Kozimjon Tojiyev
Uzbekistan’s foreign policy is guided by the norms and principles of its Constitution including “On the Basic Principles of Foreign Policy of Uzbekistan”, “On International Treaties of the of Uzbekistan”, “On Defense”, the Military Doctrine, on the principles and objectives of the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, along with obligations arising from international treaties and agreements of the country, ratified by the Oliy Majlis (Supreme Assembly).
A new edition of the Constitution, adopted during a 2023 referendum, introduced several norms defining the basic principles of foreign policy. The Constitution states that Uzbekistan aims to strengthen and develop friendly relations with neighbouring countries, based on partnership, mutual support, and peace.
Article 17 of the Constitution mandates that Uzbekistan’s foreign policy adhere to the principles of sovereign equality of states, non-use of force or threat of force, inviolability of borders, territorial integrity of states, peaceful settlement of disputes, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, and other recognized principles of international law. Article 18 states that Uzbekistan pursues a peaceful foreign policy to develop bilateral and multilateral relations with states and international organizations.
Uzbekistan has established mutually beneficial ties with both nearby and distant countries. Recently, Uzbek leaders have made over 100 senior and high-level visits to major nations such as the USA, EU countries, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, among others.
Uzbekistan actively participates in regional and international organizations, including specialized UN agencies, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Organization of Turkic States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Economic Cooperation Organization. The country has also obtained observer status in the Eurasian Economic Union.
For the first time in its history, Uzbekistan has been elected to the UN Human Rights Council and has completed its chairmanship in the Commonwealth of Independent States. Additionally, in recent years, Uzbekistan’s bonds with European Union countries have significantly strengthened and gained new importance.
Relations with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development have been restored. Ties with major global economic, financial, and investment institutions, such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Asian Development Bank, and the Islamic Development Bank, are steadily developing. Proactive economic diplomacy has become a priority in Uzbekistan’s new foreign policy, with a vision of transforming Central Asia into a region of peace, stability, development, and good neighbourliness.
Uzbekistan places special emphasis on advancing mutually beneficial interactions with neighbouring countries and strengthening trade and economic ties with them. In 2022-2023 alone, more than 150 top and high-level events took place in Central Asia. A unique mechanism for regional cooperation – consultative meetings of regional heads of state – has been introduced.
Efforts are underway to ensure robust trade, economic, transport, and transit relations among Central Asian countries, address security and stability issues, manage state borders, promote fair use of water resources, and strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties, friendship, and good neighbourliness among the states and peoples of the region.
Uzbekistan has been active in initiating projects of global significance. New political initiatives in an open, pragmatic and constructive spirit received support from the international community. Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, four significant resolutions have been passed by the UN General Assembly. Uzbekistan places great importance on cooperation with the principal international organization, identifying it as a priority in its foreign policy.
Amid the current complex global circumstances, the role and responsibility of the UN have never been more critical. As a universal institution, the UN is essential for uniting member states’ efforts to ensure peace, security, stability, protection of human rights, and systemic development at the international level in the face of increasing threats to humanity.
Uzbekistan actively engages with the UN and its specialized agencies, including the World Health Organization, International Labor Organization, World Intellectual Property Organization, UNESCO, World Food Program, World Bank, and IAEA, among others.
The Uzbekistan-2030 Strategy outlines goals for strengthening ties with Asia-Pacific countries, expanding exports to regional markets, and increasing investment inflows into Uzbekistan.
Efforts are also focused on enhancing relations with South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, establishing mutually beneficial cooperation in new and promising areas, and developing transport and logistics corridors that connect these regions and enable Uzbekistan to access global markets.
A key task for legislative bodies in overseeing foreign policy is to improve the regulatory framework to ensure the effective implementation of foreign policy and foreign economic activities.
The role and importance of Uzbekistan’s bicameral parliament, the highest representative body, have grown significantly in foreign policy. In recent years, the international relations of the Oliy Majlis chambers have expanded considerably, and cooperation with the legislatures of other countries and international inter-parliamentary associations has reached new heights. Between 2015 and 2019, there were inter-parliamentary groups for cooperation with the parliaments of 28 countries, whereas by 2020, this number had increased to 43. Currently, the Oliy Majlis chambers have established bilateral groups of friendship and cooperation with the parliaments of 58 countries. Additionally, there is a dedicated inter-parliamentary committee for cooperation with the European Parliament.
To further strengthen the parliament’s role in developing relations with foreign countries, the Kengashes (Councils) of the Oliy Majlis chambers adopted the Concept of Parliamentary Diplomacy in 2020. The priority objectives of this concept include developing cooperation with other national parliaments, strengthening inter-parliamentary relations to study legislative experiences, ensuring active participation of the Oliy Majlis in international inter-parliamentary organizations, informing the international community about the country’s reforms, and promoting Uzbekistan’s international initiatives.
To enhance cooperation with foreign parliaments, the Kengashes of the Oliy Majlis chambers adopted a joint resolution aimed at intensifying the work of the Oliy Majlis groups and commissions focused on parliamentary cooperation and expanding practical interactions.
Another focus is strengthening parliamentary oversight of the fulfilment of Uzbekistan’s international treaty obligations. Systematic efforts are underway to achieve national goals in sustainable development.
A special parliamentary commission, established by the Legislative Chamber and the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, oversees the implementation of tasks set by the government to achieve national sustainable development goals. The effectiveness of achieving these goals is assessed using corresponding indicators.
The adoption of modern parliamentary oversight methods and the engagement of parliamentarians with international organizations will undoubtedly aid in achieving Uzbekistan’s national sustainable development goals by 2030 and positively impact the well-being of its citizens. Today, the national legislature is empowered with extensive opportunities to advance national interests on the global stage, serving as an active participant in international relations. The Oliy Majlis is committed to enhancing international and inter-parliamentary relations to foster peace, security, and sustainable development.
