Uzbekistan’s total external debt amounted to $75.4 billion as of October 1, 2025.
According to the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan (MIIT), $37.4 billion of this amount accounts for the government’s external debt.
It is important to note that the issue of investment and external financing always attracts interest and raises questions. This is natural, as society wants to understand where resources come from and what results the country achieves.
The key principle here is simple: the purpose of attracting investment and resources is to improve living standards. This is not about “impressive reports” or “eye-catching figures,” but about tangible improvements felt in everyday life-jobs and household incomes, infrastructure, access to clean water, energy and transport, and quality social services.
The economic logic is also clear: for the economy to grow faster, resources are needed- capital, technology, equipment, and new markets. If a country stops attracting resources, growth slows down: fewer jobs are created, it becomes harder to modernize logistical and social infrastructure, expand water supply, and ensure affordable energy.
Therefore, Uzbekistan is consistently working to attract investments - to accelerate economic development, boost GDP, and ultimately improve both the quality and longevity of life. Notably, since 2020, life expectancy has shown steady growth - from 73.4 years to 75.1 years in 2024.
At the same time, what matters to people are not slogans, but measurable results - changes that can be seen and assessed.
By structure, Uzbekistan’s total external debt as of October 1, 2025, amounted to $75.4 billion. Of this, $37.4 billion is government external debt, while the remaining $38 billion consists of borrowings by private and state-owned enterprises without a government guarantee (corporate debt).
Notably, according to international classifications, Uzbekistan’s government debt level is regarded as moderate and manageable. The government’s external debt of $37.6 billion amounts to roughly 26% of GDP (with official GDP around $145 billion), well below the threshold levels that are generally seen as potentially risky for macroeconomic stability worldwide.
What has been achieved through government borrowings in 2017-2025:
Modernization of Transport and Urban Services:
Education and Social Sector:
Agriculture and Water Management:
These figures reflect already utilized borrowings. A significant portion of infrastructure and social sector modernization projects is still underway and will continue to deliver benefits as the work is completed.
Overall, as a result of the comprehensive measures implemented during 2017-2025, over 2 million jobs were created, exports increased by 270%, and GDP per capita grew by 418%.
What is fundamentally important is that resources can only be mobilized under strict rules, transparency, and oversight. In his Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan, the President highlighted that parliamentarians will oversee the entire project cycle - from selection and competitions to implementation and results. Project statuses, stages, and milestones will be published in real time, ensuring full transparency of competitions, tenders, and the fulfilment of obligations.
Uzbekistan’s approach to investment is clear and straightforward: the country needs resources for growth, while simultaneously ensuring full oversight, transparency, and measurable results for the population. This is exactly how the work is organized - openly, in stages, with clear accountability.
Dunyo IA
Президент Шавкат Мирзиёев начал свою поездку в Республику Каракалпакстан с ознакомления с промышленным потенциалом региона.
Совместное предприятие “Nukus Eleсtroapparat” было введено в строй в 2017 году, оно производит силовое оборудование для электросетей. В июне текущего года здесь был запущен проект по изготовлению солнечных панелей стоимостью более 10 миллионов долларов. Оборудование было доставлено и установлено из Республики Корея. Производственный процесс полностью автоматизирован. Годовая мощность проекта составляет 273 тысячи единиц.
Это будет способствовать дальнейшему внедрению альтернативной энергетики в нашей стране. На сегодняшний день в различных сооружениях и домах установлены солнечные панели общей мощностью 600 мегаватт. Этот процесс продолжается.
Наряду с локализацией востребованной на внутреннем рынке продукции совместное предприятие получило возможность экспортировать продукцию на 4 миллиона долларов. Обеспечено работой 70 человек.
Глава нашего государства ознакомился с технологическим процессом, побеседовал с работниками. Ответственным лицам даны указания по увеличению количества таких предприятий и производству ими продукции с высоким спросом на рынке.
Здесь же была представлена продукция, производимая предприятиями отрасли.
На самом заводе установлены солнечные панели мощностью 125 киловатт. Полученная электроэнергия используется для внутренних нужд, а излишки реализуются в региональную электросеть.
За последние годы в нашей стране за счет инвестиций в размере 2 миллиардов долларов введены в эксплуатацию 10 солнечных и ветряных станций общей мощностью 2,6 гигаватта. Также ведется работа по 32 "зеленым" проектам мощностью 18,6 гигаватта общей стоимостью 19 миллиардов долларов. В целом к 2030 году намечено довести долю возобновляемых источников энергии в энергетическом балансе до 40 процентов.
During a telephone conversation between President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the European Council António Costa on January 23, topical issues on the bilateral and regional agenda were discussed.
The President of Uzbekistan sincerely congratulated António Costa on his election as the head of the European Council and wished him great success.
It was noted with deep satisfaction that the Uzbek-European multifaceted cooperation has reached the highest level in recent years and continues to develop dynamically in all priority dimensions.
Active contacts and exchanges at different levels have been carried out. In 2024, Uzbekistan's trade turnover with the EU countries exceeded 6 billion euros, the portfolio of projects with European companies reached 30 billion euros.
Last year, an agreement on strategic partnership in the field of critical mineral resources was signed. There is fruitful cooperation in transportation and digital interconnectivity, green economy, culture and other areas.
Confidence was expressed in the early signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the European Union, which will give a serious impetus to the development of the entire range of relations.
The Uzbek leader and the head of the European Council also exchanged views on the international agenda and regional cooperation. Joint plans to prepare and hold the first “Central Asia-EU” summit in the city of Samarkand in April this year were discussed.
Distinguished heads of delegations!
I am sincerely glad to greet you all. I would like to echo the words of gratitude to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, for the warm welcome and excellent organization of our meeting.
I am grateful to the distinguished Federal Chancellor of Germany, H.E. Mr. Olaf Scholz, for his commitment to expanding the multifaceted partnership with the countries of our region.
Our first meeting in Berlin and today's summit reaffirm shared intention to continue an open and constructive dialogue and our focus on achieving concrete practical results.
We are interested in holding regular meetings in this format, with setting up the mechanisms for expert review and implementation of the initiatives put forward.
Distinguished Federal Chancellor!
We highly value Germany's firm and unwavering support for the ongoing democratic transformations and socio-economic reforms in our countries, partnership and integration in Central Asia.
I would like to highlight that our multifaceted relationship has deep historical roots.
In the 18th century, the great composer of the Age of Enlightenment Handel created one of his greatest works – the opera "Tamerlane" – in just 20 days.
The great poet and philosopher Goethe dedicated a number of his famous works to our ancient cities - the centers of civilization.
I would like to mention another historical fact.
At the beginning of the 20th century, a group of talented, progressive young people from Central Asia studied at the leading German universities and subsequently made a great contribution to the promotion of the enlightenment ideas and socio-economic development of our region.
I would like to emphasize that today we see Germany as one of our important partners in achieving national goals of sustainable development.
Let me briefly highlight the profound and fundamental changes that have taken place in Central Asia in recent years.
We have established an open and productive dialogue and are independently addressing many issues related to borders, water, energy, trade and transit.
Recently, the Sixth Meeting of the Heads of State of the region was held here in Astana.
The international stance of the region is strengthening, cooperation with the leading countries via "Central Asia Plus" format is expanding.
The volumes of trade turnover, investment, freight transport and tourist travel by our citizens have increased many-fold.
We are discussing major regional projects in green energy and the development of transport communications.
We are exchanging experience and technologies, creating modern industrial and agricultural enterprises, and introducing financial instruments to stimulate cooperation projects.
Most importantly, we clearly understand that the future of our region, its security and sustainable development depends solely on our political will and efforts.
We sincerely welcome the interest of our European partners, first of all Germany, as the main initiator and driving force behind the promotion of EU strategies and multilateral cooperation programmes with our countries.
We are preparing to hold another summit in Uzbekistan in the format of "Central Asia - European Union" next year, having defined the investment in the future of the region as the main topic of the agenda of the meeting.
Dear colleagues!
Conflicts and wars, the overall global instability and unpredictability, sanctions policy, increased protectionism and many other factors are causing extremely negative impact on our countries and are becoming a serious test to the implementation of national programs and reforms.
Earlier, during our talks in Samarkand, I shared with Chancellor Scholz my high expectations from today’s meeting.
In this regard, I would like to outline our vision of the main directions for developing cooperation with Germany in Central Asia.
First. We highly value the establishment of a strategic regional partnership between Central Asia and Germany, which meets the common interests of maintaining stability, ensuring sustainability and prosperity of the region.
We consider it appropriate to adopt a long-term Concept for the development of our partnership with program activities in priority areas.
