At a Glance
Alliances & Memberships
- Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
- Organization of Turkic States (OTS)
- Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
- Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
- C5+1 Framework (Central Asia + USA)
- Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)
Foreign Policy Overview
Uzbekistan pursues an active, pragmatic, and balanced foreign policy characterized by the 'New Uzbekistan' doctrine under President Mirziyoyev. The primary priority is Central Asia, focusing on regional integration, border demarcation, and water-sharing agreements to foster stability. Tashkent maintains 'strategic autonomy,' avoiding membership in military blocs like the CSTO while maintaining robust bilateral ties with Russia, China, and the West. The state actively promotes a peace process in Afghanistan, positioning itself as a transit and logistics hub (Trans-Afghan Railway project). It leverages its geographic position to act as a bridge between the CIS, the Middle East, and South Asia.
Key Positions on Major Issues
CLIMATE: High vulnerability to Aral Sea desiccation; advocates for the UN Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region. SECURITY: Zero tolerance for religious extremism; supports a stable, non-hostile Afghanistan; opposes external interference in Central Asian domestic affairs. HUMAN RIGHTS: Significant reform since 2016; eliminated systemic forced labor in cotton harvests (certified by ILO); focusing on judicial independence. TRADE: Seeking WTO accession by 2026; promoting the 'Middle Corridor' and Trans-Afghan transport routes. REGIONAL: Strong proponent of the 'Consultative Meetings of Heads of State of Central Asia' to resolve regional issues without outside mediators.
UN Voting Record Notes
Uzbekistan typically abstains on UNGA resolutions regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine (e.g., ES-11/1), maintaining a policy of neutrality while calling for a peaceful settlement and respecting territorial integrity. It frequently sponsors resolutions regarding Central Asian security and the Aral Sea. It voted against or abstained on several Western-led human rights resolutions targeting specific countries, adhering to the principle of non-interference.
Economy & Trade
GDP growth was 6% in 2023. Major industries include textiles, food processing, machine building, and chemicals. Uzbekistan is a top global gold and uranium producer. Large-scale privatization of state enterprises is underway via the New Uzbekistan Development Strategy. Major trade partners: China, Russia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, South Korea. Currency: Uzbekistani Som (UZS). Exports: Gold, cotton, natural gas, mineral fertilizers, fruits.
Military & Security
Active personnel: approx. 50,000-65,000. Defense budget: ~$1.4 billion. Doctrine is strictly defensive; the 2018 Defense Doctrine prohibits the deployment of foreign military bases on Uzbek soil and participation in overseas military operations. No nuclear or WMD capability. Heavy reliance on Russian, Turkish, and domestic military hardware.
Recent History
The death of the first President Islam Karimov in 2016 marked a pivotal shift. Karimov's era (1991-2016) was characterized by isolationism and a command economy. Since 2016, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has implemented the 'New Uzbekistan' reforms: liberalizing the currency, improving relations with all neighboring countries (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan), and opening the country to foreign investment. In 2022, Uzbekistan managed significant domestic unrest in Karakalpakstan over proposed constitutional changes, leading to a reaffirmed commitment to the region's autonomous status. A 2023 constitutional referendum extended presidential terms and codified social welfare guarantees.
International Memberships
- Shanghai Cooperation Organizationsince 2001
Founding member; Tashkent hosts the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS).
- Organization of Turkic Statessince 2019
Rejuvenated participation since 2019 to enhance Turkic cultural and economic ties.
- C5+1 Frameworksince 2015
Joins other Central Asian states in high-level summits with US State Department.
- Non-Aligned Movementsince 1992
Utilizing the platform for South-South cooperation and maintaining neutrality.
MUN Negotiation Profile
Central Asian Bloc / Non-Aligned / Developing Nations
Constructive, pragmatic, and consensus-oriented. Tashkent prefers 'soft' diplomacy and economic cooperation over ideological confrontation. Operates as a regional leader but respects the sovereignty of all neighbors.
- No membership in the CSTO or EurAsEC (EAEU) for the foreseeable future.
- Any international intervention in the management of regional water resources (Amu Darya/Syr Darya) without local consensus.
- Foreign interference in internal political reforms or 'color revolution' type activities.
- The presence of foreign military bases on Uzbek sovereign territory.
- "Uzbekistan remains committed to its 'Central Asia First' policy, ensuring that regional prosperity is driven by mutual cooperation rather than external competition."
- "The tragedy of the Aral Sea is not merely a local issue but a global ecological crisis that requires a collective, UN-led humanitarian response."
- "We emphasize that stability in Afghanistan is the cornerstone of Eurasian security, and we must engage with Kabul through economic connectivity rather than isolation."
- "My delegation invites all member states to support our initiatives on the 'Green Agenda' for Central Asia to mitigate the severe impacts of climate change in our arid zone."
- "Our nation has successfully eradicated systemic forced labor, and we call for international recognition of our progress in human rights through constructive dialogue."