President of Finland Alexander Stubb will pay an official visit to Uzbekistan on October 30–31, 2025. According to the Office of the President of Finland, the visit will include high-level talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and a Finland – Uzbekistan business forum; alongside several other events.
During the visit, the two presidents are expected to discuss bilateral relations, regional and international issues, and the geopolitical situation in Europe and Central Asia. The talks are also expected to address the Russia–Ukraine conflict and ways to support multilateral cooperation.
As part of his visit, President Stubb will take part in a business forum, give a lecture at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Tashkent, and meet with foreign policy experts.
His delegation will include Ville Skinnari, Member of Parliament and Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of Finnish trade and industry.
Modern diplomatic relations between Finland and Uzbekistan were established in 1992. However, historical contacts between Northern Europe and Central Asia go back much further.
According to historical manuscripts, Viking merchants once traded goods such as furs and metals along the Volga River, reaching Central Asia in exchange for silk and spices.
Another fascinating example of historical connection between these two countries would be Finland’s former president and military commander Gustaf Mannerheim’s journeys which included several cities of Uzbekistan.
After Uzbekistan gained its independence from the Soviet Union, Finland became one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Uzbekistan and started diplomatic relations in 1992.
The first Finnish presidential visit to Uzbekistan took place in 1992, when President Mauno Koivisto met with Uzbek leaders and discussed cooperation. More than 30 years later, President Stubb’s visit marks a renewed phase of cooperation between the two countries.
In recent years, Uzbekistan has become one of the fastest-growing economies in Central Asia. The government has implemented a series of reforms to attract foreign investment and modernize the economy.
Moreover, Uzbekistan turned into one of the largest tourism hubs in the world, attracting over ten million foreign visitors in 2024. With a young and educated workforce, expanding industrial base, and business-friendly environment, Uzbekistan has become an attractive partner for Nordic countries, including Finland, which emphasizes innovation and sustainability.
According to official data, trade between Finland and Uzbekistan grew by 24 percent in 2024. The upcoming business forum in Tashkent is expected to expand cooperation in green technology, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure and other fields where Finnish companies have extensive experience.
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Earlier this year, Uzbekistan’s Company for the Development of Entrepreneurship and Finland’s financial institution Finnvera held online meetings to explore joint projects and financing opportunities. Both sides agreed to continue discussions on investment and economic cooperation.
Education is another important area of partnership. Uzbekistan is currently reforming its education system by studying successful international models. Finland’s education system, known for high quality and equality, has served as an example.
Two Finnish-inspired higher education institutions, the Uzbek-Finnish Pedagogical Institute and the International Nordic University, are already operating in Uzbekistan.
Overall, the Finnish leader’s visit will serve as a new step in expanding ties between Helsinki and Tashkent. Finland, with its strong technological base and transparent institutions, and Uzbekistan, with its ongoing reforms and growing innovation potential, are looking for new opportunities to cooperate in education, business, and sustainable development.
The visit highlights how both countries, though distant geographically, are building a constructive partnership based on mutual respect and shared interests.
Nuzhat Rana is the Managing Editor (website) at The Diplomatic Insight.