In order to develop this document, we propose to consider the possibility of establishing the “Central Asia – Germany” Forum of Analytical Centers. We are ready to hold its first meeting next year in Khiva - one of the region’s historic cities where a large community of German Mennonites used to live.
We also assign an important role to the annual meetings of the heads of the foreign ministries of our countries in preparing the agenda of our summits.
Second. Investment and technological partnership with the leading German companies.
I would like to note that the portfolio of ongoing and promising projects in Uzbekistan with the participation of German companies exceeds 20 billion Euros.
This includes energy, chemical and extractive industries, machine building, textile and food industry, agriculture, transport and logistics, production of construction materials.
The leading German companies, such as Siemens, Linde, BASF, MAN, Claas, Henkel, Knauf and many others are among our partners, which have invested about 6 billion euros into Uzbekistan’s economy in recent years.
Today we will have the opportunity to discuss long-term plans with the representatives of the German business.
In this regard, I have a number of specific proposals:
– developing a "road map" for expanding investment and technological cooperation between the Central Asian countries and Germany;
– participation of the leading German companies and banks in the implementation of joint projects in the special economic and industrial zones being created in the border areas, as well as large infrastructure projects of regional significance;
– launching of a permanent business dialogue platform – “Central Asia-Germany” Council of Investors and Entrepreneurs. We are ready to hold its first meeting next year in Uzbekistan within the Tashkent Investment Forum;
– study of the possibility of adopting a multilateral intergovernmental agreement on promotion and protection of investments.
Third. Partnership in critical raw materials based on the introduction of advanced German knowledge and technologies.
As it was mentioned our region is abundant in mineral resources.
The German Mineral Resources Agency and German companies could become our key partners in this area.
Here, we are referring to the geological survey projects, intensive exploration, processing and production of products with high added value, as well as arrangement of shipments to Germany and other EU countries.
Uzbekistan is ready to take part in the joint implementation of such projects in neighboring countries.
The technical assistance from Germany and European institutions in implementing the Digital Mapping Program of Critical Minerals and Rare Earth Metals in our region holds promising opportunities.
We also believe it is important to establish a reliable legal framework for such cooperation.
Fourth. “Green” energy. In recent years, all our countries have been actively developing solar, wind and hydropower, modernizing thermal power plants and networks, and promoting green hydrogen projects.
We propose to consider launching an Energy Dialogue between Central Asian countries and Germany, involving energy ministries, companies, operators, scientific organizations, design institutes and industry experts.
We are interested in preparing a Comprehensive Capacity Building Program for specialists in the low-carbon economy with the German technical assistance.
Fifth. Joint response to climate change.
Experts predict that the Central Asian region will remain most vulnerable to the effects of global warming. The rise in average temperatures will be twice as high as the world average.
We are grateful to the German side for launching the second phase of the “Green Central Asia” program, assistance provided for the implementation of environmental projects.
We are also interested in the following:
- implementation of joint educational programs and scientific exchanges at the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies;
- adoption of cooperation programs for the introduction of German water management technologies, modernization of irrigation systems, conservation of biodiversity and training of environmental specialists.
We support and are ready to take an active part in the practical implementation of the initiative of the German Chancellor to create a Central Asian Nature Partnership.
Sixth. The biggest barrier to deepening our partnership is the lack of transport connectivity, including land and air.
We count on Germany’s support in engaging European institutions in the development of alternative transportation corridors connecting Central Asia with Europe.
We propose to hold a joint Ministerial Conference next year on improving the transit capacity of such routes.
Dear heads of delegations!
The exhibition of cultural and historical heritage of our region last year at the Neues Museum in Berlin once again demonstrated the need for regular organization of such events.
Over several months, more than half a million of residents and guests of the German capital city enjoyed the exhibition.
We propose to adopt a Joint Plan for Cultural Activities in our countries, consider the possibility of holding Central Asian Art and Film Days in major cities of Germany, and establish cooperation between museums.
In the field of scientific and educational exchange, it is important to launch a platform for partnership among leading universities,
to develop programs aimed at expanding cooperation in the field of dual education, to train German language teachers with the involvement of the Goethe Institute and other German organizations.
The high interest of our youth in learning German is evidenced by the victory of an Uzbek schoolgirl at the World Olympiad held this summer in Göttingen.
Dear colleagues!
We believe it is important to continue close cooperation with Germany in the fields of combating terrorism, extremism and cybercrime, preventing radicalization of youth.
The security situation in Central Asia is inextricably linked with the processes taking place in Afghanistan.
We believe it is important to prevent the aggravation of the humanitarian crisis in this country, which is left alone with its own challenges.
In this regard, we are ready to cooperate with Germany and other European partners in the implementation of joint projects aimed at involving this country into regional economic cooperation and training personnel, including girls and women, in skills that are on-demand for the peaceful life in Afghanistan, at the Educational Center located in the border town of Termez.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that Uzbekistan is interested in untapping the potential of Germany’s multifaceted cooperation with the Central Asian region.
I am confident that today’s meeting will serve to further bringing our countries and peoples closer and fill our strategic partnership with concrete projects and programs.
Thank you!
Modern Central Asia is becoming a space of sustainable growth and mutual trust. The countries of the region demonstrate a strong commitment to building balanced relations with global partners, prioritizing practical initiatives in trade, energy, transport, and innovation. One of the key formats shaping this new architecture is the “C5+1” platform, which unites the Central Asian states and the United States.
Regional Consolidation: Dialogue Based on Equality and Pragmatism
In recent years, the “C5+1” format has evolved from a diplomatic mechanism into an effective platform for coordination and implementation of joint projects. The latest ministerial meeting in Samarkand, attended by the Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov, demonstrated a high level of trust and a shared focus on tangible results.
Key topics on the Samarkand agenda included food security, climate resilience, development of green and digital economies, diversification of transport corridors, and deepening industrial cooperation.
Following the meeting, memorandums were signed on decarbonization and digitalization of customs procedures - a step that paves the way for harmonized trade rules, easier exports, and increased investment inflows into the region.
Central Asia: From Fragmentation to an Integrated Economic Space
The figures speak for themselves: the total foreign trade turnover of Central Asian countries has reached $220 billion, almost doubling since 2017, while mutual investments have grown 5.6 times. The region’s combined GDP increased by 40% over the past five years to exceed $406 billion.
These indicators reflect not only growth but also a qualitative shift - from isolated initiatives to a coordinated regional development strategy.
Uzbekistan - Kazakhstan: Industrial and Logistics Core
The Uzbekistan - Kazakhstan partnership exemplifies a new model of integration. Between January and August 2025, mutual trade reached $3.03 billion, up by 15%. Projects exceeding $7 billion are under implementation across engineering, agriculture, construction, and energy sectors. Over 1,100 enterprises with Kazakh capital operate in Uzbekistan, creating jobs and new export niches.
Uzbekistan - Tajikistan: Transport and Energy Bridge
Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are rapidly strengthening railway and energy cooperation. In 2024, cargo traffic between the two countries reached 10 million tons, while regular passenger flights and a joint investment company with a $100 million capital were launched. These are not just numbers - they represent an architecture of trust that enables joint industrial and agricultural clusters.
Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan: Corridors of Growth
Cooperation with Turkmenistan is expanding in energy, logistics, and industry. In 2024, bilateral trade exceeded $1.14 billion, and the Shavat - Dashoguz border zone is evolving into a hub of trade and joint manufacturing. A localization project for repairing Turkmen wagons in Andijan is a vivid example of practical industrial integration.
Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan: A “Roadmap” for the Future
The interstate program until 2030 and the Border Regions Council ensure steady progress. From January to August 2025, trade turnover approached $600 million, while Uzbekistan’s exports grew by nearly 80%. New logistics routes are being developed to reduce transport costs and enhance business competitiveness.
“C5+1” as a Catalyst for Development
Participation in the “C5+1” framework gives regional integration new depth - aligning national interests with global sustainability trends.
The United States and regional partners are building long-term cooperation in green energy, resilient supply chains, infrastructure modernization, and human-capital development.
Special attention is given to unified standards for digital trade, environmental management, and logistics technologies, making Central Asia a vital link in Eurasian value chains.
Benefits for the Region and Uzbekistan
For Central Asia, the “C5+1” format provides:
For Uzbekistan, the advantages are clear:
Conclusion: From Geography to the Economy of the Future
Central Asia is steadily transforming from a “crossroads of geography” into a region of synergy. The “C5+1” format has become a framework connecting the efforts of regional and global partners into a unified development strategy - based on trust, mutual benefit, and sustainable growth.
For Uzbekistan, participation in this platform is not merely a foreign-policy choice, but a practical instrument for achieving its long-term national goals - industrialization, export growth, and improved living standards.
On 23 September this year, a regular meeting of the Central Election Commission was held to discuss the accreditation of observers from abroad and from international organizations, as well as the organization of the activities of the Instant Information Center.
