The strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan is developing steadily and being enriched with new practical content of regional and global significance.

The policies pursued by the Presidents, grounded in mutual trust, respect, and solidarity, not only drive economic growth for both countries but also help strengthen peace, stability, and global competitiveness in Central Asia.

Economic Cooperation: Reaching the Two-Billion-Dollar Mark

Economic relations are demonstrating unprecedented growth rates. Between 2017 and 2024, mutual trade volume increased 6.4-fold, exceeding $1.14 billion. The main objective is to raise this figure to $2 billion in the near future. Such cooperation is driven by the complementary nature of the two economies: Uzbekistan’s exports are growing due to high-value-added products (chemical industry, mechanical engineering), while Turkmenistan’s imports mainly consist of energy resources and petroleum products. Industrial cooperation is deepening, as evidenced by the establishment of the Shavat – Dashoguz border trade zone and the project to create a joint automotive manufacturing enterprise between Turkmenistan Motors and Uzavtosanoat, with investments totaling up to $10 million.

The Non-Aligned Movement and Preventive Diplomacy

Uzbekistan’s activities on the international stage, including its forthcoming chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), are aimed at strengthening a culture of peace, dialogue, and trust in global relations. During its chairmanship of the NAM, Uzbekistan will focus on promoting a culture of peace and nonviolence and on building trust among states through political dialogue.

One of the strategic initiatives is to designate 2027 the Year of Preventive Diplomacy to support efforts to resolve conflicts. This initiative envisages the active use of the expertise of UN specialized agencies, including the Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat. These actions by Uzbekistan will strengthen its reputation on the international stage and make a practical contribution to building a just and stable order.

Security and Transport Corridors

Close cooperation between the two countries is crucial to strengthening regional security and transport infrastructure. Approaches to security issues, particularly regarding Afghanistan, are fully aligned. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are committed to engaging Afghanistan in regional economic processes and facilitating its peaceful development through enhanced infrastructure connectivity.

Integration across transport and logistics is a key area of cooperation. The parties have agreed to jointly develop the Turkmenbashi Port to increase transit volumes and diversify export routes. This port is an essential link in the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor, which expands access to the Black Sea and Europe via the Caspian Sea. Joint projects are underway in electricity transmission, efficient use of water resources, and environmental protection.

The growth of trade volumes between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, strategic efforts to advance major cooperation projects, preventive diplomacy, and the strengthening of transport corridors are creating a unique model in which political will, economic logic, and security interests in Central Asia are interlinked. Such integration will provide a solid foundation for strengthening the region’s role in the global trade network and ensuring sustainable development.

A. Gaffarov, UzA