In international relations, bilateral summits often serve as turning points that can significantly influence the trajectory of ties between countries. This happened on June 6, 2024, when the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev went on a landmark visit to Türkiye. This event was not just a routine diplomatic event. It was testimony to the growing partnership and shared vision between the two nations.

The goals underlying the Head of state’s visit to Ankara are essential in shaping the future contours of Uzbek-Turkish relations. This summit was a ceremonial meeting and a strategic merger aimed at deepening the bilateral partnership in many dimensions.

The key element of the visit was the third high-level meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council, where issues of expanding cooperation in the political, trade-economic, investment, transport-communications, educational, and cultural-humanitarian spheres were discussed.

Particular attention was paid to identifying new growth areas such as agriculture, water management, technology, energy, and infrastructure development. The task has been set to strengthen the work of the joint economic commission of Türkiye and Uzbekistan, the 7th meeting held in December 2023.

The third high-level meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council was an essential step in deepening and expanding multilateral cooperation between countries. Discussion and the implementation of initiatives in various areas create a solid basis for sustainable development and mutually beneficial partnership.

As a result, Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan signed a Joint Declaration on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership. 

The declaration symbolizes both countries’ intention to deepen and expand cooperation in various fields, which helps strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties. The document emphasizes the strategic importance of relations between Uzbekistan and Türkiye, aimed at long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The primary purpose of the visit was also to expand economic cooperation. Both countries have long viewed each other as vital partners, with Türkiye being one of Uzbekistan’s most significant trade and investment partners. It ranks third in terms of Uzbek exports and fifth in imports. Bilateral trade in 2023 exceeded $3.1 billion, increasing 1.5 times.

This is a significant indicator of strengthening economic ties and mutually beneficial cooperation. Such growth could result from successful trade agreements, improved logistics infrastructure, and increasing demand for goods and services from both countries.

The scale of the parties’ short-term goals is also significant. It is planned to increase the volume of trade turnover to $5 billion and, in the long term, to $10 billion. This will strengthen economic ties, stimulate investment and innovation, and diversify export-import flows. Achieving these goals can lead to new jobs, increased national economies’ competitiveness, and improved citizens’ well-being.

It should also be noted that Turkish business circles are particularly interested in developing business in strategically important sectors of our country. At a business forum held on the eve of the President of Uzbekistan’s visit to Ankara, Vice President of Türkiye Cevdet Yılmaz emphasized this, saying, “I believe that we will increase mutual investments”.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also held the first meeting of the Uzbek-Turkish Business Council, which was attended by leading companies from both countries, including Global Textile, ProCab, Agromir Group, ERIELL Group, Çalık, Cengiz, Acibadem, Eczacıbaşı, and others, who intend to work closely together to achieve mutual goals.

The participation of prominent business leaders from Uzbekistan and Türkiye in the summit will facilitate constructive dialogue and the formulation of concrete proposals for strengthening cooperation in key sectors. This significant event also signifies a new milestone in the evolution of bilateral relations and fosters a conducive environment for increased direct collaboration between the business communities of both nations.

The diplomatic event also underscored Uzbekistan’s broader foreign policy goals of opening its economy to international partners and prominently asserting itself on the world stage.

During the meetings, the heads of state exchanged views on current regional issues. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue close cooperation and mutual support in the international arena, including within the framework of the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Organization of Turkic States.

The presidents again emphasized the importance of an immediate end to the violence in the Gaza Strip and the beginning of a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. “To achieve a stable and lasting peace, the creation of an independent and free State of Palestine is necessary”, said the Head of our state.

Following the visit, 19 documents were signed. These agreements signify the intention to expand bilateral trade and reflect a shared vision of achieving long-term economic sustainability and diversification. Uzbekistan and Türkiye aim to open up new opportunities for prosperity that will benefit both countries equally by prioritizing sectors that offer growth potential and creating an enabling environment for cross-border business transactions.

Following the visit, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan awarded Shavkat Mirziyoyev the highest state award, the Order of the Turkish Republic.

The presentation of the order to the Uzbek Leader emphasizes the significance of his contribution to developing friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Türkiye. This gesture recognizes his efforts and achievements in strengthening bilateral ties and symbolizes respect and appreciation from Türkiye. It also signals the international community about the importance and significance of Uzbek-Turkish relations.

Thus, the visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Türkiye and the agreements reached open a new era of comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, based on shared interests and mutual trust and the desire for long-term mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples.

Alisher Qodirov,

Head of ISRS Department under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan