On January 15, an expanded meeting was chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic missions abroad.

Opening the session, the Head of our state noted that the meeting is taking place amid sharp geopolitical changes in the world and increasing threats to the sovereignty of states. In this regard, the need to critically assess current foreign policy activities and move to a renewed format for organizing the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and foreign diplomatic missions was emphasized.

The President noted that 2025 had been a productive year for the country's foreign policy. During the year, high-level visits were made to 26 foreign countries, and for the first time in recent history, visits to Uzbekistan were organized by the leaders of a number of countries. Multilateral dialogues in the “Central Asia Plus” format became productive. In recent years, strategic partnerships have been established with 11 countries, bringing the total number to 19, and allied relations have been built with Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan.

– As a result of an open, pragmatic, thoughtful and proactive foreign policy, Uzbekistan is consistently strengthening its position as one of the global centres of peace and diplomacy, – emphasized the President.

Since 2017, 16 new diplomatic missions and consulates have been opened abroad, bringing their total number to 60, and the number of countries with which diplomatic relations have been established to 165. There has also been an increase in the number of staff and salaries of employees of embassies, consular offices, representative offices to international organizations, and employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At the same time, a fundamental question was raised as to whether all diplomatic missions are making full use of the opportunities provided.

– In the current environment, an ambassador is not just a person who conducts political dialogue. An ambassador is a state representative who attracts investment and technologies, opens new export markets, launches transport and logistics corridors, increases tourist flows, creates conditions for legal labor migration and, most importantly, protects the rights of our citizens, - emphasized the President.

In this regard, it was noted that key performance indicators for ambassadors should include the volume of export revenues from the countries of residence, growth in tourist flows, and the effectiveness of organizing legal labor migration.

Particular emphasis was placed on the need to increase exports and investments by strengthening economic diplomacy. 

As part of bilateral and multilateral events in 2025, agreements were signed on investment projects and trade contracts totaling $160 billion. For the first time in history, foreign trade turnover exceeded $80 billion, exports reached $33,5 billion, and foreign investment exceeded $43 billion. Exports to 75 countries increased by almost $4,5 billion.

In view of this, the ambassadors have been tasked with expanding export deliveries to the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as implementing specific projects in the fields of industry, agriculture, the chemical industry, the textile industry, greenhouse farming, and the service sector. At the same time, it was noted that Uzbekistan's products remain insufficiently recognized in certain markets.

It was noted that the growth of logistics costs has a negative impact on the competitiveness of domestic products. In this regard, the need to diversify transit routes, optimize logistics chains, and develop additional proposals to reduce transportation costs when entering European markets was indicated.

In the agricultural sector, tasks have been set for researching and implementing water-saving technologies, modern agricultural technologies, and innovative greenhouse solutions. Along with this, measures have been outlined to expand export markets for chemical industry products, bring domestic manufacturers up to international standards and requirements, and organize specialized exhibitions and presentations.

The need to intensify trade and economic cooperation with the African continent as one of the promising new export destinations has been emphasized. To this end, a clear roadmap is to be developed with the participation of relevant ministries and foreign diplomatic missions.

It was noted that ambassadors should be directly interested in finding promising projects, attracting them, and implementing them in practice. In this regard, it was decided to introduce financial incentives for ambassadors who bring specific investment or export projects to a logical conclusion.

Criticism was levelled at the insufficient realisation of existing potential in a number of areas. In particular, it was noted that opportunities to attract international grants are not being fully exploited. It was noted that with closer and more systematic interaction between ministries, industry leaders, and ambassadors, it would have been possible to attract an additional $200-300 million in grant funds last year.

As noted, international organizations and donor countries announce grant programs worth approximately $200 billion annually. In this regard, the task has been set to implement a unified, systematic, and effective approach to working with grants.

In addition, the need to take concrete measures, together with the ambassadors to the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, China, Japan, and Singapore, to attract leading foreign universities ranked in the top 100 worldwide as partners of Uzbek higher education institutions was emphasized.

It was noted that cooperation between regions and diplomatic missions in expanding foreign economic relations is still insufficient. The need for active participation of regional governors, together with ambassadors, in the systematic promotion of export-oriented products of the regions and in facilitating the entry of local enterprises into foreign markets was emphasized.

Providing Uzbek citizens with legal and high-paying jobs abroad was identified as another priority area. The expansion of the geography of organized labor migration was noted, while it was pointed out that in a number of countries, work in this area is not sufficiently effective, and relevant instructions were given in this regard.

It was emphasized that embassies and consulates should actively protect the rights and legitimate interests of citizens and provide qualified legal assistance in each specific case. The task has been set to abandon "office diplomacy", strengthen work in the field, and establish direct dialogue with compatriots.

In the field of tourism, the need to further strengthen the role of ambassadors, introduce new approaches to promoting the country's tourism and cultural potential, make effective use of visa-free regimes, and attract international outsourcing companies has been identified.

Issues related to expanding foreign policy ties, high-quality and timely preparation of high-level visits, retraining of diplomatic personnel, and the formation of a reserve of promising specialists were also discussed. 

The intensification of foreign information policy and the improvement of the country's international image through systematic work with foreign media and the implementation of special media projects were identified as priority tasks.

The need to update the Concept of foreign policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, review its priority areas, and define clear tasks for protecting national interests and strengthening the country's position in the international arena was emphasized. 

As the President noted, the new concept should comprehensively reflect long-term strategic goals, the logic of internal reforms, as well as national interests in the areas of economic diplomacy, security, investment, exports, transport and logistics, water and climate issues.

In order to give proper recognition to the achievements of diplomats, it was proposed to establish the honorary title of “Honored Diplomat of the Republic of Uzbekistan".

At the end of the meeting, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized: “The time has come for a new generation of diplomats – those who achieve concrete results and firmly defend the interests of Uzbekistan in the international arena”.

In the course of the session, reports and proposals of our ambassadors abroad were heard.

On 19-21 January 2026, an online training module on Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence will be conducted at the Diplomatic Academy under the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, in cooperation with the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India.

Within the framework of this module, international experts will deliver lectures on the role of artificial intelligence in cyber security, digital diplomacy, cyber law, and global governance.

The event will be held in an online format and is intended for students, researchers, and professionals in relevant fields.

On December 23, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a telephone conversation with the President of the United States of America Donald Trump.

At the beginning of the conversation, the leader of Uzbekistan congratulated the U.S. President on the upcoming New Year holidays, wishing the friendly American people peace, well-being, and prosperity.

In turn, Donald Trump conveyed sincere greetings and warm congratulations to the leader and people of Uzbekistan on his own behalf and on behalf of the people of the United States, wishing them happiness, success, and new achievements in the New Year.

The presidents discussed in detail the implementation of agreements reached at the highest level, as well as further prospects for the development of Uzbek-American strategic partnership relations.

The President of Uzbekistan highly praised President Donald Trump's achievements in domestic and foreign policy this year, particularly emphasizing his productive efforts to resolve acute international crises and conflicts.

The increased intensity of bilateral political contacts and exchanges, especially at the leadership level, has been noted with satisfaction, opening a new stage in the development of the strategic partnership between the two countries and filling it with concrete content.

Joint projects worth tens of billions of dollars are being implemented in the fields of civil aviation, the automotive industry, mining, agriculture, infrastructure, energy and chemistry, information and communication technologies, and other areas.

The U.S.-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council has been established to effectively promote existing projects and programs and develop new ones. Active work is underway to establish a joint investment fund.

A new mechanism for interaction between regions has been launched. Delegations from three regions of Uzbekistan have already visited the United States to establish cooperation with American states.

Particular attention is paid to issues on the international and regional agenda. In this context, the importance of multilateral cooperation, including the C5+1 format, is emphasized.

At the end of the conversation, sides reaffirmed their intention to continue active contacts at the highest level and agreed to promote joint initiatives and practical cooperation programs.

The President of Uzbekistan invited the American leader to visit our country at a convenient time.

As part of the events of the working visit to the Russian Federation, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, and President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon were awarded with the Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize at a ceremony held at the Saint Petersburg State Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory.

The prestigious award was presented in the presence of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, by Valery Gergiev, chairman of the International Prize Jury, Artistic and General Director of the Mariinsky Theatre, General Director of the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia, and conductor.

The leaders of the three countries were honored with the award for their great personal contribution to strengthening peace and security in the Central Asian region.

The jury's decision notes that the heads of the three states signed the Treaty on the Junction Point of State Borders and the Khujand Declaration on Eternal Friendship on March 31, 2025 in the city of Khujand, thereby making a significant contribution to ensuring universal and equal security based on the supremacy of international law, and to strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation between peoples.

It was noted that the award symbolizes a commitment to the ideals of humanism and is regarded as recognition of the joint contribution to shaping Central Asia as a space of peace, prosperity and development. It was emphasized that opening a new chapter in the relations of the fraternal nations of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan was made possible by the political will and the aspiration of the peoples of the three countries for trust and good-neighborliness.

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On December 19, beginning his official visit to Japan, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with Emperor Naruhito.

The Emperor of Japan warmly welcomed the Head of our state, noting that the current visit of the President of Uzbekistan is a significant milestone in further strengthening the friendly relations and strategic partnership between the two countries.

The Leader of Uzbekistan conveyed his deep respect and gratitude to Emperor Naruhito for his consistent support of the irreversible reforms in the New Uzbekistan.

It was highlighted that despite their geographical distance, the Uzbek and Japanese peoples are united by a spiritual affinity, similarities in mentality, customs, and family values, as well as centuries-old historical ties dating back to the time of the Great Silk Road.

The steady expansion of bilateral cooperation was noted with satisfaction, especially in the fields of education and professional training, as well as cultural and humanitarian exchanges. To date, more than 3 thousand Uzbek specialists have completed internships in Japan, while over 440 have received higher education through scholarships. Furthermore, the Japanese language is taught at seven universities in Uzbekistan.

As part of the current visit, the Days of Uzbek Culture were successfully held in Tokyo. An archaeological exhibition on the culture and history of Uzbekistan is planned for several Japanese cities next year.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Leader of Uzbekistan invited Emperor Naruhito to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan.

On December 17, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a delegation from the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, headed by the Speaker Woo Won-shik, who arrived in our country to participate in the third meeting of parliamentary leaders of the Republic of Korea and Central Asian states.

At the beginning of the meeting, the distinguished guest passed to the Head of our state sincere greetings and warm wishes from the President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung.

Issues of further developing the special strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea, including along parliamentary lines, have been discussed.

The intensive political and inter-parliamentary contacts have been noted with satisfaction. The volume of trade and Korean investments are growing, primarily in the modernization of the economy and the creation of high-tech industries.

Humanitarian and educational exchanges are expanding. Four branches of leading Korean universities, as well as vocational education centers in the regions of the country are successfully operating in Uzbekistan.

Support has been expressed for the implementation of cooperation projects in infrastructure development, transport and logistics, processing of rare metals and critical raw materials, as well as digitalization of legislative activities and introduction of advanced management solutions.

The importance of preparing an Inter-parliamentary Cooperation Program and intensifying the work of "friendship groups" in the parliaments was emphasized.

Particular attention was drawn to the need for thorough preparation of the agenda for upcoming high-level events, including the Central Asia – Republic of Korea summit.

The staff of the Diplomatic Academy under the University of World Economy and Diplomacy extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased, his students, and all those close to him following the passing of Professor, Doctor of Law Iso Axlemanovich Hamedov.

Professor Iso Axlemanovich devoted his life to science and education, earning recognition as a highly accomplished scholar and a dedicated mentor. For many years, he worked productively at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, making a significant contribution to the academic and professional development of numerous young specialists.

Through his profound and consistent research in the fields of administrative reforms, public service, and administrative procedures, and by effectively integrating theoretical knowledge with the practice of public administration, Professor Iso Axlemanovich gained great respect among colleagues and students alike. His bright memory will forever remain in our hearts.

Distinguished heads of delegations!

I express my deep gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan, distinguished Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, to my dear brother, esteemed Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the warm welcome and excellent organization of today's forum.

I congratulate the leadership of Turkmenistan and fraternal Turkmen people on the National Holiday – the 30th Anniversary of Permanent Neutrality.

