Ambassador: Türkiye Is a Key Partner for Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Türkiye is one of Uzbekistan’s most important economic partners, with around 2,276 Turkish companies involved in major investment and industrial projects in the country, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Ankara Ilhom Khaidarov said in comments to Anadolu Agency marking the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence.

According to the ambassador, bilateral relations have reached a qualitatively new level in recent years. The two countries have established mechanisms for regular consultations at the highest level and introduced new formats for strategic cooperation. In particular, the “4+4” mechanism covers foreign policy, defense, security and internal affairs.

Joint working groups have been established between virtually all ministries and government agencies of the two countries. Their activities cover the economy, investment, industry, energy, transport, education, tourism, culture and other areas.

Khaidarov said economic cooperation is one of the key elements of the strategic partnership. By the end of 2025, bilateral trade turnover had reached US$3 billion. The two sides are now close to reaching US$5 billion.

At the same time, the countries intend not only to increase trade volumes but also to deepen industrial cooperation, expand production of higher-value-added goods, develop transport and logistics infrastructure and increase the portfolio of joint export-oriented projects.

“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,” the ambassador said.

He stressed that cooperation opportunities stem from combining Turkish technologies, management expertise and market access with Uzbekistan’s production and human-resource potential.

According to Khaidarov, the geographical position of the two countries also creates additional opportunities for economic cooperation. Uzbekistan is located in the center of Central Asia, while Türkiye is an important transport and logistics hub connecting Europe and Asia. In this regard, developing transport links is important not only for bilateral trade but also for economic ties between the regions.

Contacts in tourism and air transport are also expanding. More than 100,000 Turkish citizens visited Uzbekistan in the first half of this year. More than 200,000 Turkish tourists are expected to visit the country by the end of the year.

More than 130 flights a week are currently operated between the two countries. The ambassador noted that the development of air links, tourism, student exchanges, cultural programs and business forums contributes to further strengthening ties between the peoples of the two countries.

Speaking about Uzbekistan’s development, Khaidarov noted that the country’s GDP had increased 2.5 times in recent years, reaching US$145 billion last year. Exports exceeded US$33 billion, while direct investment amounted to more than US$43 billion.

He said the initial target was to reach GDP of US$160 billion by 2030, but this figure is expected to be exceeded as early as this year. A new strategic target of US$300 billion in total GDP has been set for 2030.

The ambassador also highlighted Uzbekistan’s growing international role and changes in Central Asia associated with the formation of a “New Uzbekistan.” According to him, the countries of the region have made significant progress in addressing border, water resources, trade, transport and security issues through trust and dialogue.

Khaidarov separately highlighted the historical foundation of relations with Türkiye. Türkiye was the first country to recognize Uzbekistan’s independence. According to the ambassador, historical, linguistic and cultural ties, along with mutual respect, have created a strong foundation for the modern strategic partnership.

He stressed that the current level of relations is not viewed as the ultimate goal. The two sides intend to use the results achieved so far to further expand cooperation in the economy, investment, industry, transport, tourism and other areas.