Ambassador: Türkiye Is a Key Partner for Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan's Ambassador to Ankara, Ilhom Khaidarov, highlighted Türkiye's role as a crucial economic ally for Uzbekistan, noting that approximately 2,276 Turkish firms are engaged in significant investment and industrial ventures within the country. These remarks were made to Anadolu Agency in observance of Uzbekistan's 35th anniversary of independence.

According to Khaidarov, the bilateral relationship has recently ascended to an unprecedented level. Both nations have implemented mechanisms for high-level, consistent consultations and introduced innovative frameworks for strategic collaboration, notably the "4+4" mechanism, which encompasses foreign policy, defense, security, and internal affairs.

Joint working groups have been established across nearly all ministries and governmental bodies in both countries, addressing diverse sectors such as economy, investment, industry, energy, transport, education, tourism, and culture.

Khaidarov emphasized economic cooperation as a cornerstone of their strategic partnership. Bilateral trade turnover reached US$3 billion by the close of 2025, and the two countries are now nearing the US$5 billion mark.

Beyond increasing trade volumes, both nations aim to deepen industrial cooperation, boost the production of higher-value-added goods, enhance transport and logistics infrastructure, and expand their portfolio of joint export-oriented projects.

The ambassador stated, "We seek to involve Turkish companies not only in working in the existing market but, on a much broader scale, in projects aimed at turning Uzbekistan into a regional production and export hub."

He underscored that cooperation opportunities arise from combining Turkish technological advancements, management expertise, and market access with Uzbekistan's production capabilities and human resources.

Khaidarov also pointed out that the geographical locations of both countries present additional avenues for economic collaboration. Uzbekistan, situated in the heart of Central Asia, and Türkiye, a vital transport and logistics nexus connecting Europe and Asia, make developing transport links crucial for both bilateral trade and broader regional economic ties.

Engagement in tourism and air travel is also expanding, with over 100,000 Turkish citizens visiting Uzbekistan in the first half of this year. The total number of Turkish tourists is projected to exceed 200,000 by year-end.

Currently, more than 130 flights operate weekly between the two countries. The ambassador noted that the growth in air links, tourism, student exchanges, cultural programs, and business forums further strengthens the bonds between their peoples.

Discussing Uzbekistan's progress, Khaidarov reported that the country's GDP has grown 2.5 times in recent years, reaching US$145 billion last year. Exports surpassed US$33 billion, and direct investment exceeded US$43 billion.

He mentioned that the initial GDP target of US$160 billion by 2030 is now expected to be surpassed this year, with a new strategic goal of US$300 billion in total GDP set for 2030.

The ambassador also highlighted Uzbekistan's increasing international influence and the transformations in Central Asia associated with the emergence of a "New Uzbekistan." He noted that regional countries have made significant strides in resolving issues related to borders, water resources, trade, transport, and security through trust and dialogue.

Khaidarov specifically acknowledged the historical foundation of relations with Türkiye, which was the first country to recognize Uzbekistan's independence. He stated that historical, linguistic, and cultural ties, coupled with mutual respect, have forged a robust basis for the contemporary strategic partnership.

He concluded by emphasizing that the current level of relations is not considered the ultimate objective. Both sides intend to leverage their achievements to further broaden cooperation in economic, investment, industrial, transport, tourism, and other sectors.