Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In international relations, bilateral summits often serve as turning points that can significantly affect the trajectory of development of ties between countries. This happened on 6 June 2024, when the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev went on a landmark visit to Türkiye. This event was not just a routine diplomatic exercise, but a profound testament to the growing partnership and shared vision between the two nations.

The goals underlying the trip of the head of our country to Ankara are important in shaping the future contours of Uzbek-Turkish relations. This summit was not just a ceremonial meeting, but a strategic merger aimed at deepening the bilateral partnership in many dimensions.

The key element of the visit was the third meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council at a high level, where issues of expanding cooperation in the political, trade-economic, investment, transport-communications, educational and cultural-humanitarian spheres were discussed.

Particular attention was paid to identifying new growth areas such as agriculture, water management, technology, energy and infrastructure development. The task has been set to strengthen the work of the joint economic commission of Türkiye and Uzbekistan, the 7th meeting of which was held in December 2023.

The third high-level meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council was an important step in deepening and expanding multilateral cooperation between countries. Discussion and implementation of initiatives in various fields create a solid basis for sustainable development and mutually beneficial cooperation.

As a result, Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a Joint Declaration on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership.

The declaration symbolizes the intention of both countries to deepen and expand cooperation in various fields, which helps strengthen political, economic and cultural ties. The document emphasizes the strategic importance of relations between Uzbekistan and Türkiye, aimed at long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The main purpose of the visit was also the expansion of economic cooperation. Both countries have long viewed each other as vital partners, with Türkiye being one of Uzbekistan’s largest trade and investment partners. It ranks third in terms of Uzbek exports and fifth in imports. Bilateral trade in 2023 exceeded US$3.1 billion, showing an increase of 1.5 times.

This is a very important indicator, indicating a significant strengthening of economic ties and mutually beneficial cooperation. This growth could be the result of successful trade agreements, improved logistics infrastructure and increased demand for goods and services from both countries.

The scale of the short-term goals set by the parties is also significant. It is planned to increase the volume of trade turnover to US$5 billion, and in the long term - US$10 billion. This will further strengthen economic ties, stimulate investment and innovation, as well as diversify export-import flows. Achieving these goals can lead to the creation of new jobs, increased competitiveness of national economies and improved well-being of citizens.

There has been an increase in Turkish direct investment (FDI). To date, 286 FDI projects worth US$7.5 billion have been implemented.

It is also impossible not to note the special interest of Turkish business circles in developing business in strategically important sectors of our country. As part of a business forum held on the eve of the visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Ankara, Vice President of Türkiye Yilmaz emphasized this, saying: “I believe that we will increase mutual investments.”

Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Recep Erdogan also held the first meeting of the Uzbek-Turkish Business Council, which was attended by leading companies from both countries, including Global Textile, ProCab, Agromir Group, ERIELL Group, Çalık, Cengiz, Acibadem, Eczacıbaşı and others who intend work closely together to achieve mutual goals.

The participation of leaders of leading companies in Uzbekistan and Türkiye will ensure a constructive dialogue and the development of specific proposals for further deepening cooperation in priority areas. This also symbolizes the achievement of a new level in the development of bilateral relations and creates favorable conditions for increasing direct cooperation between the business communities of the two countries.

The diplomatic event also underscored Uzbekistan’s broader foreign policy goals of opening up its economy to international partners and prominently asserting itself on the world stage.

During the meetings, the heads of state exchanged views on current regional issues. The parties confirmed their commitment to continue close cooperation and mutual support in the international arena, including within the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Organization of Turkic States.

The presidents again emphasized the importance of an early end to violence in the Gaza Strip and the beginning of a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. “To achieve a stable and lasting peace, the creation of an independent and free State of Palestine is necessary,” said our head of state.

As a result of the visit, 19 documents were signed. These agreements not only signify the intention to expand bilateral trade, but also reflect a shared vision of achieving long-term economic sustainability and diversification. By prioritizing sectors that offer growth potential and creating an enabling environment for cross-border business transactions, Uzbekistan and Türkiye aim to open up new opportunities for prosperity that will benefit both countries equally.

The package of agreements represents not just an improvement in trade performance, but also a deepening of a comprehensive strategic partnership that promises to bring significant economic benefits through increased cooperation.

At the end of the visit, Recep Tayyip Erdogan awarded Shavkat Mirziyoyev the highest state award, the Order of the Turkish Republic.

The presentation of the order to the Uzbek leader emphasizes the significance of his contribution to the development of friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Türkiye. This gesture recognizes his efforts and achievements in strengthening bilateral ties and serves as a symbol of respect and appreciation from Türkiye. This also serves as a signal to the international community about the importance and significance of Uzbek-Turkish relations.

Thus, the visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Türkiye and the agreements reached open a new era of comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, based on common interests, mutual trust and the desire for long-term mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples.

Alisher Kadyrov,

Head of ISMI Department under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan