Uzbekistan's foreign policy is characterized by a peaceful, balanced, and open approach that emphasizes mutually beneficial cooperation with all nations while prioritizing respect for national interests. 

Uzbekistan actively promotes diplomacy and constructive dialogue with states around the globe. This strategy has been essential in positioning Uzbekistan as a reliable and neutral partner in the international community.

Regional Cooperation within Central Asia

A key pillar of Uzbekistan's foreign policy is its commitment to enhancing regional cooperation within Central Asia. The Uzbekistan's government sees regional integration as a driving force for economic growth, stability, and peace across the region. To this end, Uzbekistan has been proactive in fostering initiatives that promote intra-regional trade, public diplomacy, business collaboration, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges. These efforts aim to strengthen Central Asia's economy as a whole while creating a foundation for addressing long-standing issues through joint problem-solving and dialogue.

As a result, Uzbekistan has strengthened ties with neighboring countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan – through initiatives such as the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of Central Asian States. By promoting the Consultative Meeting, Uzbekistan spearheaded the institutionalization of the regional gatherings of the leaders of the Central Asian Republics.  These efforts underscore Uzbekistan's commitment to addressing regional challenges such as water management, energy security, and transit corridors, positioning it as a pivotal advocate for regional stability and sustainable development.

Since 2017, Uzbekistan has significantly strengthened bilateral relations with each Central Asian country. Strategic partnerships have been established with Turkmenistan (2017), Kyrgyzstan (2017), and Tajikistan (2018).  Furthermore, Uzbekistan treaties on alliance relations with Kazakhstan (2022) and Tajikistan (2024).

Uzbekistan's long-term regional strategy seeks to progressively elevate bilateral relations with each Central Asian state to the status of comprehensive strategic partnerships and allied relations. The establishment of alliance frameworks with Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, alongside comprehensive strategic partnerships with Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, underscores this commitment.

To formalize these positive developments and establish an institutional foundation for regional stability and sustainable development, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed the establishment of Consultative Meetings of Central Asian Heads of State in 2017. This initiative has gained considerable momentum, evolving from an ad hoc dialogue platform into an increasingly institutionalized mechanism for regional governance.

The progression toward institutionalization is evidenced by several key developments. First, Uzbekistan hosted the second Consultative Meeting in 2019, demonstrating its commitment to sustained regional leadership. Second, at the fourth Consultative Meeting in Cholpon-Ata (2022), participating states signed the multilateral "Agreement on Friendship, Neighborliness, and Cooperation for Development of Central Asia in the 21st Century" providing a foundational legal framework for regional cooperation. Third, the fifth meeting in Dushanbe (2023) established the Council of National Coordinators responsible for monitoring implementation of agreements and developing proposals for deepening cooperation. Fourth, participating states adopted both the Roadmap for the Development of Regional Cooperation until 2027 and the Concept for the Development of Regional Cooperation "Central Asia-2040" providing medium and long-term strategic direction during the sixth Consultative Meeting, convened in Astana on August 9, 2024. 

The sixth Consultative Meeting emphasized identifying new avenues for deepening cooperation across a broad spectrum of issues, ranging from economic collaboration to security concerns. The forthcoming meeting, scheduled for November 16, 2025, in Tashkent, promises to deliver unprecedented outcomes strengthening regional unity and advancing practical integration measures in response to evolving global and regional geopolitical dynamics. Collectively, these developments represent a crucial strategic achievement in maintaining stability and peace throughout Central Asia.

Parallel to the intensification of intra-regional cooperation, Central Asian states have witnessed a marked proliferation of multilateral engagement frameworks with external partners since 2022. The "Central Asia Plus" format (C5+1) has emerged as a defining characteristic of the region's expanding diplomatic architecture, convening the leaders of all five Central Asian states with major external partners including the European Union, China, Russia, the Gulf Arab states, the United States, Germany, Italy, and others.

This format has evolved into a sophisticated geopolitical mechanism that enables regional states to balance their interests with those of major international partners while maintaining strategic autonomy and regional cohesion. The proliferation of these summits reflects both the enhanced geopolitical significance of Central Asia and the region's collective strategy of diversification in external relations, which is considered as a deliberate effort to avoid dependency. . This approach not only highlights the growing importance of Central Asia on the global stage but also reinforces Uzbekistan's role as a bridge between East and West.

Within the "Central Asia Plus" framework, China occupies a prominent position due to its geographic contiguity, historical connections, and substantial economic presence in the region.

Institutionalization of China-Central Asia Cooperation

The first "Central Asia – China" Summit, held in Xi'an in May 2023, represented a milestone in formalizing this relationship at the highest political level. During this meeting, China unveiled a comprehensive development plan aimed at providing alternative routes for raw materials, food products, and other commodities through an expanded network of trade corridors. Significantly, China also indicated its commitment to regional security and willingness to assist Central Asian countries in combating terrorism, thereby extending its engagement beyond the purely economic sphere.

Following the Summit, countries demonstrated their long-term commitment by establishing a permanent Secretariat of the cooperation format in Xi'an in 2024, providing institutional continuity and operational capacity for sustained collaboration.

The second "Central Asia-China" summit, held in Astana in June 2025, reviewed prospects for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in priority areas while addressing topical international and regional issues. A particularly significant outcome was the adoption of a "Treaty on Eternal Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation" intended to serve as a joint contribution to ensuring regional stability. To operationalize this Treaty, participating states proposed developing a Concept of Long-Term Partnership incorporating specific implementation mechanisms and projects.

The "Central Asia – China" cooperation mechanism thus functions as an effective regional diplomatic platform for promoting economic cooperation, security coordination, and sustainable development. The formation of such new formats and dialog platforms enhances both the geopolitical and economic significance of Central Asia in global affairs.

Uzbekistan – China relations

Over more than three decades of diplomatic relations, Uzbekistan and China have established a robust foundation for multifaceted strategic cooperation, with bilateral relations progressively elevated to the highest level of strategic partnership across all domains. China has emerged as a pivotal foreign policy and economic partner for Uzbekistan, assuming a central position in Uzbekistan's trade and investment landscape.

The economic dimensions of this partnership are substantial. From 2017 to 2024, total Chinese investment in Uzbekistan's economy exceeded $24.6 billion, while bilateral trade volume reached $14 billion in 2024. As of April 2025, enterprises with Chinese capital in Uzbekistan numbered 3,711, constituting 23.5 percent of all foreign companies operating in the country. Major Chinese corporations, including BYD, Huawei, ZTE, China Eximbank, Wenzhou Jinsheng Trading, Peng Sheng Joint Venture, Sinotruk, and HengBang Textile Central Asia and others, maintain active operations across diverse sectors of the Uzbek economy.

While Uzbekistan and China continue to achieve success in traditional areas of cooperation in energy, agriculture, and textiles, bilateral engagement has increasingly diversified into emerging sectors including cross-border e-commerce, green development, biomedicine, and poverty reduction. The development of strategic partnership has created opportunities for Uzbekistan to study and adapt China's experience in poverty alleviation, formalized through a 2022 agreement on joint activities aimed at learning from and implementing Chinese poverty reduction strategies.

Technology transfer and digital infrastructure development represent particularly dynamic areas of cooperation. Huawei, for instance, is implementing the "Safe City" project with a budget of $300 million, aimed at developing e-government systems, the digital economy, information technology infrastructure, telemedicine, and IT telephony.

On January 24, 2024, during a state visit by the President of Uzbekistan to China, bilateral negotiations between the two nations' leaders resulted in the elevation of Uzbekistan-China relations to the level of "all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership" – the highest designation in China's hierarchy of bilateral relationships. This upgrade signifies not merely rhetorical enhancement but rather a qualitative deepening of cooperation across political, economic, security, and cultural dimensions.

Beyond bilateral channels, Uzbekistan and China coordinate closely within multilateral structures, including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and other platforms, providing mutual support on pressing issues of the international and regional agenda.

Uzbekistan has actively supported the BRI, which has significantly enhanced interconnectedness among participating countries and facilitated regional economic development, particularly crucial for landlocked Central Asian economies. 

In 2017, 2019, and 2023, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited China to participate in three high-level forums on international cooperation for the BRI.

It is important to note that the initiative to expand cooperation under the BRI is in harmony with specific provisions of national strategic documents, such as "Uzbekistan-2030" strategy, which will promote the progressive development of Uzbek-Chinese all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as industry, energy, infrastructure development, transport, logistics, agriculture, tourism, education, and others.

It should be noted that within the framework of the BRI, Uzbekistan has several advantages – firstly, the convenient geographical location of Uzbekistan and abundant natural resources. Due to its geographical position, Uzbekistan has become an integral part of the BRI. Secondly, political stability and a rapidly developing economy. Thirdly, an open, pragmatic, and peaceful foreign policy.

Several infrastructure projects are being implemented in Uzbekistan as part of the BRI.

The development of multiple transport corridors, including the "China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan" road corridor, the "China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan" railway, and the multimodal transport corridor "China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan" exemplifies the tangible infrastructure outcomes of this cooperation.

Furthermore, the "China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan" railway project represents a particularly significant undertaking. During President Xi Jinping's state visit to Uzbekistan in September 2022, China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation concerning the Kyrgyz section of this railway, achieving substantial progress in constructing a new transport corridor across the Eurasian continent.

Construction on key facilities commenced in Kyrgyzstan in April 2025. The railway's total length amounts to 532.53 kilometers, with total project investment estimated at $4.7 billion. The financing structure reflects genuine trilateral commitment: half of the project's funding will be provided by participating countries from their own resources according to their shares in the joint venture (China allocating $1.18 billion, Kyrgyzstan approximately $700 million, and Uzbekistan $573 million), while an additional $2.35 billion will be provided as a non-commercial loan from Chinese financial institutions. More than 20,000 workers will be involved in the construction process.

Given current geopolitical circumstances, particularly disruptions to traditional northern routes through Russia, the implementation of the "China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan" railway project has acquired heightened strategic significance and urgency.

Given the current circumstances, the delivery of goods via the northern route makes the implementation of the "China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan" railway project extremely significant and relevant.

According to World Bank estimates, improvements in transport infrastructure under the BRI will reduce delivery times to Uzbekistan by nearly 15%, the largest reduction among BRI involved countries. 

The reduction in shipping times, in turn, will increase Uzbekistan's exports by 13-23%. The higher estimated growth is a cumulative effect of completed transport projects under the BRI and reforms that have halved delays at border crossings.

Indeed, the construction of the strategically important "China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan" railway will significantly reduce delivery times for cargo between Central Asian countries and China, alleviate freight traffic on existing routes, and strengthen the interconnectedness of the Eurasian region.

Uzbekistan and China are making joint efforts to implement the BRI, which gives a positive impetus to the development and prosperity of the region and the world.

The Uzbekistan-China all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership exemplifies successful international cooperation in other areas as well. For example, digital transformation and new technologies are also perspective directions. By now, a strong foundation has been made, this includes deploying 4G and 5G networks, expanding fiber-optic backbone lines, and building data processing centers, the first data center by Huawei in 2022), implementing "smart city" and "safe city" platforms etc..

Overall, Uzbekistan's evolving partnership with China reflects a broader strategic approach characterized by constructive cooperation, economic diversification, and balanced diplomacy. By simultaneously strengthening ties with all Central Asian neighbors through mechanisms such as the Consultative Meetings while deepening engagement with global actors through formats including C5+China and active BRI participation, Uzbekistan positions itself as both a driver and beneficiary of regional cooperation.

Active Engagement in the Global South

Uzbekistan's dedication to peaceful and balanced foreign policy extends beyond Central Asia into the broader Global South. This commitment reflects an acknowledgment of today's increasingly multipolar world and a desire to contribute positively to it. Uzbekistan's membership in the Non-Aligned Movement, alongside its recent partnership with BRICS, underlines the country's efforts to expand its diplomatic reach and engage with other emerging economies. By participating in BRICS+ summits, Uzbekistan strengthens its alliances within the Global South, fostering South-South cooperation and addressing global challenges collaboratively.

In an era marked by polarization, Uzbekistan's proactive stance highlights its commitment and support for constructive global engagement.

Engagement with Multilateral Organizations

Uzbekistan has significantly engaged with multilateral organizations and global forums, strengthening the country's international presence. This proactive foreign policy reflects Uzbekistan's strategic vision to integrate into the global community and leverage international cooperation for national development. Uzbekistan has sought a more substantial role in the United Nations (UN) and other international bodies, advocating for regional stability, sustainable development, and human rights. As a result, 140 joint programs and projects with the UN are being successfully implemented, and several of Uzbekistan's initiatives have been recognized with the adoption of special resolutions by the UN General Assembly. During the last several years, Uzbekistan's initiatives have been recognized with the adoption of more than 10 special resolutions by the UN General Assembly.

Uzbekistan is also hosting UN high level events, just in 2025 the UN Public Service Forum in June and the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference from late October to mid-November in Samarkand.

Moreover, high-level visits, such as those by five UN Deputy Secretary-Generals, and elections to bodies like the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the Governing Board of the International Labour Organization (ILO), underscore this engagement. The establishment of a representative office of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Tashkent further enhances rural development efforts.

Furthermore, noteworthy that along with the UN Uzbekistan's activities and multilateral cooperation within the leading international and regional organizations such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the Economic Cooperation Organization (OIC) and others, where the initiatives of Uzbekistan on pressing issues of international cooperation in various fields and regional development are widely supported by the world community.

Commitment to Peace and Stability

Uzbekistan's foreign policy extends beyond economic integration to contribute to peace and stability in regions experiencing conflict. This commitment is evident in the country's support for United Nations resolutions that advocate peaceful solutions in areas such as the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Through these efforts, Uzbekistan emerges as a voice of moderation and diplomacy, underscoring its belief in multilateral cooperation to resolve complex international issues.

Uzbekistan's foreign policy is a model of peaceful engagement, regional unity, and meaningful participation in the global order. By building bridges and fostering cooperation with its neighbors and the wider international community, Uzbekistan has established itself as a trusted and constructive actor on the world stage. The country's commitment to peace, balanced foreign relations, and mutual respect strengthens its role as a regional leader and as an influential partner within the Global South. As Uzbekistan continues to work with its partners, it remains dedicated to achieving a more interconnected and peaceful world grounded in shared prosperity and mutual respect.  

Author: Farrukh Khakimov, PhD, head of department, Development Strategy Center, Uzbekistan

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the website.