We will remember 2024 for outstanding achievements in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy.

The initiatives, agreements and visits, fruitful events under the leadership of the Head of state have further increased the authority of Uzbekistan in the world.

During the year, almost 5,000 foreign delegations from more than 140 countries visited the country. 3,610 trips of Uzbekistan delegations consisting of 2,200 representatives of state organizations, regional hokims, and their deputies were made to 130 countries. Agreements aimed at further intensifying cooperation were reached, practical proposals were developed, and roadmaps are being implemented.

Delegations led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs visited 20 countries. More than 100 negotiations were held with representatives of 53 countries, and over 400 meetings with foreign partners. Heads of foreign affairs agencies of 17 countries visited Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan delegations led by deputy ministers and the Special Representative of the President for Afghanistan visited 18 countries and held about 300 negotiations. Another round of political consultations with the ministries of foreign affairs of 22 countries took place.

Economic diplomacy has become a priority in Uzbekistan. More than 6,000 events were organized aimed at strengthening global cooperation. Our embassies abroad organized about 100, in the regions over 50 business forums with the participation of more than 700 foreign companies.

With the participation of foreign investments, six industrial parks were created in Jizzakh, Fergana, Andijan, Navoi, Tashkent, and Khorezm regions. The practice of our embassies abroad working with 14 regions, 208 cities, and districts of Uzbekistan has been introduced. Entrepreneurs made about 100 visits to different countries.

To familiarize themselves with the regions’ investment, cultural, and tourism potential, visits of the heads of the diplomatic corps accredited in Tashkent to the regions are organized. Trading houses have been opened in Vietnam, Egypt, Indonesia, Oman, Kuwait, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Poland, and the United Kingdom at the initiative of diplomatic missions abroad.

International contracts and agreements concluded with partners are significant in further strengthening Uzbekistan’s position in the world. In 2024, Uzbekistan signed and ratified 278 bilateral and multilateral international documents. Internal requirements for 25 international agreements requiring state internal procedures have been fulfilled and entered into force.

Over the year, Uzbekistan established diplomatic relations with 12 countries, and the total number of partner countries reached 156.

Article 22 of the Constitution guarantees legal protection and patronage to its citizens both in Uzbekistan and abroad. In 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomatic missions abroad, and consular offices consistently worked to protect citizens’ legitimate rights and interests and strengthen ties with compatriots. More than 240,000 citizens of Uzbekistan received consular services, and 7,964 compatriots received assistance in finding employment abroad. About 5,500 people who found themselves in difficult financial situations abroad received financial aid, and more than 200 victims of human trafficking, the unemployed, those left without a breadwinner, and those in other challenging situations were returned to their homeland. Almost 8,000 Uzbekistan people were taken out of temporary detention centers. Identity documents were returned to 2,733 compatriots whose passports were illegally taken away by employers.

Of more than 200,000 requests received from individuals and legal entities, 18,280 were sent to the consular and legal department of the ministry and 196,501 to our representative offices abroad. All issues were considered in accordance with the established procedure, and appropriate consular and legal assistance was provided on time.

In 2024, 346,724 foreign citizens received entry visas to Uzbekistan.

M. Pirmatova, UzA