Eldor Aripov Outlines Uzbekistan’s Foreign Policy and Geo-Economic Strategy in Interview with Times of Central Asia

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The leading international publication Times of Central Asia published an extensive interview with Eldor Aripov, Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISMI) under the President of Uzbekistan, on the country’s foreign policy and geo-economic strategy.

The interview provides a detailed assessment of the reforms and international initiatives undertaken under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, highlighting Uzbekistan’s positioning as a key driver of stability and development in Central Asia.

Aripov emphasized that the foundation of state policy is the prioritization of national interests, which are closely aligned with the interests of the wider region. The sustainable future of Central Asia, he stressed, is considered a shared objective.

“This approach is made possible by President Mirziyoyev’s strategic vision, which regards regional cooperation as the main source of security, economic growth, and long-term stability,” Aripov said.

He explained that this direction has transformed the political atmosphere in Central Asia, shifting the region from competing and mutually exclusive interests toward predictability, mutual respect, and open economic cooperation. As a result, the region is gradually becoming a model for successful modernization and constructive engagement in a complex global environment.

The interview highlighted Uzbekistan’s rapid economic growth, which Aripov links directly to a philosophy of openness and investment attractiveness. He cited statistics: in 2024, the country’s GDP grew by 6.5%, while foreign direct investment increased by over 50% to US$11.9 billion. Aripov noted that the 2025 target of attracting US$42 billion in investment is backed by a precise strategy, ongoing reforms, and active diplomacy.

“Uzbekistan offers investors a predictable, liberalized, and stable business environment, and infrastructure modernization, digitalization, and deepening macroeconomic stability make the country one of the most promising markets in Eurasia,” Aripov emphasized.

The interview also stressed that modern Uzbekistan is building its foreign policy on the principles of pragmatic geo-economics. “In a world where traditional geopolitical frameworks increasingly lead to conflicts and uncertainty, the country focuses on development, trade, investment, transport connectivity, and technological partnerships,” he noted. This approach, he argued, delivers tangible results and strengthens state resilience amid global change.

Aripov highlighted that Uzbekistan avoids the logic of the “Great Game” and rejects confrontation-driven regional models. “Our choice is cooperation, not rivalry,” he stated.

The article outlines Uzbekistan’s three-pillar foreign policy model: diversification of international partnerships, non-alignment with military-political blocs, and project-oriented diplomacy focused on domestic development. According to Aripov, this framework enhances strategic autonomy, expands the country’s capabilities, and allows effective engagement with all major global political and economic centers — the US, EU, Russia, China, the Middle East, and Asia.

A separate section of the interview discussed deepening trade and investment partnership with the United States. Aripov noted that the US-Uzbek Business and Investment Council, expanded financial support through EXIM Bank and DFC, and upcoming liberalization of cross-border financial transactions in 2026 will create a strong foundation for technological, industrial, and infrastructure cooperation.

Regional connectivity was also highlighted. The interview cites the Fergana Valley, previously considered a potential instability zone, which has transformed into a territory of cooperation and peaceful development due to President Mirziyoyev’s initiatives and coordinated regional efforts. “The first Fergana Peace Forum, which gathered representatives of over 20 countries, has become a symbol of the new political culture in Central Asia, based on dialogue, mutual interests, and practical problem-solving,” Aripov noted.

The publication also covers Uzbekistan’s approach to Afghanistan. Aripov stated that Uzbekistan was the first country in the region to establish a systematic dialogue with Kabul on water management. “President Mirziyoyev advocates that the sustainability of the Amu Darya basin is impossible without Afghan participation,” he said. Integrating Afghanistan into regional transport, energy, and trade projects reduces risks and incentivizes peace.

Aripov emphasized the importance of diversified transport routes, including the Trans-Afghan corridor, Chabahar, the Middle Corridor, and others. For a landlocked country, each new logistic option enhances resilience, expands export geography, and strengthens Uzbekistan’s position as a key hub in Eurasian connectivity.

“This multi-vector logistics strategy,” Aripov added, “fully aligns with President Mirziyoyev’s vision of a connected, dynamic, and competitive region.”

Overall, the Times of Central Asia article highlights President Mirziyoyev’s progressive role in transforming Central Asia’s political and economic architecture and presents Uzbekistan’s foreign policy philosophy as open, predictable, and focused on long-term development.