From 3 to 6 May 2026, Samarkand will host the 59th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The event is expected to bring together heads of banking and financial institutions from 69 member countries, as well as representatives of international organizations. Discussions will focus on the key development challenges facing the countries of Asia and possible ways to address them.

The holding of such a high-level forum in Uzbekistan reflects the growing recognition of the country’s ongoing economic reforms and the strengthening of its position within the global financial system. A significant factor has also been the notable expansion of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the ADB in recent years, as evidenced by a number of objective international assessments of the country’s socio-economic development.

First, there has been a steady rise in Uzbekistan’s international standing and stronger performance in global rankings. In particular, in the Government Technology Maturity Index published by the World Bank, the country advanced by 71 positions, entering the world’s top ten.

Second, despite continuing disruptions in global production and transport-logistics chains, rising commodity prices, and tighter financial conditions, Uzbekistan continues to demonstrate устойчивый economic growth. In 2025, for the first time in the country’s history, gross domestic product exceeded USD 145 billion, while gold and foreign exchange reserves surpassed USD 60 billion.

At the same time, the volume of attracted foreign investment increased significantly, reaching USD 43.1 billion, while the share of investment in GDP exceeded 31 percent. Moreover, despite growing protectionism and sanctions pressure in the global trading system, the republic increased exports by 23 percent, bringing them to USD 33.4 billion.

Third, cooperation between Uzbekistan and the ADB is comprehensive and long-term in nature. The total portfolio of joint initiatives amounts to 174 projects worth USD 27.5 billion, of which 66 projects worth USD 10.5 billion have already been completed, while another 30 projects valued at USD 4.6 billion are currently under implementation. These figures confirm the ADB’s status as one of Uzbekistan’s leading development partners.

Building on accumulated experience, the ADB launched a new five-year partnership strategy with Uzbekistan in August 2024 for the period 2024–2028. Its key priorities include supporting the republic’s transition toward a green and inclusive economy, enhancing private sector competitiveness, and stimulating investment in human capital.

In addition, Uzbekistan and the ADB approved a Memorandum of Understanding for 2026–2028, which envisages the implementation of 28 projects with a total value of USD 4.2 billion.

The fact that the meeting is being held in Uzbekistan positions the country as a regional hub for dialogue on development and investment, demonstrates the progress of reforms, and contributes to attracting global partners to accelerate the country’s sustainable development. According to experts, the meeting will serve as an important platform for strengthening cooperation and concluding priority agreements between the Government of Uzbekistan and the ADB.

Furthermore, in order to consolidate long-term priorities, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forward an initiative to mark the Samarkand summit with the signing of an important document — the Expanded Strategic Partnership Programme with the ADB for 2027–2030. It will serve as a medium-term roadmap, with primary emphasis placed on human capital and social resilience.

Thus, cooperation between Uzbekistan and the ADB has evolved from financial assistance into a strategic partnership. Today, the Bank finances key projects, shapes the reform agenda, and supports the long-term transformation of the national economy, effectively acting as an institutional partner.

Such cooperation opens a number of significant advantages for Uzbekistan:

Economic – access to concessional loans and grants, reduced budgetary burden in implementing large-scale programmes, improvement of the investment climate and inflow of long-term foreign investment, infrastructure development, and employment growth;

Structural – acceleration of market reforms, liberalization and diversification of the economy, and private sector development;

Strategic – integration into the global economy, transition to a green growth model, and participation in regional value chains and transport-logistics corridors.

As can be seen, the modern ADB agenda largely coincides with Uzbekistan’s current reform trajectory. According to experts, the republic has synchronized its national strategy with the Bank’s priorities and, as a result, can attract even greater volumes of financing to accelerate structural reforms and strengthen economic resilience.

Overall, the key features of the modern model of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the ADB are: comprehensiveness (covering all major sectors), strategic orientation (alignment with the long-term goals of “Uzbekistan–2030”), institutional depth (reforms, regulation, standards), and sustainability (environmental protection and inclusiveness).

Thus, today the ADB is not merely a creditor, but a key strategic partner participating in structural reforms, economic modernization, and Uzbekistan’s integration into global economic processes.

Dmitriy Trostyanskiy

Chief Research Fellow,

Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies

under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan,

Doctor of Economic Sciences

Ahead of the second meeting of the Termez Dialogue on Connectivity between Central and South Asia, a landmark event for interregional integration scheduled for June 4–6, Akramjon Ne’matov, First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan, answered questions from Dunyo IA.

— Akramjon Ilhomovich, the second meeting within the framework of the Termez Dialogue will begin in the coming days. What is on the agenda of this forum, and what are its key priorities? Most observers primarily associate this process with economic issues — railways, energy infrastructure, and transit trade. Is this the core essence of connectivity?

— Undoubtedly, the economy is one of the key components. Economic cooperation creates tangible shared interests that bind states together, generates mutual benefits, and serves as the foundation for the prosperity and growth of our peoples. Naturally, when we speak about transregional connectivity, logistics, trade, transport corridors, energy, and infrastructure constitute the essential and tangible foundation of this process.

However, connectivity cannot be measured solely in economic terms. Our agenda is far broader, and our objectives are far more ambitious. We are speaking about the creation of a common space of trust, sustainable development, and indivisible security across the vast Eurasian continent.

That is precisely why the agenda of the Termez Dialogue is so comprehensive and why its composition of participants is highly inclusive. This year’s meeting is being organized in partnership with the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA). This is no coincidence, as CICA’s core mission has always been to strengthen confidence-building measures across Asia. The dialogue is also being actively supported by the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

Although Central and South Asia remain at the geographic core of the discussions, countries from across the Eurasian space and beyond are full-fledged participants and stakeholders in this dialogue, as clearly evidenced by the delegations arriving from Azerbaijan, China, Germany, Qatar, Russia, Switzerland, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States, and many other countries.

It is important to emphasize that the Termez Dialogue itself represents a practical embodiment of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s global initiative aimed at strengthening connectivity between Central and South Asia. This strategic vision received unanimous international support and was formally enshrined in a special United Nations General Assembly resolution adopted in 2022. The significance of this resolution can hardly be overstated: it established a long-term international legal framework for transregional rapprochement and recognized it as a key factor for sustainable development. More broadly, this step clearly reflects our President’s far-sighted strategic approach, which is based on the consistent development of interstate relations grounded in mutual benefit, genuine good-neighborliness, and preventive peacebuilding.

The dialogue is also co-organized by respected peacebuilding organizations, political foundations, and leading academic institutions. Among them are the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the Berghof Foundation (Germany), PeaceNexus (Switzerland), Search for Common Ground (United States), as well as the renowned Georgetown University. Our shared objective is to establish a genuinely inclusive multilateral platform for comprehensive and open dialogue.

— What does the programme of the upcoming dialogue include? Will it be limited solely to official plenary sessions?

— Our dialogue is a large-scale three-day forum, and its programme extends far beyond traditional plenary sessions. We seek to combine profound theoretical discussion with practical outcomes.

In addition to the main sessions, the programme includes a wide range of important side events.

In particular, the forum will host a series of expert and academic discussions devoted to cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan, the development of dialogue within the Afghanistan–Uzbekistan–Pakistan dialogue format, issues of regional identity in Central Asia, as well as the promotion of youth dialogue on peacebuilding and sustainable development.

The primary purpose of these discussions is to mobilize intellectual and analytical expertise in support of a constructive cooperation agenda, deeper mutual understanding, and the establishment of long-term mechanisms for regional interaction.

Moreover, the programme includes on-site sessions. Participants of the dialogue will travel to Termez to familiarize themselves firsthand with the modern infrastructure facilitating trade, economic, and logistics cooperation with South Asian countries, including the activities of the Ayrtom International Trade Center and the Termez Cargo Center international logistics hub, while also experiencing the rich cultural and historical heritage of this ancient city.

The third day of the dialogue will take place in Samarkand, where delegates will explore the unique civilizational legacy of the Renaissance of Samarkand, which historically served as a bridge between East and West, North and South.

— How exactly is economic growth connected with stability and security? Is this purely a matter of business calculation, or do economic projects represent something greater?

— Absolutely, it represents something far greater. We are speaking about the formation of long-term strategic common interests. Large-scale cross-border projects are designed to firmly connect regions and deepen their interdependence. When countries become economically invested in joint creation and development, conflict ceases to serve the interests of any participant.