This landmark date embodies Turkmenistan's unwavering commitment to developing peaceful, trust-based, friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all countries of the world.

We are considering the current forum as an important political platform for promoting the ideas of peace and peacemaking, strengthening mutual trust and respect among states, as well as finding solutions to current international problems through dialogue and negotiations.

Esteemed participants!

Turkmenistan's neutrality, which has become part of the modern identity of the Turkmen people, is based on its deep historical traditions, cultural and spiritual values, inherent noble qualities, such as generosity, tolerance and good neighborliness.

This phenomenon has gained wide recognition worldwide thanks to the defining role of distinguished Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov – the architect of the development of the Turkmen philosophy of positive Neutrality at the present stage.

This strategic line is being successfully implemented with new dynamism by the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

The Turkmen model of permanent neutrality clearly demonstrates how the principles of respect for sovereignty and non-interference can be harmoniously combined with active peacekeeping and diplomatic activities. Vivid evidence for this is the successful work of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat.

We in Uzbekistan share to a great extent the strategic vision and foreign policy approaches our Turkmen brothers.

In this regard, we support the initiative of fraternal Turkmenistan to establish, jointly with the UN, a University of Peace and Neutrality.

Openness to the world, mutual respect, and commitment to dialogue are fundamental values for New Uzbekistan. This is why we have put forward the Samarkand Solidarity Initiative for Common Security and Prosperity. It aims to engage in dialogue all those who are not indifferent to the future of humanity and who strive for peace, harmony, and shared prosperity.

We are convinced that only humanistic and inclusive approaches based on mutual respect and understanding can strengthen the structure of modern international cooperation.

In this regard, we aim to identify as the key priorities of the upcoming chairmanship of Uzbekistan in the Non-Aligned Movement encouraging the global movement in support of a culture of peace and non-violence, strengthening trust in relations among states on the basis of political dialogue, promoting an atmosphere of tolerance, mutual understanding and solidarity in the world.

During our chairmanship, we intend to announce 2027 as the Year of Preventive Diplomacy to support efforts to resolve conflicts in the interests of future generations.

Within its framework, we will adopt a program of activities, which will include organization of conferences and forums, and the exchange of parliamentary, public, and youth delegations. We count on the active participation of relevant UN institutions, including the Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy in Ashgabat, in realization of this program.

Dear friends!

In the current environment of global tensions and eroding trust among states, maintaining a universal commitment to the principles of peace and mediation is more important than ever.

Turkmenistan's proposal to declare 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust meets the pressing needs of the global community.

Uzbekistan fully supported this initiative and co-sponsored the corresponding UN General Assembly’s Resolution.

We believe that this global idea serves the consolidation of countries that reject confrontation, and are committed to resolving contradictions at the negotiating table and determined to take effective peacekeeping measures.

I would also like to emphasize that the principles of mutual trust, respect, and unity are the cornerstone of our policy to transform Central Asia into space of peace, cooperation, and good neighborliness.

The 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of the region, held last month in Tashkent, has once again demonstrated our readiness to strengthen solidarity, take joint actions to ensure peace and stability in the region, and expand multifaceted economic cooperation.

It should be especially noted that Turkmenistan's constructive and peaceful policies have become important factor in ensuring stability and development in Central Asia.

Ashgabat played a major role in resuming top-level dialogue within the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea by organizing in 2018 the Summit of Heads of State for the first time in many years.

The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Awaza in August this year has become a significant contribution to the formation of a unified transport and logistics space in the region.

With Turkmenistan we have coinciding approaches to facilitating the peaceful development of Afghanistan through its involvement in regional economic processes and strengthening infrastructure connectivity.

Ashgabat's initiatives to ensure energy and water security, sustainable transport connectivity, and the protection of the region's ecosystems organically complement our efforts in Central Asia.

I am confident that Turkmenistan’s aspirations, which are buily on the noble ideas of peace and trust, will also be reflected in the agenda of the country's chairmanship in the format of Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of the region.

Distinguished participants!

Cooperation based on mutual respect, trust, and solidarity can bring the most ambitious plans to life. Therefore, it is crucial to advance them through humanitarian cooperation.