The interest of foreign countries and international organizations in the elections to the representative bodies of state power, which will be held this year in accordance with the updated electoral legislation, is extremely high.
In particular, it is expected that more than 1,000 international and foreign observers will participate in observing the elections, particularly about 400 from 50 countries, about 500 from 21 international organizations such as the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Organization of Turkic States and another 60 from the election commissions of 26 foreign countries.

It should be noted that the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe intends to participate in the observation of the elections in Uzbekistan with a comprehensive mission consisting of a core group, long-term and short-term observers, about 350 observers in total.
The great interest of foreign states and international organizations in the elections in Uzbekistan testifies to the international community's recognition of the democratic reforms being carried out in our country.

Accordingly, it was decided at the Central Election Commission meeting to accredit observers from international organizations who will participate in the elections to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and the local Councils (Kengashes), and some observers from international organizations such as the Commonwealth of Independent States, the CIS Inter-parliamentary Assembly and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe were accredited.
As of today, foreign and international organizations wishing to accredit observers can log into the “E-Saylov” information system in their country and enter data electronically in a specific format and submit it for review.
Another notable aspect of this process is that new samples of mandates of accredited foreign observers are automatically generated electronically through this system.

Also at the meeting of the Central Election Commission, the relevant decision was taken on the establishment of the Instant Information Center – “Call Center” - and the approval of its statutes. The “Call Center” will receive citizens' complaints centrally and provide them with legal explanations and consultations in real time.
The main objectives of the “Call Center” are to establish a dialog with citizens in real time during the election campaign, to provide the population with complete and reliable information on the activities of the commissions, the stages of the electoral process, to create the necessary conditions for the unconditional realization of citizens' rights to vote and appeal, and to strengthen their awareness of electoral legislation and processes.
Central Election Commission Press Service
TASHKENT, July 28. /Dunyo IA/. Uzbekistan took 1st place in the ranking of the safest countries in the world "Safety Perception Index 2023", which includes 121 countries, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.
According to Uzbektourism, the rating indicates that the level of danger to the life and movement of citizens in Uzbekistan is minimal.
The five safest countries also included the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Norway and Estonia.
Of the Central Asian countries, Kazakhstan took 14th place, Tajikistan – 17th, Kyrgyzstan – 26th.
Guinea, Sierra Leone and Mali took the lowest place in the rating.
The "Safety Perception Index" focuses on five factors: food and water, violent crime, adverse weather conditions, mental health and safety in work settings. These factors serve as an important basis for the formation of an image that will become the basis for the security rating of countries.
The fact that Uzbekistan is in first place in this ranking creates the basis for the unhindered arrival and departure of foreign tourists to our country.
At present, Uzbekistan is entering an entirely new stage of development, which is vividly demonstrated by the comprehensive reforms being carried out in all spheres. Profound transformations in domestic and foreign policy, socio-economic life, cultural and spiritual-educational fields are reflected in the lifestyle of our people.
At the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and based on the unity of the people, the “Uzbekistan – 2030” Strategy was adopted, serving as a solid legal and practical foundation for national renewal. The reforms implemented under this program create conditions for improving the well-being of citizens and ensuring the sustainable development of the state and society.
In recent years, special attention has been paid in our country to strengthening the atmosphere of mutual respect, solidarity and cooperation among various religious confessions, supporting intercultural dialogue, and ensuring peace and harmony, which has been widely recognized by the international community.
It is noteworthy that on 19 September 2017, at the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly in New York, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forward an initiative which found its practical embodiment in the adoption, at the following session of the UN General Assembly in 2018, of a special resolution entitled “Enlightenment and Religious Tolerance”. The draft prepared by Uzbekistan was unanimously approved by all UN member states.
This resolution gained particular significance as it placed education and enlightenment at the forefront as an effective means of countering global threats – extremism and terrorism – especially at a time of growing intolerance and uncompromising attitudes towards representatives of different religions and beliefs.
As a logical continuation of this work, in 2022 the international forum “Dialogue of Declarations” was held with the aim of implementing the principles and provisions of the resolution “Enlightenment and Religious Tolerance”, as well as achieving the goals of the National Human Rights Strategy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, approved in 2020.
The main outcome of this meeting was the adoption of the “Bukhara Declaration,” which supplemented earlier declarations adopted in Marrakesh, Mecca, Jakarta, Potomac and Punta del Este. This document became an important contribution of Uzbekistan to strengthening the ideas of religious tolerance and interethnic harmony at the international level.