Moreover, sustainable economic growth removes the social foundations of destructive phenomena such as poverty, unemployment, and social marginalization, which have traditionally served as the principal fuel for radicalism and instability. Economic development addresses the root causes of challenges rather than merely dealing with their consequences.

Take, for example, the Trans-Afghan Railway Corridor project — “Termez–Mazar-i-Sharif–Kabul–Naibabad–Kharlachi”. For the countries of Central Asia, it provides the shortest route to the ports of the Indian Ocean, reducing logistics costs by 30–40 percent. For Pakistan and South Asia, it creates direct access to the resources and markets of our region.

This project will serve as a powerful driver for the development of adjacent sectors of the economy, creating new jobs, generating budget revenues, and opening the path toward accelerated technological advancement. Most importantly, however, this corridor integrates Afghanistan into the processes of peaceful and constructive development.

Thus, the Trans-Afghan railway is not merely a commercial or engineering project — it is a highly effective peacebuilding instrument that creates long-term economic incentives for peace on Afghan soil. The same principle applies to other major cross-border initiatives such as CASA-1000 and the TAPI gas pipeline. Their greatest value lies in the fact that they create a shared and indivisible interest among all parties in maintaining long-term peace and stability across the region.

— What role do the shared ecosystem and climate change issues play on the agenda? Central and South Asia are facing enormous pressure from environmental challenges.

— This is one of the most important and sensitive issues. Nature and our shared ecosystem most clearly demonstrate the inseparable link between our regions and the vital necessity of collective responses to common challenges.

Climate change illustrates how closely interconnected water security, food security, energy security, transport systems, and human livelihoods truly are. When the glaciers of the Pamirs and Tien Shan melt, this directly affects water supply and agriculture in both Central and South Asia.

Droughts and extreme weather events are our common challenges, requiring exclusively joint responses, because they directly affect the existential foundations of life for hundreds of millions of people and shape the trajectory of our sustainable development.

That is why the agenda of the dialogue includes issues related to joint adaptation and environmental sustainability. We are convinced that effective solutions cannot consist of isolated national measures; they must have a transboundary character.

We are actively engaged in this area. In particular, our Afghan partners are permanent participants in the water dialogue organized by Uzbekistan and Central Asia as a whole. Afghan delegations have actively participated in Tashkent Water Week, conferences on water diplomacy, and other regional environmental forums.

There is an ongoing joint search for mutually acceptable and equitable solutions in the sphere of shared water resource management, because nature does not recognize political borders. Today, we increasingly see that issues which could potentially become sources of tension, when approached properly, can instead provide the foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation.

The growing awareness of our shared environmental threats is becoming a powerful driver of our collective constructive efforts.

— What place do culture and the humanitarian dimension occupy within this large-scale transregional framework? How important are they?

— I would answer this way: they constitute our principal and foundational direction. Although we began our conversation with economics, infrastructure, and climate issues, I am convinced that cultural and humanitarian connectivity must come first. Economy and logistics form the skeleton, but culture and shared historical memory are the soul and heart of our integration.

It is important to understand that our countries share a common space of cultural, historical, and civilizational development. We are not building bridges of trust from scratch — this foundation was formed over centuries.

The Termez Dialogue itself is named after the ancient city of Termez, which for millennia served as a gateway for civilizational exchange between Central and South Asia.

On this land, the destinies and traditions of great empires became intertwined — beginning with Sogdiana, ancient Bactria, and the Achaemenid state, and continuing through the era of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom, where a unique synthesis of Eastern and Hellenistic cultures emerged.

This was followed by the Kushan Empire, which presented the world with one of the earliest examples of comprehensive interregional integration and transformed Termez into a key hub of the Great Silk Road.

During the Middle Ages, the Turkic Khaganates acted as reliable guarantors of the security of trans-Eurasian trade routes, while the Ghaznavid dynasty created a powerful bridge of statehood linking the high culture of Mawarannahr with the plains of Hindustan.

Finally, the Timurid era and the Mughal Empire founded by Babur became the ultimate culmination of this synthesis. The architectural masterpieces of Samarkand and Bukhara found direct reflection in the majestic ensembles of Delhi, Agra, and Lahore, while a unified cultural layer emerged at the intersection of Old Uzbek, Persian, and Sanskrit languages. Its musical and poetic traditions continue to live within the cultural memory of our peoples to this day.

For centuries, this macro-region developed as a sacred crossroads of world religions. Bactria was one of the cradles of Zoroastrianism. From here, Buddhism spread through Afghanistan to the north and east — the Buddhist monasteries of Fayaztepa and Karatepa in Termez still preserve the memory of this spiritual bridge.

Nestorian Christianity, Tengrianism with its profound ecological philosophy of harmony between humanity and nature, and, of course, Islam — which absorbed the great heritage of religious tolerance and gave rise to the phenomenon of the Eastern Renaissance — all coexisted peacefully in this region.

All of this shaped a unique and resilient culture that has not disappeared but continues to live within our daily practices, thoughts, and traditions.

However, this heritage cannot survive in collective memory on its own — it must constantly be revived and recreated. History is an ongoing act of retelling, and our key task is to restore this great historical truth to active public consciousness.

I am deeply convinced that awareness of this shared heritage will significantly strengthen our collective responsibility for preserving peace and stability.

— But why does this heritage seem forgotten today?

— Unfortunately, over the past century and a half, this historical memory was systematically and deliberately erased from our consciousness.

We were artificially subjected to the destructive colonial stereotype of the “Great Game,” along with the false notion that our regions are doomed to perpetual fragmentation, geopolitical rivalry among external powers, and endless conflict.

To a considerable extent, we still remain under the influence of this harmful stereotype, perceiving Afghanistan exclusively through the prism of threats, while viewing South Asia as something distant, alien, and insecure.

But we are not standing on barren ruins. Our shared history remains alive.

Reviving this historical memory, developing profound expert discourse, and restoring awareness of our shared civilizational greatness represent an enormous historical responsibility borne by today’s generations and political elites. This is precisely one of the principal existential objectives of the Termez Dialogue.

When citizens, intellectuals, and leaders in Tashkent, Delhi, Islamabad, and Kabul begin to see one another not merely as business counterparts, but as heirs to a common cultural code, an entirely new level of trust will emerge.

This sense of belonging to a shared heritage will become the most reliable internal safeguard against any attempts by external actors to destabilize the region or exploit regional contradictions.

The awareness of the indivisibility of our shared destiny will compel nations to choose a constructive agenda without alternative and to reject war once and for all.

Ahead of the Tashkent round of the Termez Dialogue, it is becoming increasingly evident that Uzbekistan is offering the international community a fundamentally different and deeply thought-out philosophy of integration.

This is not merely a technocratic approach to building railways or laying power transmission lines. It is a doctrine in which physical infrastructure serves only as the material embodiment of strong invisible ties rooted in a shared history.

Once this fundamental sense of responsibility and belonging is established, trade routes, investment flows, and climate initiatives will function naturally and sustainably, because the economy will become a logical continuation of mutual civilizational affinity.

The Termez Dialogue is returning to the peoples of Asia their own history, reminding them of what must be cherished and for the sake of what great future peace and stability must be preserved on this sacred land.

Dunyo IA

At the invitation of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will pay a working visit to Washington, D.C. on February 17–19 of this year to participate in the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council. The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) has prepared an infographic presenting key indicators of trade, economic and investment cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States over the past 9 years.

History of visits

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan has visited the United States several times on working visits aimed at expanding bilateral Uzbek-American cooperation, as well as participating in events organized by the United Nations. The first official visit of the Head of our State to the United States took place on May 15–17, 2018 at the invitation of the U.S. President. During the visit, negotiations were held at the White House, the U.S. Congress and the Pentagon, and agreements were signed that marked the beginning of a new stage in the development of Uzbek-American relations.

In subsequent years, dialogue between the two countries developed through bilateral meetings and regional initiatives, including the C5+1 platform.

On September 20–24, 2025, a historic visit of the President of our country to New York took place to participate in events of the юбилейной 80th session of the UN General Assembly. The central event of the visit was the meeting between the Head of our State and U.S. President Donald Trump. The leaders of the two countries agreed to further strengthen Uzbek-American strategic partnership relations and expand practical cooperation.

During his stay in the US, the President of Uzbekistan also held a roundtable with representatives of the U.S. business community, as well as negotiations with executives of a number of leading multinational companies, corporations, investment funds and financial institutions, and took part in a ceremony for the exchange of signed bilateral trade contracts and investment agreements, including in the fields of critical minerals, civil aviation, chemical industry, energy and other priority sectors.

In order to create favorable conditions for the further development of bilateral interstate relations in trade, economic and tourism spheres, by Presidential Decree dated November 3, 2025, a visa-free regime for U.S. citizens entering Uzbekistan was introduced effective January 1, 2026.

Mutual trade indicators

The two countries operate under a Most Favored Nation trade regime.

Over the period 2017–2025, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and the United States increased 4.7-fold, from $215 mln to $1 bn. Exports grew 9.1-fold, from $32.1 mln to $291.7 mln, while imports increased 3.9-fold, from $182.9 mln to $712.3 mln.

The share of the United States in Uzbekistan’s foreign trade over this period rose as follows: in total trade turnover from 0.8% to 1.2%, in exports from 0.3% to 0.9%, and in imports from 1.3% to 1.5%.

In the structure of exports to the United States, the main share is accounted for by services — 81% (programming, financial, information and transport services), as well as petroleum products — 8.6% (aviation kerosene and others). These are followed by machinery and equipment — 3.7%; food products — 3.5% (dried fruits and vegetables, spices, rice and others); industrial goods — 3.3% (aluminum bars and profiles, rhenium metal and others); miscellaneous manufactured articles — 0.9%; chemicals — 0.4%; beverages and tobacco — 0.2%; and non-food raw materials — 0.1%.

In imports from the United States, machinery and equipment dominate — 59% (aircraft, automobiles and their parts, computer units, engines, pumps, machine tools and industrial installations). A significant share is also accounted for by services — 20.5% (financial, licensing, leasing and transport services). These are followed by chemicals — 9.7% (pharmaceuticals, binding agents and cosmetic substances); industrial goods — 3.8% (plastic and ferrous metal products and others); food products — 3.2% (poultry meat and by-products); miscellaneous manufactured articles — 2.2% (devices, instruments, paper products); non-food raw materials — 1.1% (cellulose and others); as well as beverages and tobacco — 0.5%.

Investment cooperation

As of February 1, 2026, there are 346 enterprises with U.S. capital operating in Uzbekistan, which accounts for about 2% of the total number of enterprises with foreign investment. Of these, 146 are joint ventures and 200 are foreign companies with U.S. capital participation.

The volume of foreign direct investment and loans from the United States over the past nine years has increased nearly 64-fold — from $8.6 mln in 2017 to $383.2 mln in 2025.

Overall, in 2017–2025 the cumulative volume of attracted U.S. FDI and loans into Uzbekistan’s economy exceeded $2.9 bn.

Investments were directed primarily into manufacturing industries (metallurgy, production of motor vehicles, beverages and textile products), mining industry, construction, services (real estate operations, education), as well as agriculture.

CERR Public relations and media sector

On November 18, the first session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan after the elections was held in Tashkent.

It was attended by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The session was opened by Chairman of the Central Election Commission Zayniddin Nizamkhodzhaev.

The National Anthem of the Republic of Uzbekistan was played.

Temporary Secretariat of the first session, Counting Commission and temporary group on control over the use of electronic vote counting system were elected. The agenda was approved. The CEC Chairman presented information on the results of the elections to the Legislative Chamber.

On the proposal of the Council of Representatives of Political Parties, deputies elected Nuriddin Ismoilov to the post of Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis by secret ballot.

Then the chairmanship of the session passed to the Speaker. Deputy Speakers were elected. The factions of five political parties were registered. Ten committees of the Legislative Chamber were established in accordance with their agreed proposals.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed the session.

At the beginning of his speech, the Head of State congratulated the deputies on their election, emphasizing that this is the embodiment of high trust and respect of our people.

It was emphasized that the current parliamentary elections have entered the history as being the first ones held in accordance with the updated Constitution. This process was conducted for the first time under a mixed electoral system.

As a result of the elections, 150 deputies were elected to the Legislative Chamber. Among them were 57 women and 11 young people under 35 years of age. Overall, the composition of the lower house was renewed by almost 60 percent.

The activities of the Chamber over the past five years were discussed. During this period, the Constitution has been updated and more than 130 new laws have been adopted, which is 1.5 times more than in the previous period.

The President also drew attention to the issues that remained out of parliamentary attention. For example, the share of laws with direct action and clear enforcement mechanisms remains low. Parliamentary and deputy control is still not effective enough. The activity of deputies in constituencies is mostly limited to organizing meetings, answering complaints and questions.

The Head of State outlined his vision of the new tasks ahead of the Legislative Chamber.

In particular, it was proposed to create public councils under each committee with the participation of representatives of civil society to strengthen the dialogue.

It is important to establish not only control and requirements in the work of parliamentary committees, but also close cooperation with ministries. It is also necessary to strengthen party and fractional discipline.

The President emphasized that lawmaking, primarily, should be aimed at solving urgent problems of society, and put forward a number of legislative initiatives. Among them are the construction of modern residential buildings replacing outdated ones, guaranteeing the protection of citizens' funds allocated for housing construction, support for private education and investors in the energy sector, introduction of compulsory health insurance, creation of a legal framework for franchising, capital market and startups, and relations arising in the field of artificial intelligence.

In order to boost the opposition, it was proposed to increase the number of guaranteed rights of the parliamentary opposition from 3 to 6, including giving it the positions of one committee chairman and two deputy committee chairmen, as well as additional rights to submit questions within the framework of the “government hour” and parliamentary inquiries.

Particular attention was paid to the need to transition to a system of broad, high-quality parliamentary control. In particular, in accordance with the updated Constitution, the control over the execution of the State Budget is the exclusive competence of the Legislative Chamber. In this regard, it is necessary to strengthen the work of the Chamber in this direction, including the introduction of the practice of submitting all reports of the Government on the State Budget to the Chamber only together with the audit report provided for by the Budget Code.

- A deputy is a servant of the people, a model for all, a person with a high level of political culture and knowledge, who sincerely loves his homeland. Our people, all of us, above all rely on you to strengthen peace, mutual understanding and harmony in the family, mahalla and society, to educate the youth in the spirit of patriotism, to defend the interests of Uzbekistan in the international arena, - said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Heads of political party factions and deputies addressed the session. The President supported their views, urged the deputies to work harder and be closer to the people.

- The voice of a deputy is the voice of the people. If you consider every issue concerning the fate of the country and first of all see our hardworking, generous and noble people in front of you, if you act thinking not only about today, but also about peace and happiness of future generations, then our people will be satisfied with you, - emphasized the Head of State.

The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis adopted resolutions on the agenda.

Transforming water from an object of competition into a factor of cooperation is a vital condition for regional stability.

Water is a precious resource and a source of life. It is not merely a natural resource but also a strategic factor that determines a country's food and energy security, economic development, environmental stability, and the well-being of its people.

Against this backdrop, there is a growing need for political dialogue and practical cooperation aimed at the rational, equitable, and mutually beneficial use of transboundary rivers and shared water resources. In other words, water diplomacy is needed to turn water into a tool of cooperation that brings states together rather than a source of conflict.

The founding documents of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization list the rational use of natural resources, including water, environmental protection, and the implementation of joint ecological programs as main areas of cooperation. Therefore, the issue of water is not a topic that was later added to the SCO agenda, but one of the organization's initial priorities.

In recent years, the political and legal foundations of this area have been further strengthened. The SCO's Dushanbe and Samarkand Declarations identified access to safe drinking water and the integrated, rational management of water resources as important conditions for sustainable development.

At the seventh meeting of the heads of ministries and agencies of SCO member states responsible for environmental protection, held in Bishkek on April 3, 2026, issues of climate change adaptation, glacier preservation, and water resource management were discussed. This indicates that the topic of water is taking on an increasingly important role in the organization's practical agenda.

At the same time, representatives of the SCO member states are seeking practical solutions to water-related issues through meetings, consultations, and negotiations in various formats. On August 7, 2026, the 94th meeting of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC) was held in the city of Turkestan, Republic of Kazakhstan.

The water management ministers and officials from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan reviewed proposals for water limits and operating regimes for reservoirs in the Syr Darya and Amu Darya basins for the 2026 growing season, as well as a plan to introduce an automated water accounting system in the Syr Darya basin. The development of the document was approved, and special working group is expected to be established by September of this year.

Furthermore, the parties discussed the implementation of the $20 million Regional Cooperation for Improving the Efficiency of Water Resources Use in Central Asian Countries (CAWEC) grant project, in partnership with the World Bank, as well as the execution of tasks stemming from the decisions of the Council of Heads of the Founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.

With the support of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), measures are being taken to implement a pilot project to automate the water resources monitoring and accounting system at transboundary water facilities between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

From August 10-12, 2026, a three-day regional training was held in Tashkent on the topic "Introduction of Water-Saving Irrigation Technologies and Digital Solutions in the Water Management Sector of Central Asia under Climate Change."

The training was organized at the initiative of the Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan, within the framework of the National Water Resources Management Project in Uzbekistan and the Blue Peace Central Asia (BPCA) project, with the participation of the "Suvchilar maktabi" (School of Water Professionals).

Water management specialists from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan participated in the event.

The primary objective of the event was to enhance the professional capacity of water management specialists from Central Asian countries, expand the mutual exchange of experience, and strengthen practical cooperation in the efficient use of water resources, the introduction of modern irrigation technologies, and the digitalization of the sector, as well as to familiarize them with the advanced solutions being implemented in Uzbekistan.

It is important to emphasize that Uzbekistan views water diplomacy not only as an instrument of foreign policy but also as a logical continuation of the large-scale reforms being implemented domestically. Indeed, to promote the idea of efficient water use in regional dialogue, each state must first reduce water waste within its own territory and establish a modern management system.

In his Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that water scarcity is becoming an increasingly urgent global issue; for this reason, the rational use of water was elevated to the level of state policy from the very first days of the reforms.

The results achieved in the sector in recent years are reflected in the figures . In 2025, construction and reconstruction work was carried out at 258 irrigation and melioration facilities, and 723 kilometers of canals were lined with concrete. Additionally, 158 kilometers of irrigation and 303 kilometers of collector-drainage networks were built or reconstructed. As a result, the water supply for 364,000 hectares of land was improved, and the loss of more than 500 million cubic meters of water was prevented.

In 2026, a total of 2 trillion 199 billion soums were allocated from the state budget for construction and reconstruction work under 308 irrigation and melioration projects.

As of August 1 of the current year, construction work worth 1.3 trillion soums has been completed, which constitutes 59% of the established annual plan. Specifically, 637 kilometers of canals were lined with concrete and reconstructed. Furthermore, 52 kilometers of irrigation networks—flumes and pipes—and 27 hydraulic structures were built and reconstructed. To increase the energy efficiency of water management facilities and ensure uninterrupted water supply, pumping stations with a capacity of 13 m3/sec, 31 irrigation wells, 33 kilometers of pressure pipelines for pumping stations, and 268 kilometers of collector-drainage networks were built and reconstructed.

Significant progress is also being made in the introduction of water-saving technologies. By the end of 2025, the coverage of such technologies reached 2.6 million hectares, or 61% of irrigated areas. Of this, drip irrigation technology was introduced on 664,000 hectares. Thanks to these technologies, 3 billion cubic meters of water were saved. By the end of 2026, the goal is to increase the coverage of water-saving technologies to 3.1 million hectares and save 5 billion cubic meters of water. To date, water-saving technologies have been implemented on a total of 638,000 hectares across the republic.

These figures are significant not only for the national economy but also for the regional water balance. Every cubic meter of water saved in one country reduces the pressure on the entire basin. In this sense, lining irrigation canals with concrete and implementing water-saving technologies are not only national-level initiatives but also diplomatic contributions that strengthen regional trust.

To manage water effectively, it must be accurately measured. Where there is no accounting, it is difficult to assess savings, identify losses, and ensure fair distribution.

From this perspective, the digitalization efforts underway in Uzbekistan's water management sector not only increase the efficiency of domestic management but also create a technological foundation for the reliable exchange of transboundary water data in the future.

In 2025, the Center for Digitalization and Monitoring of Water Management was established, and a modern Situational Center was launched to consolidate industry data at a single point. Ten information systems were introduced. The "State Water Cadastre" and "Melioration" information systems were enhanced with the capability to analyze data, generate forecasts, and develop recommendations using artificial intelligence.

Forty-four sensors were installed in reservoirs, enabling remote monitoring of water levels and volumes. A design organization is conducting nationwide studies for the installation of 272 devices to measure water intake across the state border in real time, as well as for the installation of specialized equipment at 1,895 points for the online management and monitoring of inter-district water resources.

The significance of such projects goes beyond technical convenience. Reliable real-time data increases transparency in water distribution, reduces the human factor, and prevents contentious situations.

In the future, it may be possible to coordinate the national information systems of the SCO member states. This does not mean transferring all data to a single center. On the contrary, it envisions the formation of a mechanism for exchanging necessary hydrological indicators in an agreed-upon format, while respecting the sovereignty and national legislation of each state.

The water-energy-food nexus is a prerequisite for sustainable development. Within the framework of the SCO, it is advisable to form a permanent mechanism that integrates cooperation between water, energy, and agriculture agencies. Such a mechanism would enable the joint analysis of seasonal reservoir operation, electricity exchange, irrigation needs, and ecological flows.

The SCO region has accumulated extensive experience in using drip and sprinkler irrigation, canal lining, closed pipeline networks, smart water meters, energy-efficient pumps, and forecasting systems based on artificial intelligence.

By consolidating this experience, it is possible to implement model projects adapted to various climatic conditions. For example, within the SCO, it would be beneficial to establish pilot zones to demonstrate water-saving technologies, train specialists and farmers, and evaluate the results based on a unified methodology.

Sound decisions on water issues must be based on scientific research. Therefore, it is important to implement joint scientific programs among the research institutes, universities, and water management organizations of the SCO countries.

When managing water resources, considering only today's needs is insufficient. The impact of every decision on future generations, natural ecosystems, and the interests of neighboring states must also be thoroughly assessed.

Today, it is not enough to view water diplomacy solely as a means of preventing conflict. It must also stimulate economic development, attract investment, accelerate the exchange of technologies, and strengthen food and energy security.

The SCO is a major regional structure capable of uniting these opportunities. Cooperation within the Organization must transition from negotiations over water distribution to the stage of creating common economic benefits and ensuring sustainable development through water.

Indeed, water does not recognize state borders. Its flow interconnects the destinies, well-being, and futures of peoples.

The rational use of water is economic development, its just management is good neighborliness, and conserving every drop is our shared responsibility for the future.

Zokir Ishpulatov,

First Deputy Minister of Water Management of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Amid ongoing global geoeconomic transformations, Central Asia is increasingly emerging as one of the key hubs of Eurasian connectivity.

Against this backdrop, Uzbekistan has consistently strengthened its position as a proactive advocate of regional dialogue, transport integration, and economic cooperation between Central and South Asia.

One of the most prominent manifestations of this strategy is the Termez Dialogue, a new international platform aimed at fostering sustainable links between the two macro-regions.

Accordingly, the central message of the inaugural meeting of the Termez Dialogue on Connectivity between Central and South Asia, held in May 2025, was reflected in the forum’s theme: “Building a Common Space of Peace, Friendship, and Prosperity.”

The event was jointly organized by the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan. The forum brought together approximately 200 participants from Central and South Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.

The choice of Termez as the venue was highly symbolic. As Uzbekistan’s southern gateway and a major transport and logistics hub on the Afghan border, the city has historically served as a bridge between regions and is now evolving into a platform for shaping a new model of interregional cooperation.

TRANSPORT CONNECTIVITY AS THE FOUNDATION OF REGIONAL INTEGRATION

The Termez Dialogue reflects Uzbekistan’s strategic vision of creating an open and interconnected Eurasian space. In recent years, Tashkent has consistently promoted the idea of linking Central and South Asia through the development of transport corridors, energy cooperation, and humanitarian exchanges.

One of the most significant initiatives in this regard is the construction of the Trans-Afghan Railway “Termez–Mazar-i-Sharif–Kharlachi.” The project is expected to substantially reduce cargo transit times between Central Asia and Pakistan’s seaports, providing regional countries with direct access to the Indian Ocean. Uzbekistan remains actively engaged in negotiations with Afghanistan and Pakistan to advance this initiative, viewing it as a cornerstone of a future Eurasian transport corridor.

Another practical example of connectivity is the modernization of Termez’s transport and logistics infrastructure. The international transport hub in Surkhandarya Region already plays a crucial role in facilitating humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and supporting southbound transit transportation. Through the development of multimodal transport routes, Uzbekistan is strengthening its position as a key transit state in the region.

Particular attention is also being devoted to energy connectivity. Uzbekistan continues to export electricity to Afghanistan while simultaneously promoting projects aimed at expanding regional power networks. These measures contribute not only to economic integration but also to the creation of a foundation for long-term stability in neighboring countries.

GEOPOLITICAL TRANSFORMATION AND THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF CENTRAL ASIA

In recent years, regional connectivity has acquired not only economic but also strategic significance for Central Asia.

The conflict in the Persian Gulf, accompanied by strikes on military and energy infrastructure, has demonstrated the vulnerability of traditional transport and logistics routes passing through the Middle East. Under these circumstances, Central Asia’s role as an alternative corridor for transit and a zone of political stability has become increasingly important.

For Uzbekistan, these new geopolitical realities present both challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, instability surrounding Iran increases risks to international trade, energy supplies, and regional security. On the other hand, demand is growing for overland corridors linking East Asia, South Asia, and Europe while bypassing areas affected by military tensions.

As a result, the connectivity projects promoted by Tashkent are increasingly viewed not merely as regional initiatives but as integral elements of a new Eurasian logistics architecture.

The Trans-Afghan Corridor has gained particular significance in this context. Against the backdrop of potential disruptions to maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz and growing risks along Middle Eastern routes, the **Termez–Mazar-i-Sharif–Kabul–Peshawar railway** could become one of the shortest and safest overland connections between Central Asia and the ports of the Indian Ocean. This has increased interest in the project not only among regional states but also among major external actors seeking to diversify trade routes.

Furthermore, tensions surrounding Iran have brought issues of food and energy security into sharper focus. In response, Uzbekistan has intensified regional coordination efforts concerning electricity supplies, logistics, and humanitarian engagement with Afghanistan.

In this context, Termez is evolving from a border city into a critical hub of regional crisis-response infrastructure.

THE TERMEZ DIALOGUE AS A MECHANISM FOR INSTITUTIONALIZING COOPERATION

The significance of the Termez Dialogue extends far beyond transport and economic issues.

The platform is gradually developing into an institutional mechanism for cooperation between Central and South Asia. Experts increasingly describe the forum as a step toward the formation of a new architecture of interregional interaction.

Against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East, Uzbekistan continues to promote a diplomatic model of regional development based on the principles of neutrality, pragmatism, and multilateral cooperation.

At a time of growing confrontation in global politics, the Termez Dialogue serves as a platform where discussions encompass not only trade and transport but also mechanisms for maintaining the resilience of the broader Eurasian space.

This explains the growing international support for Uzbekistan’s initiative. The themes addressed within the Termez Dialogue are increasingly discussed at international forums, reflecting broader recognition of Tashkent’s role as a mediator and integrator across Eurasia.

Uzbekistan is advancing an alternative model of regional development based on dialogue, economic cooperation, and infrastructure connectivity. Consequently, the Termez Dialogue is becoming not merely a diplomatic initiative but an important element of an emerging framework for interregional cooperation.

CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES WITHIN THE CONNECTIVITY AGENDA

At the same time, Uzbekistan emphasizes a comprehensive approach to addressing regional challenges. During the second meeting of the Termez Dialogue, particular attention was devoted to climate resilience, water security, and joint responses to environmental challenges.

Organizers stressed that climate-related risks have become common challenges for both Central and South Asia and therefore require coordinated solutions.

In particular, Uzbekistan advocates expanding regional cooperation on the rational management of transboundary water resources within the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins, which directly affect the food and energy security of regional states.

Special attention is also being paid to environmental degradation in the Aral Sea region. Uzbekistan continues to promote international initiatives aimed at ecosystem restoration, including the establishment of the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea Region and the implementation of large-scale afforestation programs on the dried seabed of the Aral Sea.

Over recent years, millions of hectares have been planted with saxaul trees, making this one of Central Asia’s largest climate adaptation projects.

In addition, Tashkent actively promotes green energy initiatives as a component of regional sustainability. Uzbekistan is implementing major solar and wind power projects with the participation of investors from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China.

The development of renewable energy is viewed not only as a domestic priority but also as a foundation for future cross-border energy cooperation between Central and South Asia.

Another example of this comprehensive approach is the discussion of regional mechanisms for responding to climate emergencies, including droughts, dust storms, and water shortages.

Uzbekistan has proposed intensifying the exchange of hydrometeorological data and scientific research among regional countries, emphasizing that environmental security is becoming an integral component of the broader connectivity architecture.

CONCLUSION

Today, it is increasingly evident that Uzbekistan is steadily consolidating its role as one of the principal drivers of regional connectivity.

Through transport projects, diplomatic platforms, and economic initiatives, Tashkent is contributing to the transformation of Central Asia into an active center of Eurasian interaction.

Within this process, the Termez Dialogue has emerged as a symbol of a new regional strategy – one based on openness, pragmatism, and mutually beneficial development.

Author: Shukhrat Tukhtabaev,

Chief Research Fellow

Center for Foreign Policy Studies

(Uzbekistan)

Over the past five years, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has undergone a qualitative transformation, evolving into an effective mechanism for interregional cooperation.

The stability and effectiveness of this format are largely determined by the degree of development of its institutional architecture. Within the OTS, this architecture features a multi-tiered structure, comprising the Council of Heads of State, the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, the Committee of Senior Officials, the Council of Elders and the Secretariat of the organization.

A powerful impetus to the development of the association was provided by the adoption in 2021 of the “Turkic Vision – 2040” strategy, which became the conceptual foundation for the formulation of sectoral roadmaps, action plans, and a system of long-term milestones. The implementation of this strategy has manifested most visibly in the areas of transport digitalization, customs procedures, investment cooperation, and educational exchange.

Special attention should be paid to the activities of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA), within the framework of which efforts have intensified to harmonize legislative approaches in the fields of trade, transport regulation and humanitarian cooperation.

A significant impetus to the development of the OTS was provided by the active engagement of Uzbekistan in the organization's work. In the subsequent period, Tashkent became one of the key drivers in modernizing the OTS agenda. At the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the promotion of projects in transport connectivity, industrial cooperation, digital transformation, and investment collaboration intensified. It is with the invigoration of Uzbek participation that many experts associate the organization's transition from a declarative stage to a phase of practical institutionalization.

The 2022 Samarkand Summit provided an additional symbolic and political impetus, during which decisions were made to establish the Turkic Investment Fund and institutionally expand the economic agenda. This stage solidified the evolution of the OTS toward forming a fully-fledged geo-economic space while preserving its cultural and historical foundation.

Concurrently, economic cooperation is steadily establishing itself as a key pillar of the OTS development. The combined demographic potential of the organization is estimated at approximately 178 million people, a significant portion of whom comprise a young, able-bodied population. The nominal GDP of the member states exceeds USD 1.8–1.9 trillion, while their total foreign trade turnover surpasses USD 1.1 trillion.

In recent years, interregional trade has demonstrated steady positive dynamics. According to estimates by the OTS Secretariat, mutual trade turnover among member states reached USD 22–23 billion, nearly doubling compared to the figures at the beginning of the decade.

Uzbekistan plays a notable role in this process. By the end of 2025, the Republic's trade volume with OTS countries exceeded USD 9 billion, whereas in 2019, this figure stood at approximately USD 4.2 billion. Thus, over a six-year period, the trade turnover has practically doubled.

A prime example is the Uzbek-Turkish industrial cooperation. The number of enterprises with Turkish capital participation in Uzbekistan has surpassed 2,000, while the total volume of joint investment projects is estimated at over USD 5 billion. A significant share of these projects is concentrated in the textile industry, building materials manufacturing, electrical engineering, and the food industry.

The specific significance of this interstate association is driven by its geo-economic location. The member states of the organization are situated at the strategic intersection of transport arteries linking East Asia, the South Caucasus, the Middle East and Europe.

Its central element is the Middle Corridor, which connects China, Central Asia, the Caspian region, the South Caucasus, Türkiye and onwards to European markets. Over the past three years, the route has demonstrated steady cargo traffic growth. By the end of 2025, shipment volumes along the corridor exceeded 4.5 million tons, whereas in 2021, they stood at less than 1 million tons.

A key driver of this growth has been the comprehensive modernization of port infrastructure. For instance, following its reconstruction, the Baku International Sea Trade Port now possesses the capacity to handle up to 15 million tons of cargo annually, including up to 100,000 containers, with future expansion potential reaching 25 million tons.

The acceleration of delivery timelines is of equally vital importance. While cargo transportation from China to Europe along this route previously required 40–50 days, the digitalization of document flows (e-CMR), the unification of pre-arrival customs declaration procedures, and infrastructure modernization have successfully reduced this timeframe to 18–23 days.

The creation of a trans-regional "green energy corridor" is emerging as a highly promising avenue of cooperation, envisaging the export of electricity generated from renewable sources in Central Asia and the South Caucasus toward Europe. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have intensified their coordination regarding the synchronization and construction of the necessary power transmission infrastructure.

At the same time, in the context of accelerating global digitalization, technological development is acquiring not only economic but also strategic importance, forming the foundation for enhancing the efficiency of interstate cooperation, modernizing industry, and strengthening infrastructural connectivity.

The combined volume of the digital economy of the member states already exceeds $110 billion, while the average annual growth rate of the sector in a number of countries stands at 12–18%, which is significantly higher than the global growth rates of traditional industry.

The strengthening of the OTS digital development track was reflected in the agenda of the informal summit held on May 15, 2026, in Turkistan, where artificial intelligence and digital development served as the central theme. This highlighted the organization's transition toward treating technological transformation as a high-priority area of strategic cooperation.

Uzbekistan is likewise demonstrating accelerated digital modernization. By the end of 2025, the country's export of IT services exceeded $1 billion, representing a nearly fivefold increase compared to 2020. Hundreds of companies operate through a network of specialized IT Parks, serving external markets, including the OTS member states. Within the framework of regional cooperation, the Republic actively promotes initiatives for the unification of digital services and the development of joint educational programs in high technology.

However, the effectiveness of these processes is largely determined not only by economic but also by humanitarian factors. In this regard, the OTS possesses a unique advantage, as it is built upon a deep historical and cultural commonality, linguistic proximity, and a shared civilizational heritage among the member states.

A pivotal role in this process is played by a network of specialized institutions, among which the International Turkic Academy, TURKSOY, TURKPA, and the Turkic Universities Union hold particular significance, ensuring the comprehensive development of humanitarian, scientific and educational cooperation.

These structures provide coordination for scientific research, the development of joint educational initiatives, the promotion of cultural heritage, and the expansion of inter-societal engagement.

Special attention is dedicated to the development of academic integration. Since 2025, dozens of academic exchange programs, including joint master's and doctoral tracks, have been implemented within the framework of inter-university cooperation among the OTS states. The number of students participating in educational mobility between the countries of the organization increases annually by an average of 18–22%.

A notable contribution to this process is made by leading universities, such as the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Ankara University, Samarkand State University, and the Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, which serve as key centers for personnel training and scientific support for integration processes.

Separate attention of the member states is directed toward expanding tourism potential. The cumulative tourism flow among the OTS states has increased by more than 35% over the past five years. A significant impact was delivered by the development of joint tourist routes, including pilgrimage, historical-cultural, and ethnographic programs.

In this context, "Cultural Capital of the Turkic World" program and the granting of this status to cities such as Khiva, Aktau, Turkmenbashi, and Shusha have contributed to a significant intensification of tourism exchange within the format.

Another factor driving tourism development has been the formulation of a unified tourism product, "Tabarruk Ziyorat," aimed at developing religious and educational tourism among Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Türkiye.

Looking ahead, the OTS possesses significant potential for further strengthening as a space for practical cooperation.

Crucial importance in this context will be attached to the deepening of economic cooperation by reducing non-tariff barriers and digitalizing trade and customs procedures, the further development of transport and logistics connectivity - primarily within the framework of the Middle Corridor - the expansion of technological collaboration focused on the development of the digital economy and joint innovation platforms, as well as the strengthening of expert-analytical, academic and educational interaction.

On the whole, deepening cooperation across key areas will serve to strengthen the role of the OTS as one of the most promising frameworks ensuring the development and resilience of Central Asian nations.

In this context, the informal OTS summit held in Turkistan stands as a crucial milestone in advancing this agenda, reaffirming the commitment of the member states to expanding practical cooperation and defining new benchmarks for joint development, primarily in digital transformation and technological collaboration.

In the context of today’s global development, the competitiveness of states is determined прежде всего by their intellectual potential, modern education systems, scientific advancement, and innovative capabilities. In this regard, education, science, and innovation are gaining strategic importance in elevating cooperation among Turkic states to a fundamentally new level. These areas contribute not only to economic growth and human capital development, but also to strengthening spiritual closeness among peoples, creating a common civilizational space, and building a solid foundation for future progress.

In recent years, thanks to the efforts of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, an entirely new atmosphere has emerged in relations with the Turkic states. In particular, large-scale projects implemented in the fields of higher education, science, and innovation are gradually becoming a practical mechanism for Turkic integration. Today, hundreds of inter-university agreements, joint educational programs, academic exchanges, and research projects are being implemented with Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan.

Cooperation with Kazakhstan is among the most active areas in this regard. Currently, more than 280 agreements and memorandums are in force between higher education institutions of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. In recent years, student exchange between the two countries has increased significantly. In particular, during the 2025/2026 academic year, the number of Kazakh students studying at universities in Uzbekistan exceeded 1,000. At the same time, more than 5,500 Uzbek students are pursuing higher education in Kazakhstan.

The practice of opening branch campuses of universities has also marked a new stage in Turkic educational integration. The branch of South Kazakhstan University in Chirchiq and the branch of the National Research University “TIIAME” in Almaty are vivid examples of such important initiatives. These projects contribute not only to training qualified personnel, but also to developing common educational standards.

Cooperation with Kyrgyzstan is also developing consistently. In recent years, more than 90 agreements and memorandums have been signed between the universities of the two countries. In 2023, a forum of rectors was held in Osh, and in 2024 another forum took place in Samarkand, resulting in dozens of new agreements. These forums are becoming important platforms for shaping a common higher education space among the Turkic states.

Uzbekistan’s allocation of state grants for Kyrgyz youth is also of particular importance. Since 2021, 100 state grants have been allocated annually for citizens of Kyrgyzstan. This contributes to strengthening the integration of human capital through education.

In cooperation with Azerbaijan, cultural and educational initiatives occupy a special place. Universities of the two countries are implementing joint projects in philology, literature, arts, tourism, oil and gas studies, and medicine.

The operation of the Fuzuli Center for Azerbaijani Culture, Education and Research at the Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature, as well as the establishment of the Alisher Navoi Scientific Center in Baku, are vivid examples of the spiritual closeness between the two peoples. Such centers contribute to the in-depth study of the common literary and cultural heritage of the Turkic nations.

It should be emphasized that the joint study and promotion of the legacy of great ancestors plays an important role in strengthening the spiritual foundations of Turkic integration. In particular, the legacy of Alisher Navoi serves as a powerful spiritual bridge uniting Turkic peoples. On February 13, 2026, an international conference titled “Alisher Navoi — the Great Representative of Turkic Literature” was held at the TURKSOY headquarters in Ankara to mark the 585th anniversary of the poet’s birth. The event brought together representatives of science, literature, and diplomacy from across the Turkic world, as well as prominent scholars and cultural figures.

During the conference, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev described Navoi as the common conscience and civilizational symbol of the Turkic world. Discussions focused on researching Navoi’s works using modern scientific approaches, studying manuscripts, and expanding publishing and translation activities. In particular, the full publication of the “Khamsa” in Azerbaijani and the translation of “Mahbub ul-Qulub” into several Turkic languages demonstrate that Navoi’s legacy has become a shared spiritual treasure of the Turkic world.

