Political Relations

Uzbekistan-Turkey: cooperation based on mutual trust and friendship is developing dynamically

The Uzbek and Turkish peoples are inextricably linked by a centuries-old common history, a close language and a single religion, common values, similar customs and traditions. Bilateral ties built on these foundations and friendly ties are being consistently strengthened at the present stage.

In 1991, the Republic of Turkey was the first among the UN member states to recognize the state independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In 1992, the Turkish Embassy was opened in Tashkent, and since May 1993, the diplomatic mission of our country has been operating in Ankara. In 1996, the Agreement on Eternal Friendship and Cooperation was signed between the two states.

The friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Turkey based on mutual trust are being actively strengthened today.

The state visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh. M. Mirziyoyev to Turkey on October 25-26, 2017 marked the beginning of a new stage in bilateral friendly relations. During the visit, the leaders of the two countries examined in detail the current state and prospects of Uzbek-Turkish cooperation. The Joint Statement signed by the heads of the two states became the most important document consolidating cooperation at the level of strategic partnership.

The President of the Republic of Turkey R.T. Erdogan paid a state visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan on April 30 - May 1, 2018.

The head of the Republic of Turkey, R. T. Erdogan, emphasized that his country considers Uzbekistan its priority partner in Central Asia. In turn, Sh. M. Mirziyoyev noted that in our country Turkey is considered as an important and long-term partner, cooperation with which is based on the principles of mutual trust.

The leaders of the two states gave an objective assessment of the current state of our cooperation, outlined its priority areas and tasks for the future. An agreement was reached on the creation of the Supreme Council for Strategic Partnership, chaired by the heads of the two states.

During the visit, the President of Turkey delivered a speech to members of the Senate and deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis.

In this context, it should be noted that two-line interparliamentary cooperation groups have been created and are actively functioning between the parliaments of the two states, joint meetings are being held, and visits between the leaders and members of the legislative bodies of the two countries are being exchanged.

The parties have similar or close positions on issues of regional and international importance. The two states fruitfully cooperate within the framework of international structures, including such as the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, etc.

In order to further strengthen the legal foundations of Uzbek-Turkish cooperation between the governments, ministries and departments of the two countries, a number of new documents were signed, including on the development of partnerships in the fields of economy, trade, transport and logistics, industry, science, education, tourism and other areas .

In their relations, the two countries rely on mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation. Turkey is one of the largest trading partners of Uzbekistan.

In 2017, the volume of trade between our countries increased by 30 percent compared to 2016 and amounted to 1.5 billion US dollars. At the end of 2018, trade between Uzbekistan and Turkey increased by 39.9% to $ 2.171 billion.

The main export items from our country to Turkey are non-ferrous metals and products from them, fruits and vegetables, services, nitrogen fertilizers, oil products. Uzbekistan, in turn, imports cosmetics, various mechanical and electronic equipment, plastics and products from it, textile, chemical, pharmaceutical products, tanning and dyeing products from this country.

Uzbekistan is ready to expand the supply to the Turkish market of products of light, chemical, metallurgical, engineering, electrical industries, leather and footwear and agricultural products. The importance of using the capabilities of the Uzbek-Turkish trading house opened in Istanbul was noted.

The Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, as well as the Joint Commission on International Road Transport Issues created by the Agreement on Land Freight, make a significant contribution to strengthening cooperation in this direction.

The activities of the Turkish Agency for Cooperation and Coordination (TIKA), whose representative office has been operating in Uzbekistan since 1993, are also highly appreciated. Over the past period, this agency took an active part in the implementation of a number of projects to modernize the material and technical base of medical and educational institutions, the development of agriculture, small and medium-sized businesses. Currently, TIKA activities in Uzbekistan have been taken to a new level - an appropriate bilateral intergovernmental agreement has been signed, and the volume of technical assistance provided in the implementation of joint projects is increasing.

Along with other areas of cooperation, cultural and humanitarian ties are gradually developing. Measures are being taken to further familiarize the public of the two countries with the historical, cultural, tourist, scientific and spiritual potential of Uzbekistan and Turkey.

In particular, in 2013, the Tantana Children's Folk Ensemble took part in international events held in Izmir and Istanbul. The masters of the Hunarmand Association represented Uzbekistan at the international exhibition of applied art in Ankara.

Turkish art groups are active participants in the Sharq Taronalari International Music Festival in Samarkand, international poppy and bakhshichilik festivals. An exhibition of works by Uzbek and Turkish artists A. Alikulov and Ch. Telli was held in our country. The Turkish State Radio and Television Company (TRT) and the Anatolian News Agency practice relaying ceremonies held in Tashkent on the occasion of significant dates in the life of the country.

Summing up the interaction of Uzbekistan and Turkey over a quarter-century period of recent history, it is worth noting that our countries are committed to maintaining an equal dialogue based on mutual respect, openness and goodwill of the parties. Both states, it can be stated, have accumulated significant experience in building relations based on taking into account each other's interests.

Without a doubt, the past period of formation and formation of cooperation between our countries, as well as the current positive dynamics in bilateral relations, will serve as a solid foundation for reaching a level of strategic partnership, long-term and multifaceted cooperation.