It is important that this dialogue has become a regular tradition: on 10–13 September of this year, the second international forum “Dialogue of Declarations” is scheduled to take place in Tashkent and Samarkand.
This forum represents an integral part of the international community’s efforts to ensure freedom of religion and to strengthen interfaith dialogue, as well as a demonstration of Uzbekistan’s readiness to actively promote at the global level its firm adherence to international obligations in the field of human rights and freedoms.
It should be emphasized that while in many parts of the world fundamental rights – to life, education, work, self-realization, and freedom of religion – are being violated, in Uzbekistan representatives of more than 130 nationalities and 16 confessions live peacefully on the basis of tolerance. The ability of people of different faiths to freely and safely perform their religious rites is a key factor of social stability.
Currently, there are 2,373 registered religious organizations in Uzbekistan, of which 2,174 are Islamic and 199 are non-Islamic. Over the past eight years, 130 religious organizations have been registered, including 3 higher and 1 secondary special Islamic educational institutions, 105 mosques and 25 non-Islamic organizations of various confessions.
The legal foundation for these transformations is the Concept of State Policy on Ensuring Freedom of Conscience of Citizens and in the Religious Sphere, adopted by the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 1037 of 25 February 2025.
The Concept affirms the right to freedom of conscience and the constitutional principle of the secular nature of the state, and defines the goals, objectives, principles and priority directions of state policy in the religious sphere. It was developed on the basis of the rich national-historical experience of statehood and universal values, and is aimed at ensuring a stable environment for the progressive development of Uzbekistan’s multiethnic and multi-confessional society on the basis of democracy, secularism, freedom, equality, social justice and solidarity.
Within a short period, major scientific and educational institutions were established, such as the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, international research centers named after Imam Bukhari, Imam Maturidi, Imam Termizi, Bahauddin Naqshband, the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, the School of Hadith Studies in Samarkand, and the Mir Arab Higher Madrasa in Bukhara.
These institutions contribute significantly to ensuring a healthy spiritual environment in society, educating the younger generation as modern-minded individuals worthy of their great ancestors, in line with the noble universal idea “Enlightenment against Ignorance”.
If in 2017 the country had only 3 higher (1 Islamic and 2 non-Islamic) and 9 secondary special religious educational institutions, today their number has reached 16, of which 6 are higher institutions.
To further develop this sphere and elevate it to a new stage, a Presidential Decree “On measures to further strengthen guarantees of the right of citizens to freedom of conscience and to bring reforms in the spiritual-educational sphere to a new level” was signed. This document was positively received not only by representatives of the religious-educational sphere, but also by the wider public.
It is also worth noting that in recent years anniversaries and events of non-Islamic confessions have been held at a high level, alongside Islamic ones. These include the 145th (2017) and 150th (2021) anniversaries of the Russian Orthodox Church Diocese of Tashkent and Uzbekistan, the 120th anniversary of the Armenian Apostolic Church (2023), the 25th (2018) and 30th (2023) anniversaries of the Bible Society of Uzbekistan, the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah (2017), the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Bab (2019), and the 100th anniversary of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Baha (2022). These events are vivid examples of peace and tolerance in our country.
At the same time, special attention has been paid to enabling believers of various religions to make pilgrimages abroad. In particular, nearly 500,000 citizens have performed Hajj and Umrah, and more than 10,000 people have visited holy sites in Israel, Russia, Georgia, Turkey and other countries.
In conclusion, it should be noted that for thousands of years Uzbekistan has been an integral part of the Great Silk Road, making a worthy contribution to the development of world civilization. Trade, science and cultural centers here have always flourished, while tolerance, hospitality and respect for representatives of different cultures have been key factors of progress.
Today, the traditions and customs of different peoples in Uzbekistan continue to develop in harmony. The consistent policy in the spiritual-educational sphere pursued under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev serves as an important foundation not only for ensuring peace, stability and harmony in our country, but also for their promotion globally.
The broad participation of representatives from different countries in the upcoming second international forum “Dialogue of Declarations” is clear evidence of the high international recognition of Uzbekistan’s state policy in ensuring freedom of religion and interfaith harmony.
Davronbek Maksudov,
First Deputy Chairman
of the Committee on Religious Affairs
of the Republic of UzbekistanThe text of the article is in Uzbek!