced technologies.

The Green Transition: Opportunity or Challenge?

The concept of a “green transition” occupies a central place in the summit agenda. For Central Asian countries, this process is inherently dual in nature.

On the one hand, the transition to a green economy offers opportunities to attract investment, foster innovation and create new jobs. The development of renewable energy, resource-efficient technologies and sustainable agriculture can serve as key drivers of economic growth.

On the other hand, this transition requires large-scale reforms. Modernizing outdated infrastructure, upgrading industry, and strengthening environmental awareness among the population are complex and demanding tasks. This is precisely why the emphasis on a “just and inclusive green transition” is of fundamental importance.

Uzbekistan: Advancing Reforms and Environmental Initiatives

For Uzbekistan, the summit provides an important platform to present its environmental policy on the international stage. In recent years, the country has been implementing large-scale initiatives and programmes such as “Yashil Makon,” “Toza Havo,” “Bio Meros,” “Territory Without Waste” and “Eco-Culture,” demonstrating its proactive stance on the environmental agenda.

Particular attention is being given to the restoration of the Aral Sea region. Practical measures undertaken in this area position Uzbekistan as a significant partner not only regionally, but also globally, creating favorable conditions for attracting investment and expanding international cooperation.

Key Expected Outcomes of the Summit

The summit is expected to result in the signing of a number of strategically important documents, including a Joint Declaration of the Heads of State of Central Asia; a Regional Cooperation Programme with the United Nations for 2026–2030; memorandums on biodiversity, ecotourism, and ecosystem protection; agreements on the establishment of a regional early warning system for wildfires; and initiatives to create a transboundary “Peace Park.”

These documents will form a solid foundation for long-term cooperation and financing of environmental projects.

Conclusion: A Regional Response to Global Challenges

The Regional Environmental Summit highlights the growing role of Central Asia in the global environmental agenda. The forum represents an important step toward the development of a unified regional strategy aimed at reducing climate risks, conserving natural resources and ensuring sustainable development.

The current stage of global economic development is characterized by a large-scale transformation of international supply chains and growing geopolitical uncertainty. In this context, transport connectivity is becoming a key factor in ensuring economic security and sustainable development.

These processes are particularly relevant for the countries of Eurasia. Comprehensive transport and logistics cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Uzbekistan, which serve as key links in the new transit corridor architecture, is of strategic importance here.

Russian-Uzbek cooperation is demonstrating stable positive dynamics. By the end of 2025, the total volume of freight traffic between the countries reached 18.2 million tons, an increase of 13.6 percent compared to the previous year. Exports accounted for 3.6 million tons, imports for 9.2 million tons, and transit for 5.4 million tons.

Rail transport traditionally forms the bulk of freight turnover. In 2025, volumes reached 12.9 million tonnes, representing a 12.3 percent increase compared to the previous year, while transit traffic increased by almost 15 percent to 4.8 million tonnes.

The development of strategic industrial cooperation has become an important stage of cooperation. Specifically, a large-scale project to transfer the Tashkent Passenger Carriage Construction and Repair Plant to the trust management of Transmashholding JSC is being implemented. The signed agreements provide for the complete modernization of the plant by the end of 2026, with the prospect of its phased privatization.

In terms of passenger rail transportation, service has been fully restored on the Tashkent-Moscow and Tashkent-Kazan routes. The launch of train service from Andijan to Moscow and the establishment of direct rail service between the two countries' tourist centers are currently on the agenda.

The development of road transportation also remains an important area of ​​cooperation. By the end of 2025, the volume of road freight transport exceeded 5.2 million tons, representing a 16.5% increase. At the same time, passenger bus service continues to develop. Regular bus services have been established from Tashkent to Novosibirsk, Kazan, Perm, Krasnodar, Ufa, Moscow, and St. Petersburg.

Routes to Nizhny Novgorod, Tyumen, and Yekaterinburg are planned for 2026–2028. To improve service quality, unified service standards, monitoring systems, and digital services, including electronic ticket booking, are being implemented.

Significant results have also been achieved in aviation services. In 2025, more than 34,000 bilateral flights were operated, representing a 4.8% increase, carrying over 4.2 million passengers. Currently, flights operate at a frequency of 340 per week, involving over 45 Russian airlines and leading Uzbek carriers (Uzbekistan Airways, Qanot Sharq, Panorama Airways, and My Freighter).

A breakthrough was reached in June 2025 in Moscow by aviation authorities. The parties agreed to increase the frequency to 1,000 scheduled flights per week. If these quotas are fully utilized, the annual passenger capacity will exceed 16 million passengers. The most significant area of ​​cooperation is the joint development of new international transport corridors, the key one being the multimodal corridor "Belarus – Russia – Kazakhstan – Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan." The project was initiated by the signing of a memorandum on the development of this corridor in 2023 at the first SCO Transport Forum.

In April 2024, the first meeting of the working group was held in Termez, where the parties signed a roadmap providing for the analysis of cargo flows, the implementation of electronic digital documents, and the optimization of customs procedures. After Pakistan joined the memorandum, a number of additional meetings of the working group were held throughout 2025, during which tariff conditions, logistics solutions, and the organization of test container shipments along the route were agreed upon.

This transport corridor has the potential to become one of the most important routes in the Eurasian space, providing direct transport and logistics links between the Union State of Belarus and Russia, the countries of Central Asia, and the markets of South Asia.

Russian-Uzbek cooperation in transport and logistics has become a full-scale strategic partnership. The synchronized development of all modes of transport, deep industrial cooperation, and the joint development of new transit routes form a reliable framework for Eurasian connectivity, capable of ensuring economic growth throughout Greater Eurasia.

Leading specialists of the Center for the Study of Transport and Logistics Development Problems under the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Sh. Akhmedov and M. Tohirov

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

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Aral Sea was the largest lake in Central Asia. Starting from the second half of this century, as a result of the drying up of the sea, a new desert ecosystem-the Aralkum Desert-was formed at its bottom. This area is currently considered one of the largest anthropogenic desert ecosystems in Central Asia. As a result of the decrease in sea level, more than 60,000 km² of wetlands have turned into land. 

The ecological changes occurring in this region have had a significant impact not only on the climate and soil composition but also on biological diversity. As a result, the distribution area of species adapted to wetland ecosystems has sharply decreased. At the same time, the Aralkum Desert, which emerged between the Ustyurt Plateau and the Kyzylkum Desert, led to the formation of a new bird community as a unique and unique desert ecosystem. Therefore, the scientific study of the state of the desert ecosystem formed on the dried seabed and its ornithological fauna, the distribution of species across the biotopes of these ecosystems, and adaptation mechanisms is of urgent importance.

In accordance with this, the Institute of Zoology of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan Scientific research is being conducted within the framework of the applied project AL-9424104883-R1 on the topic “Current state of the Aralkum avifauna, species adaptation to environmental changes, and conservation measures”. This project was deemed suitable based on the competition requirements announced by the Agency for Innovative Development under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation within the framework of the 94th round and has been funded by the Fund for Financing Science and Supporting Innovation since the second half of 2025. The goal of the project is to identify important areas and biotopes for the ornithological fauna of the Aralkum Desert, to study species diversity, adaptation to environmental changes, biological characteristics, and distribution.

In accordance with the calendar plan of this applied project, a field expedition to the Aralkum Desert in the territory of Muynak district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan was carried out in October–November 2025. Ornithological studies were conducted in areas divided into 10 × 10 km grid cells using the ArcGIS software. A total of 68 grid cells were surveyed using transect and point count methods. Out of these, pedestrian transect observations were conducted in 56 grid cells, with a total length of 140 km. In the remaining 12 grid cells, point count observations were carried out. The grid-based approach to studying the area is important for identifying patterns in the distribution of birds across biotopes and for revealing their association with specific landscape elements.

As a result of scientific research conducted to date, it has been established that the Desert ecosystem formed on the dried seabed incorporates the following biotopes:

Saline deserts are characterized by high salt concentrations; specific species of halophytic plants predominate here.

Sandy deserts consist of wind-driven barchans, semi-fortified, and fortified sands, in which ephemerals, perennial herbs, semi-shrubs, and shrubs are found.

Stony and gravelly deserts cover ancient islands in the central part of the Aralkum Desert and adjacent territories.

Clay deserts are open plains in the western and southwestern parts of the Aralkum Desert.

Hills and chinkes include ancient coastal walls and adjacent hills in the western and northern parts of the Aralkum Desert.

Furthermore, in the northwestern part of this territory, there is a remnant of the Aral Sea preserved as a natural lake, as well as a number of artificial basins formed by drainage and collector waters in the southern regions, which are of great importance to hydrophilic birds as a biotope for wetlands.

During the field studies, data were collected on the autumn diversity, distribution, and abundance of 91 bird species belonging to 12 orders and 26 families across 6 types of biotopes. Among the recorded bird species, 13 species - Cygnus olor, Cygnus cygnus, Phoenicopterus roseus, Falco cherrug, Haliaeetus albicilla, Aegypius monachus, Circus macrourus, Aquila nipalensis, Aquila heliaca, Aquila chrysaetos, Chlamydotis macqueenii, Limosa limosa, and Glareola nordmanni — are included in the Red Data Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Additionally, 9 species are included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, 17 species in the Annexes to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and 28 species in the Annexes to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Wild Animals (CMS).

The research results showed that the areas of the Aralkum Desert with the highest ornithological fauna diversity correspond to sandy desert biotopes formed parallel to the chink, bordering the eastern part of the Ustyurt Plateau. This biotope was formed at the boundary of desert and steppe ecosystems, characterized by diverse vegetation and favorable habitat conditions for birds belonging to various ecological groups.

It was also found that hills and chins are of particular importance as favorable habitats for many species during the autumn season. In the remaining parts of stony and gravelly deserts and sandy deserts, highly specialized species for living in arid conditions were observed, while in saline and clay deserts, species diversity was noted to be at a minimum level.

Research has shown that the remnants of the Aral Sea, preserved as a natural lake, are of relatively low importance for waterfowl and waterfowl; conversely, artificial reservoirs in southern regions serve as an important wetland habitat for hydrophilic birds.

The Aralkum desert, formed on the dried bed of the Aral Sea, emerged as a unique new desert ecosystem within a short historical period. Conducted studies have shown that various biotopes have formed in this area, directly influencing the distribution and diversity of birds. The highest ornithological diversity was observed in sandy desert biotopes, while this indicator was low in saline and clay areas. The research results serve as an important scientific basis for identifying important habitats for birds in the Aralkum region and developing measures for their protection.

Institute of Zoology of the Academy of Sciences of
the Republic of Uzbekistan

A meeting of the Organizing Committee for the Second Asian Women’s Forum was held at the Senate of the Oliy Majlis.

The meeting was chaired by the Chairperson of the Senate, Tanzila Narbaeva.

The meeting was attended by members of the Organizing Committee, senators, heads of relevant ministries and agencies, as well as representatives of non-governmental non-profit organizations.

It should be noted that the Head of state, during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly held on September 23–29, 2025, proposed transforming the Asian Women’s Forum into a permanent platform.

To this end, it was decided to hold the forum jointly with UN Women and the United Nations Population Fund on May 13–15 this year in the city of Bukhara.

The forum will address issues related to empowering women in the region in areas such as politics, economy, healthcare, education, social protection, climate, environment, and governance. It is expected to enhance both global and regional cooperation, with active exchange of experience.

The event will also serve as a platform to present to international participants the reforms implemented in Uzbekistan under the leadership of the Head of State, including measures to support women, socio-economic opportunities, and conditions created in employment, entrepreneurship, education, and social protection, as well as achievements in community development and tourism potential.

Particular attention will be given to the implementation of key international frameworks, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

During the meeting, participants discussed organizational aspects related to the forum, including its agenda, content, and arrangements for bilateral meetings with foreign delegations.

Following the meeting, relevant ministries and agencies were assigned specific tasks to ensure the forum is held at a high level.

Dunyo IA,

Tashkent

Today, a new and ambitious strategic direction is emerging on the global energy map. The strategic partnership established between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan is a historic step that serves not only to strengthen regional energy security but also to elevate the global "green" transformation to a new level. At the heart of this ambitious initiative lies, first and foremost, the mutual trust, strong friendship, and high responsibility of the leaders of the three brotherly states toward future generations.

Uzbekistan's Green Development Strategy

In recent years, large-scale and intensive reforms on the use of renewable energy sources have been implemented in Uzbekistan. To date, 15 solar and 5 wind power plants with a total capacity of 5,582 MW have been commissioned in various regions of the country, producing "green" energy for the country's population and economy. Notably, the capacity of solar photovoltaic plants is 3,930 MW, and wind power plants are 1,652 MW. To ensure the stability of the energy supply, 12 additional energy storage systems with a total capacity of 1,545 MW were also commissioned.

