Amid escalating global geopolitical and economic challenges, Uzbekistan will continue pursuing a balanced and open foreign policy while strengthening equal and constructive relations with all countries. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated this in his Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan.

Priority will be given to further developing relations with neighboring countries in the spirit of centuries-old friendship, good neighborliness, strategic partnership, and mutual trust.

Cooperation among regional states will be further deepened across trade and economic relations, transport and logistics, energy, water management, environmental protection, security, culture, and education.

Expanding trade and economic cooperation with Afghanistan and ensuring its broader involvement in regional economic processes will remain one of Uzbekistan’s key objectives.

Uzbekistan will also continue to expand multifaceted and mutually beneficial relations with its main foreign partners, including Russia, China, the United States, Türkiye, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, India, Pakistan, and other countries.

In addition, strengthening cooperation in new and promising areas with countries of Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, as well as expanding relations with countries of the South Caucasus and South Asia, was outlined as one of the country’s strategic priorities.

The President expressed special gratitude to foreign ambassadors attending the event, conveying appreciation to their governments for supporting the expansion of relations with Uzbekistan and actively backing the country’s accession to the World Trade Organization.

Cooperation with leading international and regional organizations and economic institutions will be elevated to a new level.

In partnership with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and other major financial institutions, Uzbekistan will continue efforts to technologically modernize its economy, develop infrastructure, and implement sustainable energy and transport projects.

Within the frameworks of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Organization of Turkic States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, traditional and comprehensive partnership ties will be further expanded.

“Such ambitious tasks require us to further strengthen peace and stability in our country, reinforce interethnic and interfaith harmony, and enhance the combat capability of our Armed Forces. All necessary measures will be taken to achieve this,” the President said.