Kozimjon Tojiyev
Uzbekistan’s foreign policy is based on the norms and principles outlined in its Constitution, as well as the laws “On the Basic Principles of Foreign Policy of Uzbekistan,” “On International Treaties of the Republic of Uzbekistan,” and “On Defense.” It also adheres to the Military Doctrine, the principles and objectives of the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the obligations arising from international treaties and agreements ratified by the Oliy Majlis (Supreme Assembly).
Adopted during a referendum in 2023, the new edition of the Constitution introduced a range of new norms that define the fundamental principles of foreign policy. In particular, as stipulated by the Basic Law, Uzbekistan aims to strengthen and develop friendly relations with neighboring nations based on the principles of partnership, mutual support, and peace.
Additionally, under Article 17 of the Constitution, the country shall adhere to the principles of sovereign equality of states, the non-use of force or threat of force, the inviolability of borders, the territorial integrity of states, the peaceful settlement of disputes, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, and other generally recognized principles and norms of international law. Article 18 stipulates that the Republic of Uzbekistan pursues a peaceful foreign policy aimed at the comprehensive development of bilateral and multilateral relations with states and international organizations.
Mutually advantageous ties have been established with countries both distant and near. In recent years, the Uzbek leadership has conducted over 100 senior and high-level visits to leading nations such as the USA, EU countries, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, among others.
Uzbekistan has been an active participant in regional and international organizations, including specialized agencies and institutions of the UN, 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 received observer status in the Eurasian Economic Union.
For the first time in its history, Uzbekistan has been elected as a member of the UN Human Rights Council and has successfully completed its term as chair of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Additionally, in recent years, relations with European Union countries have intensified significantly and acquired new dimensions. Relations with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development have been restored, and connections with major 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 key focus of Uzbekistan’s new foreign policy, alongside its vision of transforming Central Asia into a region of peace, stability, and good neighborliness.
Uzbekistan places special emphasis on advancing mutually beneficial interactions with neighboring nations and strengthening trade and economic ties with them. In the 2022-2023 period alone, over 150 top and high-level events took place in Central Asia. A unique mechanism for regional cooperation—the consultative meetings of heads of state in the region—has been introduced.
Efforts have been made to ensure trade, economic, transport, and transit relations among Central Asian countries, as well as to address issues related to security and stability, state borders, fair use of water resources, and the consolidation of cultural and humanitarian relations. These efforts aim to foster friendship and good neighborliness among the states and their peoples.
Uzbekistan has been active in proposing initiatives of global importance. New political initiatives, characterized by an open, pragmatic, and constructive approach, have garnered support from the international community. At the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, four important resolutions have been passed by the UN General Assembly.
Uzbekistan attaches great significance to cooperation with the principal international organizations, identifying it as a key priority in its foreign policy.
In the current complex global circumstances, the role and responsibility of the UN have never been as essential as they are now. As a universal institution designed to unite the efforts of member states, the UN plays a crucial role in ensuring peace and security, stability, protection of human rights, and systemic development at the international level, particularly in the face of increasing threats to humanity.
Uzbekistan actively participates in the work of the UN and its specialized institutions, including the World Health Organization, the International Labor Organization, the World Intellectual Property Organization, UNESCO, the World Food Program, the World Bank, the IAEA, and others.
The Uzbekistan-2030 Strategy outlines the tasks of strengthening interaction with Asia-Pacific countries, increasing the volume and diversity of exports to regional markets, and boosting the influx of investments into our country.
Efforts are also underway to further enhance relations with countries in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, establish mutually beneficial cooperation in new and promising areas, and develop transport and logistics corridors that connect these regions and facilitate Uzbekistan’s access to global markets.
One of the most important tasks of legislative bodies in overseeing the country’s 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 the bicameral parliament, the highest representative body of Uzbekistan, have never been greater in foreign policy. In recent years, the scope of international relations managed by the chambers of the Oliy Majlis has expanded significantly, and cooperation with legislatures of other countries and international inter-parliamentary associations has reached a new level.
For example, between 2015 and 2019, there were inter-parliamentary groups for cooperation with the parliaments of 28 countries. By 2020, this number had increased to 43. Currently, the chambers of the Oliy Majlis have established bilateral groups of friendship and cooperation with the parliaments of 58 countries. There is also a dedicated inter-parliamentary committee for cooperation with the European Parliament.
In 2020, to further enhance the role of parliament in developing relations with foreign countries, the Kengashes (Councils) of the chambers of the Oliy Majlis adopted the Concept of Parliamentary Diplomacy. The priority objectives of this concept include developing cooperation with other national parliaments, strengthening inter-parliamentary relations to study their legislative experiences, ensuring active participation of the Oliy Majlis in international inter-parliamentary organizations, informing the international community about the reforms taking place in Uzbekistan, and promoting the country’s international initiatives.
To further improve cooperation with foreign parliaments, the Kengashes of the chambers of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan adopted a joint resolution on intensifying the work of groups and commissions for cooperation with foreign parliaments and expanding practical interaction.
Another direction is to strengthen parliamentary oversight of the Republic of Uzbekistan’s fulfillment of obligations under international treaties. Systemic efforts are underway to achieve national goals and objectives in the field of sustainable development.
A special parliamentary commission, established by the Legislative Chamber and the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, exercises parliamentary control over the implementation of tasks assigned to relevant ministries and departments to achieve national sustainable development goals. The effectiveness of achieving these goals is assessed according to established indicators.
The application of modern methods of parliamentary oversight in realizing sustainable development goals, along with the use of international organizations’ capacities by parliamentarians, will undoubtedly contribute to the successful achievement of Uzbekistan’s national goals and objectives for sustainable development through 2030. This approach will also positively impact the well-being of the people.
Thus, the national legislature now has broad opportunities to promote national interests on the world stage, acting as a proactive participant in international relations. The Oliy Majlis aims to further develop international and inter-parliamentary relations to maintain peace and security and achieve sustainable development.
*The author is the member of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, Republic of Uzbekistan.
**The opinions in this article are the author’s own and may not represent the views of The Diplomatic Insight. The organization does not endorse or assume responsibility for the content.