As part of the conference, international scientific projects implemented by the Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature were presented. In addition, the awarding of TURKSOY medals to several Uzbek scholars and cultural figures for their contributions to Turkic culture and literature became a high recognition of spiritual cooperation.

Turkology occupies a special place in the scientific and cultural cooperation among Turkic states. The International Conference on Turkological Studies dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress, held on April 8, 2025, at Baku Slavic University, demonstrated that cooperation in this sphere is reaching a new level. The event brought together representatives of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, leaders of universities from Türkiye, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, prominent scholars, and a delegation from Namangan State University. Discussions focused on promising directions in Turkological research, the study of shared historical and cultural heritage, and the expansion of international academic cooperation.

Humanitarian and scientific cooperation with Turkmenistan is also developing harmoniously. Joint research, olympiads, international conferences, and scientific projects are regularly organized between Uzbek and Turkmen scholars. In particular, the launch of a joint scientific project competition and the financing of four joint research initiatives starting from 2024 are of great significance.

Cooperation with Türkiye has become one of the largest and most institutionalized dimensions of Turkic integration. In recent years, more than 200 cooperation agreements have been signed between higher education institutions of Uzbekistan and Türkiye. Dozens of new projects have also been launched within the framework of rectors’ forums between the two countries.

Joint educational programs, technoparks, and projects in engineering and high technologies are being implemented with leading Turkish universities. In particular, training courses on drone technologies organized in cooperation with the company TUSAŞ, the establishment of an innovative educational and industrial technopark based on the “Yildiz” technopark concept, and the activities of the branch campus of the Turkish University of Economics and Technology in Tashkent are creating a new model of Turkic innovation cooperation.

Today, the integration of Turkic states is no longer limited to cultural proximity or historical commonality. It is gaining new substance through innovation, startups, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, engineering, and scientific research. Joint scientific project competitions conducted between Uzbekistan and Türkiye in cooperation with TÜBİTAK are a practical manifestation of this process.

At the same time, initiatives are being advanced to strengthen academic mobility among Turkic states, ensure mutual recognition of diplomas and qualifications, create unified educational platforms, and establish scientific journals and research funds. Most importantly, these processes are driven by the idea of investing in human capital, educating younger generations on the basis of shared values, and ensuring intellectual unity. In the 21st century, the fate of nations is determined not by oil or gas, but by knowledge, technology, and innovation.

In this sense, cooperation in education, science, and innovation is becoming the most sustainable, promising, and powerful driver of integration among Turkic states. This process not only brings Turkic peoples closer together, but also contributes to the emergence of a new intellectual and technological center across the Eurasian region.

One of the important factors elevating Turkic integration to a new stage is the strengthening of institutional cooperation among higher education institutions. Uzbekistan’s chairmanship of the Union of Turkic Universities — TÜRKÜNİB — during 2025–2026, an organization uniting more than 100 universities, clearly demonstrates the country’s active and initiative-driven policy in this area.

On October 15, 2025, the 8th General Assembly of TÜRKÜNİB was held at Tashkent International University within the framework of the “Days of Turkic Science and Innovation.” The event was attended by the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, Kubanychbek Omuraliev, President of the Turkic Academy Shahin Mustafayev, representatives of the OTS and TURKSOY leadership, university rectors, scholars, and representatives of international organizations. Around 200 delegates from 69 universities of Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Hungary, Northern Cyprus, and Uzbekistan participated in the Assembly.

During the event, the results of the “TurkBarometer” project were presented, and socio-political processes and integration trends within the Turkic states were discussed. Meetings held in the U2U — “University-to-University” — format served as a practical platform for establishing new inter-university partnerships.

Today, one of the important institutional platforms contributing to the formation of a unified academic space among Turkic states is the International University of Turkic States established in Tashkent. The university operates with the aim of deepening cooperation in education, science, and innovation among Turkic countries, training modern specialists, and developing joint scientific research.

The university’s academic programs, governance model, and educational processes are being developed based on the principles of mutual integration among Turkic states. In addition, the institution serves as an important platform for expanding academic exchange among faculty members and students, as well as for implementing joint educational programs and scientific projects.

Integration among Turkic states is no longer confined solely to education and science. Youth policy, student exchange, and sports diplomacy are also becoming important components of this process. In particular, at the 3rd Turkic States Universiade held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, in September 2025, the Uzbek delegation participated with 80 student-athletes across seven sports disciplines. These competitions contribute to strengthening friendship and solidarity among the youth of Turkic countries, fostering a healthy competitive environment, and developing a shared youth space.

Today, cooperation among Turkic states in the fields of education, science, and innovation is becoming one of the key drivers of common development. Relations strengthened through universities, scientific centers, academic platforms, and youth initiatives are helping to unite the intellectual potential of the Turkic world.

Importantly, these processes are not limited to current interests or short-term projects. Their significance lies in the creation of a common space of knowledge and development for future generations. Convergence in science, innovation, and modern technologies plays a crucial role in enhancing the international competitiveness of Turkic states.

Today, the intellectual cooperation developing among Turkic states is bringing not only universities and research institutions closer together, but also the peoples themselves. This creates an opportunity to build a new model of modern development based on shared history and spiritual heritage.

In this regard, education, science, and innovation are becoming the strongest spiritual and intellectual bridge connecting the common future of the Turkic states.

Nazokat ABDUQUNDUZOVA, Head of the Information Service
Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

Relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have in recent years become one of the most dynamic links between Central Asia and the South Caucasus. They are underpinned by sustained dialogue between the two countries’ leaders, political trust, cultural and historical affinity, and growing mutual interest in trade, investment, transport, industry, energy, and the development of transport routes. Consequently, bilateral cooperation is increasingly moving beyond traditional partnership and evolving into comprehensive economic cooperation.

Regular high-level contacts provide the strategic framework for this work. In recent years, the two countries’ leaders have exchanged state and working visits, giving the relationship sustained political momentum. The Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation remains the principal mechanism for intergovernmental coordination. Fourteen meetings have already been held, while the forthcoming meeting in Tashkent is expected to give fresh impetus to trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

Direct interregional ties remain an important element of this architecture. The intergovernmental agreement on interregional cooperation, regional forums held in Tashkent, Quba, and Baku, as well as agreements signed between cities of the two countries, demonstrate that the partnership is gradually moving from government-level decisions towards practical cooperation between regions. The forthcoming Forum of Regions could provide a platform for concrete agreements in trade, industry, tourism, and urban infrastructure.

Trade statistics confirm the growing economic interest. By the end of 2025, bilateral trade had reached USD 307.3 million. The positive trend strengthened in January–May 2026, with trade turnover increasing by 38.2%. The next target is to raise bilateral trade to USD 1 billion by 2030.

To consolidate this trend, it is important to move beyond growth in individual product categories towards a more sustainable supply model. This involves expanding the range of traded goods, developing promotion and distribution channels, opening a trade mission of Uzbekistan in Baku, and making use of new logistics opportunities. Within this framework, the southern route is of particular importance: promoting Azerbaijani products through trade platforms in Termez could facilitate access to neighbouring markets and give bilateral trade a broader regional dimension.

The investment component is supported by the growing presence of Azerbaijani businesses in Uzbekistan. As of July 2026, 442 enterprises with Azerbaijani capital were operating in the country. Their activities cover trade, mechanical engineering, metalworking, finance, insurance, real estate, energy, services, food production, and light industry. This indicates a transition from one-off trade transactions to more sustainable forms of business engagement.

The Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Investment Company provides the financial foundation for some of these initiatives. Its current portfolio comprises nine projects with a total value of USD 651 million, with the company’s financing amounting to USD 170.9 million. Funding has already been allocated to four projects, while five more have received approval. The importance of this instrument lies not only in the volume of available resources but also in its ability to translate political agreements into practical solutions in trade, education, healthcare, industry, logistics, and the financial sector.

On this basis, industrial cooperation is acquiring tangible substance. The automotive industry is one of the key areas: the production of Chevrolet vehicles and Isuzu commercial vehicles is being developed in Azerbaijan with the participation of Uzbek enterprises, while the expansion of the production facility in Hajiqabul is expected to ensure a deeper manufacturing cycle, including welding and painting. This format is important because it involves not merely the supply of finished products but also the development of assembly and component supply chains and technological exchange.

Sectoral opportunities are not limited to the automotive industry. In the mining sector, the parties are developing cooperation in the geological exploration and development of precious and critical metal deposits in Uzbekistan. This strengthens the industrial dimension of the bilateral agenda and creates a foundation for more technologically advanced cooperation in the field of mineral resources.

Alongside the mining industry, oil and gas and chemical cooperation hold considerable potential. SOCAR’s participation creates opportunities for joint work in geological exploration, energy supplies, processing, and the development of related services. In a broader context, this makes it possible to view cooperation not only through the lens of the raw materials sector but also as a foundation for industrial and technological linkages with significant practical value.

Transport and logistics occupy a special place in bilateral cooperation. The production and use of ferries for Uzbekistan’s needs, with access to routes through the ports of Kuryk and Alat, are currently under consideration. For Uzbekistan, this represents an additional opportunity to strengthen access to Trans-Caspian transport links, while for Azerbaijan it offers a means of expanding the role of its ports and logistics infrastructure in the movement of goods between Central Asia, the Caucasus, and external markets.

Urban development, tourism, and municipal infrastructure are also of particular importance. Major projects involving Azerbaijani investors are being implemented in Tashkent, including hotel, tourism, and residential complexes. Within the bilateral agenda, these investments are significant not only as capital invested in real estate but also as a contribution to the quality of the urban environment and the development of tourism and the service economy.

Light industry remains another closely related area of cooperation. Cotton and textile clusters involving Uzbek companies are being developed in Azerbaijan, allowing the parties to combine the raw-material base, manufacturing expertise, and access to new markets. In the longer term, such cooperation could increase exports of finished textile products and reduce dependence on trade in raw materials.

The sectoral framework is complemented by cooperation in finance, construction materials, electrical engineering, food production, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and jewellery. Projects in these areas are at different stages of development, but collectively they broaden the foundation of bilateral cooperation.

The strength of the current Uzbek-Azerbaijani model lies in its combination of political trust and practical instruments: investment capital, production chains, interregional ties, and Trans-Caspian logistics. In this context, transport routes are becoming more than merely a logistics issue; they are evolving into part of a broader economic architecture connecting markets, enterprises, and regions. Cooperation between the two countries is therefore increasingly viewed as one of the sustainable bridges linking Central Asia, the Caucasus, and external markets.

The Head of State identified priorities for updating the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and foreign diplomatic missions

On January 15, an expanded meeting was chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic missions abroad, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Opening the session, the Head of our state noted that the meeting is taking place amid sharp geopolitical changes in the world and increasing threats to the sovereignty of states. In this regard, the need to critically assess current foreign policy activities and move to a renewed format for organizing the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and foreign diplomatic missions was emphasized.

President noted that 2025 had been a productive year for the country's foreign policy. During the year, high-level visits were made to 26 foreign countries, and for the first time in recent history, visits to Uzbekistan were organized by the leaders of a number of countries. Multilateral dialogues in the “Central Asia Plus” format became productive. In recent years, strategic partnerships have been established with 11 countries, bringing the total number to 19, and allied relations have been built with Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan.

– As a result of an open, pragmatic, thoughtful and proactive foreign policy, Uzbekistan is consistently strengthening its position as one of the global centres of peace and diplomacy, – emphasized President.

Since 2017, 16 new diplomatic missions and consulates have been opened abroad, bringing their total number to 60, and the number of countries with which diplomatic relations have been established to 165. There has also been an increase in the number of staff and salaries of employees of embassies, consular offices, representative offices to international organizations and employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At the same time, a fundamental question was raised as to whether all diplomatic missions are making full use of the opportunities provided.

– In the current environment, an ambassador is not just a person who conducts political dialogue. An ambassador is a state representative who attracts investment and technologies, opens new export markets, launches transport and logistics corridors, increases tourist flows, creates conditions for legal labor migration and, most importantly, protects the rights of our citizens, - emphasized President.

In this regard, it was noted that key performance indicators for ambassadors should include the volume of export revenues from the countries of residence, growth in tourist flows and the effectiveness of organizing legal labor migration.

Particular emphasis was placed on the need to increase exports and investments by strengthening economic diplomacy.

As part of bilateral and multilateral events in 2025, agreements were signed on investment projects and trade contracts totaling $160 billion. For the first time in history, foreign trade turnover exceeded $80 billion, exports reached $33,5 billion, and foreign investment exceeded $43 billion. Exports to 75 countries increased by almost $4,5 billion.

In view of this, the ambassadors have been tasked with expanding export deliveries to the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as implementing specific projects in the fields of industry, agriculture, the chemical industry, the textile industry, greenhouse farming, and the service sector. At the same time, it was noted that Uzbekistan's products remain insufficiently recognized in certain markets.

It was noted that the growth of logistics costs has a negative impact on the competitiveness of domestic products. In this regard, the need to diversify transit routes, optimize logistics chains, and develop additional proposals to reduce transportation costs when entering European markets was indicated.

In the agricultural sector, tasks have been set for researching and implementing water-saving technologies, modern agricultural technologies, and innovative greenhouse solutions. Along with this, measures have been outlined to expand export markets for chemical industry products, bring domestic manufacturers up to international standards and requirements, and organize specialized exhibitions and presentations.

The need to intensify trade and economic cooperation with the African continent as one of the promising new export destinations has been emphasized. To this end, a clear roadmap is to be developed with the participation of relevant ministries and foreign diplomatic missions.

It was noted that ambassadors should be directly interested in finding promising projects, attracting them, and implementing them in practice. In this regard, it was decided to introduce financial incentives for ambassadors who bring specific investment or export projects to a logical conclusion.

Criticism was levelled at the insufficient realisation of existing potential in a number of areas. In particular, it was noted that opportunities to attract international grants are not being fully exploited. It was noted that with closer and more systematic interaction between ministries, industry leaders, and ambassadors, it would have been possible to attract an additional $200-300 million in grant funds last year.

As noted, international organizations and donor countries announce grant programs worth approximately $200 billion annually. In this regard, the task has been set to implement a unified, systematic and effective approach to working with grants.

In addition, the need to take concrete measures, together with the ambassadors to the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, China, Japan and Singapore, to attract leading foreign universities ranked in the top 100 worldwide as partners of Uzbek higher education institutions was emphasized.

It was noted that cooperation between regions and diplomatic missions in expanding foreign economic relations is still insufficient. The need for active participation of regional governors, together with ambassadors, in the systematic promotion of export-oriented products of the regions and in facilitating the entry of local enterprises into foreign markets was emphasized.

Providing Uzbek citizens with legal and high-paying jobs abroad was identified as another priority area. The expansion of the geography of organized labor migration was noted, while it was pointed out that in a number of countries, work in this area is not sufficiently effective and relevant instructions were given in this regard.

It was emphasized that embassies and consulates should actively protect the rights and legitimate interests of citizens and provide qualified legal assistance in each specific case. The task has been set to abandon "office diplomacy", strengthen work in the field and establish direct dialogue with compatriots.

In the field of tourism, the need to further strengthen the role of ambassadors, introduce new approaches to promoting the country's tourism and cultural potential, make effective use of visa-free regimes and attract international outsourcing companies has been identified.

Issues related to expanding foreign policy ties, high-quality and timely preparation of high-level visits, retraining of diplomatic personnel, and the formation of a reserve of promising specialists were also discussed.

The intensification of foreign information policy and the improvement of the country's international image through systematic work with foreign media and the implementation of special media projects were identified as priority tasks.

The need to update the Concept of foreign policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, review its priority areas, and define clear tasks for protecting national interests and strengthening the country's position in the international arena was emphasized.

As the President noted, the new concept should comprehensively reflect long-term strategic goals, the logic of internal reforms as well as national interests in the areas of economic diplomacy, security, investment, exports, transport and logistics, water and climate issues.

In order to give proper recognition to the achievements of diplomats, it was proposed to establish the honorary title of “Honored Diplomat of the Republic of Uzbekistan".

At the end of the meeting, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized: “The time has come for a new generation of diplomats – those who achieve concrete results and firmly defend the interests of Uzbekistan in the international arena”.

In the course of the session, reports and proposals of our ambassadors abroad were heard.

Dunyo IA

The text of the article is in Uzbek language!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Development Strategy and Achievements

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

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

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

Innovative Mega-Projects and an Ecological Approach

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

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

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