Diplomatic Dialogue Reinforces Strong Bilateral Relations
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov engaged in a telephone conversation on Monday, January 12, 2026, to address the ongoing development of bilateral relations and to coordinate preparations for an upcoming high-level strategic cooperation council meeting. The discussion also touched upon regional developments, according to Turkish diplomatic sources.
This diplomatic exchange highlights the robust and expanding ties between Türkiye and Uzbekistan, two nations with deep historical and cultural connections. Türkiye was the first country to recognize Uzbekistan's independence in 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Growth in Trade and Strategic Partnership
Relations between Ankara and Tashkent have experienced rapid expansion since 2016, evolving into a comprehensive strategic partnership. This growth is evident in economic figures, with bilateral trade volume surging from $1.2 billion in 2016 to $3.1 billion in 2023. Türkiye currently stands as Uzbekistan's fourth-largest trading partner, accounting for 5 percent of its total foreign trade.
Beyond trade, cooperation spans various critical sectors, including the defense industry, energy, transportation, and counterterrorism. Efforts to facilitate closer ties also include Uzbekistan's streamlining of its visa process for Turkish nationals in 2017, followed by a 30-day visa exemption in February 2018.
Upcoming High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council Meeting
A central focus of the foreign ministers' discussion was the coordination of the forthcoming High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting. This council serves as a pivotal diplomatic platform, established to elevate bilateral ties through concrete agreements and joint projects across multiple sectors, including trade, energy, security, and culture.
The council has previously convened, with the third meeting held in June 2024, co-chaired by Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Shavkat Mirziyoyev. That meeting resulted in the signing of 18 agreements and a joint declaration aimed at deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership. A key objective set by the leaders is to increase the mutual trade turnover to $5 billion.
Broader Regional Context
The ongoing dialogue between Türkiye and Uzbekistan aligns with Türkiye's 'Asia Anew' initiative, which seeks to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties with nations across Asia, particularly in Central Asia. Both countries are also full members of the Organization of Turkic States, further underscoring their shared regional interests and collaborative framework.
5 Comments
Manolo Noriega
While increased trade and cultural exchange are positive, the article doesn't delve into the potential geopolitical implications for the broader Central Asian region. Are all neighbors comfortable with this deepening alliance?
Fuerza
It's good to see diplomatic efforts to boost trade and cooperation. Still, the emphasis on defense and counterterrorism should be transparently managed to avoid unintended regional destabilization.
Ongania
Strengthening ties with historically connected nations makes sense for regional stability. Yet, one must be cautious not to alienate other regional players or over-rely on a single partnership.
Fuerza
The 'Asia Anew' initiative is a smart move for Türkiye to diversify its partnerships. However, long-term success will depend on addressing domestic challenges in both countries, not just external relations.
Manolo Noriega
Deep historical ties finally translating into real benefits!