In this regard, we propose organizing a joint international humanitarian forum “ Dialogue of Cultures” in Tashkent next year with the participation of creative groups, scientists and writers, as well as launching a regional program "Youth for Peace and Trust" aimed at engaging young people in the process of strengthening peace and trust through the joint implementation of educational, cultural, and volunteer initiatives.

Dear friends!

Peace and trust are the basis for universal well-being. Strengthening these values must remain a key priority for the entire international community.

Uzbekistan is ready to continue making constructive contribution to building a fair and sustainable world order.

I wish all participants of the forum a productive work, and the fraternal people of Turkmenistan – peace, well-being, and continued prosperity.

On December 10, 2025, the presentation of the English-language edition of the book “New Uzbekistan: the Path of Shavkat Mirziyoyev” was held at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED). Its author is a well-known political scientist, senator and chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan Kudratilla Rafikov.

The event brought together representatives of government agencies, the diplomatic corps, academia and the media. The presentation was dedicated to the large-scale reforms and transformations carried out in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, which are reflected in the book.

The event was opened by the First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, Rector of UWED Sodiq Safoev. In his speech, he noted that this book reflects one of the most significant changes in recent years of our time, the history of the formation of a new Uzbekistan. He stressed that this work is not only a scientific study of reforms, but also a narrative about the modernization of the country and society, a chronicle of the restoration of the identity of the nation and its place in the world community.

“In the current era of globalization, the new way of development of Uzbekistan is of great interest to the international community”, said First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs B. Aloev. - The publication in English will allow foreign politicians, scientific circles and international organizations to better understand the reforms carried out in our country. The book provides detailed information on the modernization of the political system, liberalization of the economy, protection of human rights, changes in the judicial and legal sphere, as well as on the new image of Uzbekistan in the international arena. Today, Uzbekistan has entered a new stage of development. The country strives for a society in which openness, progress and the value of the human person are priorities. The purpose of the book is to convey to the general public the picture and logic of these transformations.

The book offers a comprehensive analysis of the strategic course of the country's development, telling about profound changes in the political, economic and social spheres. Particular attention is paid to the liberalization of the economy, the strengthening of civil society, the protection of human rights and strengthening the role of Uzbekistan as an active participant in international processes.

“The efforts of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to protect human rights in your country are highly appreciated”, said the UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan Sabine MACHL. - Especially big steps are being taken in the field of poverty reduction, social support for the population, and economic development. In this book, they are also covered in detail. Since 2016, Uzbekistan has been the initiator of more than 10 adopted resolutions in the UN. He is the main author of conventions on the promotion of peace, human rights, economic and environmental areas.

The English version of the publication has already received a wide international response. Earlier presentations of the book were successfully held in Washington, in the building of the US Congress, as well as at the UN headquarters in New York. These events aroused keen interest among foreign experts, politicians and diplomats, contributing to the popularization of the image of New Uzbekistan on the world stage.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov in Ashgabat.

The Head of our state sincerely congratulated the President and the brotherly people of Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of the country's declaration of neutrality, the organization of a high-level international forum dedicated to this significant date, and the proclamation of 2025 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust.”

Particular attention was paid to matters concerning the further expansion of Uzbek-Turkmen strategic partnership relations in the context of implementing the agreements reached during the recent state visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan.

Since the beginning of the year, trade turnover has reached about one billion dollars. The Shavat-Dashoguz cross-border trade zone is operating successfully. Cargo traffic has increased by 30 percent, including through the port of Turkmenbashi. Active humanitarian and interregional exchanges continue.

The importance of adopting effective measures during the upcoming meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission, the Business Council, and the Forum of Regions to increase trade volumes and effectively promote joint cooperation projects in economic sectors, including energy, agriculture, transport, and others, was emphasized.

On December 11, upon arrival in Ashgabat, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

The Head of our state sincerely congratulated the leader of Turkmenistan on the historic date – the 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality, and wished him success in holding tomorrow's international forum dedicated to this significant date.

During the conversation, special attention was paid to issues of further expansion of Uzbek-Turkmen relations of strategic partnership, friendship, and good neighborliness, primarily in the political, interparliamentary, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres.

The leaders of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan also discussed topical issues on the regional and international agenda.