Belgium to Open Embassy in Uzbekistan to Strengthen Its Diplomatic Presence

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Brussels plans to open a new embassy in Tashkent as part of a major overhaul of its network of diplomatic missions. The announcement was made by Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development, Maxime Prévot.

According to the minister, restructuring the diplomatic network has become a necessary step amid rapid geopolitical shifts and mounting pressure on multilateral institutions. As part of the reform, Belgium intends to strengthen around twenty of its missions, open five new posts and close eight, in order to build a more resilient and strategically balanced presence abroad.

The purpose of opening an embassy in Tashkent is to cement Belgium’s position in Central Asia, a region with strong economic growth potential and strategic importance for the development of the Trans-Caspian corridor and new Silk Road transport routes.

“Central Asia is an important region in terms of investment opportunities and long-term development. Opening an embassy in Uzbekistan will enable Belgium to play a more active role in the region’s economic and political processes and to deepen bilateral ties,” Prévot emphasized.

The decision to expand the diplomatic network reflects Belgium’s strategic approach to international policy, including the protection of citizens’ interests, support for business, cooperation on security, migration and energy, and strengthening its global presence through enhanced foreign policy infrastructure.

The new optimization measures will be implemented gradually in 2026–2027, ensuring a smooth transition and reinforcing existing missions. The opening of the embassy in Tashkent will form part of this strategic effort to enhance Belgium’s role on the international stage.