regional cooperation
Following the leadership transition in 2016, Uzbekistan’s foreign policy has undergone a significant shift towards increased regionalism, with a strong focus on enhancing economic cooperation with Central Asian countries. The new leadership has mended strained bilateral relations through a two-step process: firstly, by addressing sensitive issues such as water resource management and border delimitation and demarcation, which had previously strained relations, and secondly, by emphasising the deepening of economic cooperation in the spheres such as mutual trade, investment, tourism both regionally and bilaterally. This paper discusses Uzbekistan’s regional economic activity with Central Asian countries after the leadership transition.
As discussions intensify over Greater Eurasian integration and cooperation in transport and logistics—with a special focus on involving Central Asian nations—it’s become crucial to establish a format for meetings among Central Asian leaders to bolster regional collaboration. The Consultative Meeting of Central Asian countries, convened on September 14, 2023, serves as a foundational stone for processes in Greater Eurasia, marking significant achievements including the formation of a joint commission to oversee the execution of agreements aimed at enhancing land transport connectivity in Central Asia.