Looking at the figures, in 2025 alone, solar and wind power plants managed to generate 10.5 billion kWh of electricity. From the beginning of 2026 to April 15, this figure exceeded 2.5 billion kWh, and the goal is to increase it to 15 billion kWh by the end of the year. By 2030, Uzbekistan will become a true "green" energy hub: the total capacity of solar and wind power plants will reach 21 GW, and 54% of the total electricity generated in the country will come from renewable sources. As a result, 18 billion cubic meters of natural gas will be saved annually, and the emission of 25 million tons of harmful gases into the atmosphere will be prevented.

Regional Solidarity: The Brothers' Strategic Choice

Relations with the countries of the region, especially with our close neighbor and strategic partner Kazakhstan, are of decisive importance in achieving such high milestones. During the recent visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Uzbekistan, the leaders of the two countries outlined future priorities for the development of sectors, in particular, energy. These friendly relations guarantee the energy stability not only of the two countries but of the entire region.

Thanks to the far-sighted policy and friendship of the heads of state of the three countries—Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan—the "Green Corridor" project is being implemented. This path, which began with a Memorandum of Understanding in May 2024, was further strengthened by the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed by the Presidents of the three countries at the COP-29 international summit in Baku in November of the same year. This historic document marked the beginning of a new era not only in energy production but also in the field of energy transmission.

"Green Corridor" - practical steps towards the future

The practical stages of the project are proceeding consistently. Within the framework of the founding agreement signed on December 27, 2024, the national operators of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan - JSC "National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan," JSC "KEGOC," and JSC "Azerenerji" - united for a common goal. Negotiations held in early 2025 in Tashkent with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Energy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia once again proved the project's international prestige.

The establishment of the Green Corridor Alliance Limited Liability Company in Baku on July 1, 2025, laid the institutional foundation for the project. The world-renowned Italian company CESI has been involved in developing the project's feasibility study, which, according to the agreement signed with the Asian Development Bank, will be submitted by the beginning of 2027. Currently, specialists from the three countries, together with CESI, are working on a complete model (technical and economic basis) of the project.

In conclusion, this strategic partnership is not only an important pillar for exporting "green" energy to Europe but also for the transition of Central Asia and the Caspian region to a unified, environmentally friendly, and digital energy system. There is no doubt that the friendly will of the heads of state and the spirit of regional solidarity will make Uzbekistan one of the most reliable and major players in the global energy market in the future.

Ministry of Energy

of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The analysis covers the key thematic and semantic emphases of the President’s speech, the structure of core concepts and their interrelations, priority directions of state policy, as well as the strategic benchmarks for the country’s socio-economic development in 2026.

On 26 December 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered his Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan. Experts of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) conducted a linguistic content analysis of the President’s speech.

The analysis was carried out using modern linguistic methods and is aimed at identifying semantic priorities, key concepts and their connections. A word cloud and diagrams were also prepared to visually demonstrate the priority directions of state policy.

Analysis (from the original language)

In total, the President used 9,135 words in his Address. The creation of a word cloud made it possible to visualize the most significant themes and gain a deeper understanding of the priorities and directions of the country’s socio-economic development.

Figure 1. Most frequently used words in the President’s Address (26.12.2025)

The linguistic analysis showed that the most frequently used key words included “mahalla” – 49 times, “aholi” (population) – 35 times, “iqtisodiyot” (economy) – 28 times, “bozor” (market) – 26 times, “loyiha” (project) – 25 times, and “technology” – 22 times (Fig. 1).

Words such as “ta’lim” (education), “natija” (result) and “daromad” (income) were each used 20 times; “tadbirkor” (entrepreneur) and “sanoat” (industry) – 19 times each; “suv” (water) – 18 times; “elektr” (electricity) and “hudud” (territory) – 17 times each; “yoshlar” (youth), “infratuzilma” (infrastructure) and “qurilish” (construction) – 16 times each.

The analysis of two-word expressions showed that the phrase “Markaziy Osiyo” (Central Asia) was used eight times; “aholi daromadi” (household income), “qishloq xo‘jaligi” (agriculture) and “yangi bosqich” (new stage) – seven times; “yangi texnologiyalar” (new technologies) and “Toshkent shahri” (city of Tashkent) – six times each. Expressions such as “Davlat xizmatlari” (public services), “xorijiy investitsiya” (foreign investment) and “yangi tizim” (new system) were used five times, while “dual ta’lim” (dual education), “ish o‘rni” (jobs), “viloyat markazlari” (regional centers) and “tuman byudjeti” (district budgets) were used four times each.
Among three-word combinations, the most frequent expressions included “the next five years” – nine times; “based on dual education” – four times; and “water-saving technologies” and “water, electricity” – three times each.

