At the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of Jordan arrived on a state visit to Uzbekistan.

Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan were established in February 1993. Over the past decades, they have evolved from formal contacts to comprehensive cooperation encompassing politics, the economy, and the cultural-humanitarian sphere.

In June 1994, the Embassy of Jordan began operating in Tashkent. Currently, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan is accredited to Amman concurrently, with residence in Riyadh. In addition, since August 2007, the institution of Honorary Consul of Uzbekistan in Jordan has been functioning, held by Jordanian citizen Luay Abu Ghazaleh.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Jordan, political dialogue at the highest level has mainly taken place through meetings at international platforms, telephone conversations, messages, and occasional high-level exchanges of visits.

In recent years, bilateral relations have acquired new momentum. Both sides have demonstrated a determination to expand and deepen cooperation, building on the significant potential for mutual benefit.

In 2025, a representative delegation of Uzbekistan led by Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov visited Amman, during which President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s greetings and personal message were conveyed to King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. King Abdullah II received the delegation, held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi, and met with representatives of the ministries of Investment, Higher Education, Awqaf Islamic Affairs and Holy Places, as well as leading companies.

One of the key outcomes was the signing of an agreement on the abolition of the visa regime for holders of diplomatic passports, along with a Joint Cooperation Program between the foreign ministries for 2025-2027. These steps testify to a mutual commitment to giving the relationship a systemic character and elevating it to a new level.

Uzbekistan is generally pursuing a course of openness and multi-vector foreign policy. In recent years, Tashkent has been actively developing cooperation with Middle Eastern countries, reflected in particular by the nearly fivefold increase in trade with the Gulf Cooperation Council states between 2020 and 2023. Uzbekistan’s participation in multilateral formats such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Economic Cooperation Organization, and other international associations provides an additional platform for deepening cooperation between Uzbekistan and Jordan.

Economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Jordan remains at a relatively modest level for now, but the two sides have already outlined a strategy for its expansion. In 2024, mutual trade turnover amounted to about $4.6 million. Jordan supplies Uzbekistan with pharmaceuticals, chemical goods, equipment, and machinery, while Uzbekistan exports copper, dried fruits, nuts, and textiles.

Talks between the ministers of investments, industry, and trade of the two countries in 2025 confirmed their readiness to expand the partnership. Among the key areas are the signing of a preferential trade agreement, which will simplify market access for goods in both countries, the development of cooperation in the mining sector, including the extraction and processing of phosphates, copper, and other minerals, strengthening ties in agriculture and the food industry, and the implementation of joint projects in pharmaceuticals, textiles, light industry, and the digital economy.

Of particular importance is the intention to establish an Uzbekistan – Jordan Business Council, which will facilitate direct business connections between entrepreneurs, as well as organize sectoral exhibitions, business forums, and trade missions. Jordan has also proposed using its advantageous geographic location as a hub for Uzbek goods to enter the markets of the Middle East and North Africa.

Uzbekistan and Jordan share a deep spiritual foundation. Islamic culture, a common historical heritage, and centuries-old traditions of religious and cultural exchange unite both countries. This creates a special atmosphere of trust and mutual understanding, which is particularly important for the humanitarian dimension of bilateral relations.

Promising areas of cultural and humanitarian cooperation include the expansion of academic exchanges, joint educational programs and scholarships for students, the organization of cultural festivals, exhibitions, and conferences dedicated to the shared historical and cultural heritage, cooperation in Islamic studies, theology, history, and archaeology, as well as the exchange of experience in healthcare, including joint medical programs, training of specialists, and telemedicine.

The closeness of spiritual values provides a strong foundation for long-term partnership, where cultural exchange becomes an integral part of overall development.

In recent years, representatives of Jordan have actively participated in cultural events held in Uzbekistan, including the International Maqom Art Festival (September 2018, Shakhrisabz) and the International Handicrafts Festival (September 2019, Kokand).

Undoubtedly, Uzbekistan and Jordan are capable of building a mutually beneficial partnership based on trust, shared cultural values, and complementary economic potential. The implementation of the planned initiatives will not only deepen cooperation but also turn it into an essential factor of stability and development across the Middle East and Central Asia.

In this context, the upcoming visit of the King of Jordan to Uzbekistan will open new horizons for enhancing bilateral cooperation. The political will of both sides, reinforced by concrete agreements, will create conditions for trade growth, the implementation of investment projects, and the strengthening of humanitarian ties.

I. Abdukhalikov, UzA