Thus, the analysis shows that at the core of state policy are the mahalla, public welfare, and the transition to a new stage of development based on economic and technological transformation, with clearly defined strategic objectives for the next five years.

Thematic structure of the speech

The diagram below shows the distribution of the speech’s vocabulary by key directions, where the content is grouped into nine main thematic blocks.
The diagram clearly demonstrates that technological development and human interests, implemented at the level of the mahalla, are at the center of state policy. The ultimate goal of all reforms is to ensure public welfare through sustainable economic growth (Fig. 2).

Figure 2. Distribution of words by thematic areas in the structure of the speech

Interconnection of development directions

The analysis highlights key words that demonstrate the interconnection between various directions of Uzbekistan’s state policy in the coming years.
The transition of the economy to a technological and innovation-based growth model is a central element of state policy and implies a shift away from a raw-materials model toward high-tech industry. This direction is closely linked with such concepts as “investment,” “technology,” “market,” and “product.”

The block on economic growth and welfare reflects the key outcomes of reforms, including the increase of the economy to $145 bn and a twofold reduction in poverty over the past three years. It is directly associated with the concepts of “population,” “economy,” “mahalla,” and “services.”

The social foundation of reforms is built through the development of the mahalla and social solidarity. This direction is associated with “mahalla,” “youth,” “society,” and “values.”

Structuring vocabulary by thematic areas shows that the core of the President’s speech is technological modernization of the economy and a human-centered governance model based on the “mahallabay” system.

It emphasizes the interconnection between economic growth, improvement of public welfare and the development of local infrastructure, as well as priorities such as strengthening human capital, expanding employment and increasing the efficiency of public administration.

Figure 3. Interconnection of development directions

Among the highlighted semantic blocks are also tasks related to stimulating domestic demand, developing the housing and tourism sectors, modernizing the transport system, increasing productivity in agriculture and introducing water-saving technologies.

Special emphasis is placed on the “green” agenda, including the development of renewable energy, expansion of the “Yashil Makon” (“Green Space”) initiative, and strengthening resilience to climate risks.

In the foreign policy dimension, the analysis highlights Uzbekistan’s openness, strengthening of good-neighborly relations, and integration into the global economic system.

The linguistic analysis confirms that the idea at the core of the President’s speech is built around the triad “inson qadri – mahalla – farovonlik” (human dignity – mahalla – welfare), where the goal of reforms is sustainable growth, improved quality of life, and the further strengthening of Uzbekistan’s position.

Ilyos Rabbimov, CERR

CERR Public Relations Service

For inquiries, please contact:

(78) 150 02 02 (417)

Dear compatriots!

I cordially congratulate you, the multinational people of Uzbekistan on the coming New Year 2025.

Despite the difficult situation in the world, the outgoing year has been prosperous for our country.

Thanks to the selfless labor, socio-political activity of our people, the idea of New Uzbekistan is becoming a reality.

The past elections to the Oliy Majlis and local councils have reaffirmed that we have entered a new stage of democratic reforms.

New high-tech industrial complexes, infrastructure and logistics networks, roads and railroads have been built in the country, business, IT and tourism spheres are developing. The incomes and quality of life of the population are increasing.

Our skillful dehkans and farmers, clusters have harvested rich crops. The whole country is being improved.

Kindergartens and schools, universities, cultural and sports facilities are being built. Thousands of our compatriots are welcoming the New Year in new homes.

Our energetic, enterprising young people are achieving success in all spheres. Their record achievements at the Olympic and Paralympic Games have opened a new page in the history of national sport.

The role and influence of civil society institutions, including the mahalla, are being strengthened. The sphere of spirituality and enlightenment is developing. Our country's initiatives of global significance are receiving broad support.

Uzbekistan's authority in the international arena as a competitive country and a reliable partner is growing.

All this has become possible thanks to sustainable development, the atmosphere of friendship and harmony in our society.

On this festive evening, I express my sincere gratitude to you, my dear ones, to all our people-creators for your conscientious labor and service to the Motherland.

Dear friends!

We have declared 2025 the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy.

Our main goal is to create a sustainable balance between the economic system and our environment. We will create even greater business opportunities.

We will resolutely continue to work to ensure the inviolability of private property and actively attract foreign investment.

The focus will be on the social sphere, increasing wages, pensions, scholarships and benefits.

We will mobilize all forces and opportunities to bring up our children harmoniously developed, with modern knowledge and professions.

We will increase attention to the development of science, education, health care, culture, art and sports.

We will continue to prioritize the care of veterans, women and youth, as well as improving the effectiveness of social protection.

We will raise to a new level the work on strengthening the potential of our Armed Forces, support for servicemen and their families.

In a word, all together, united, we will act to realize the main principle - “In the name of man, in the name of his happiness!”.

Dear friends!

Once again, I sincerely congratulate you - our compatriots abroad, as well as partners and friends of Uzbekistan around the world - on this wonderful holiday.

I wish you health, happiness, prosperity and well-being to every family, to our beloved Motherland!

May all our good dreams and hopes come true!

May our native Uzbekistan prosper!

Happy New Year to you, my dear ones!



Shavkat Mirziyoyev,

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Dear compatriots!

Sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, I congratulate you, all our people on the holiday of Kurban Hayit, which has come in our country, which is being transformed and illuminated with the light of peace, kindness and harmony every day.

In these blessed moments we all deeply feel the spirit and joy of the great holiday and give immense gratitude to the Almighty for the fact that we meet such bright days together with our people.

Today, Kurban Hayit, firmly established in people's lives as a symbol of mercy, generosity and humanism, is gaining more and more significance, consonant with the content of large-scale reforms in the New Uzbekistan, in which respect for human honor and dignity comes to the fore in all spheres.

It should be especially noted that our sacred religion and this bright holiday, which embodies its humanistic essence, serves as a source of strength and inspiration for us in all good deeds aimed at strengthening the atmosphere of peace and tranquility, friendship and cohesion in mahallas and families, caring for the older generation, youth and women, low-income families, and making sure that no one is left behind.

Dear friends!

In these bright days, when our hearts are filled with joy, we talk about the great work carried out in recent years to revive the original spiritual values, to improve the sacred places, to create favorable conditions for the Muslims of the country to freely perform religious rites, including hajj and umrah.

In a short period of time, international scientific centers of Imam Bukhari, Imam Termezi and Imam Maturidi have been organized. The memorial complexes of Abu Iso Termezi, Abu Muin Nasafi, Sulton Uwais Karani and Suzuk Ota have been radically transformed. Work on the construction and equipping of the Imam Bukhari memorial complex and the Centre for Islamic Civilization is continuing apace. Majestic mosques are being built in many towns and villages.

Over the past seven years, more than 60 thousand Muslims of the country have made the Hajj. These days 15 thousand more of our compatriots are making pilgrimage to two sacred cities - Mecca and Medina, having realized their most cherished dream.

In such blessed moments, when good thoughts come true, we wish them with all our heart to fully perform the rites of Hajj and safely return to their homeland.

On the eve of the celebration of Hayyit, during our telephone conversation with the Chairman of the Muslims' Board, the Honorable Mufti Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazar, who is staying in the holy Mecca, he emphasized the created conditions necessary for our compatriots to perform the rites of Hajj. We hope that, having returned home, our pilgrims will become an example in further strengthening the atmosphere of kindness and mutual assistance in the society, in the struggle of enlightenment against ignorance, strengthening the education of youth and establishing harmony in families.

Dear compatriots!

Today we sincerely congratulate our compatriots abroad on this holiday, wish them health, happiness and success.

We convey warm congratulations to believing Muslims in the states of near and far abroad and sincere wishes of peace and progress to their peoples and countries.

May the ongoing wars and conflicts in different regions cease! May peace reign on the Earth forever!

Dear friends!

Today, together with our multinational people, we are building a new Uzbekistan. The new Uzbekistan is a new life, a new development, a happy future.

If we unite more firmly and continue the initiated reforms with even greater determination, we will undoubtedly achieve this great goal.

We will surely raise our children to be a generation of true patriots, highly educated, possessing modern knowledge and professions.

I wish you happiness and success on this path.

May the Almighty protect our nation!

I once again congratulate you on the holy holiday of Kurban Hayit, wish you health, peace and prosperity to your families.



Shavkat Mirziyoyev,

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan