Uzbekistan has emerged as a pivotal force within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), leveraging its strategic position in Central Asia to foster regional cooperation, economic integration, and cultural unity among Turkic-speaking nations. Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has championed a series of profound initiatives that are reshaping the OTS’s agenda and strengthening its global influence. These efforts underscore Uzbekistan’s commitment to regional stability, sustainable development, and the shared prosperity of Turkic states.
A Leading Voice in the OTS
Since assuming the chairmanship of the OTS in 2022, Uzbekistan has played a central role in advancing the organization’s objectives. The OTS, comprising Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan as full members, with Hungary, Turkmenistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as observers, aims to deepen cooperation in trade, transport, culture, and security. Uzbekistan’s proactive engagement has elevated the OTS’s profile as a platform for addressing regional and global challenges.
‘Since assuming the chairmanship of the OTS in 2022, Uzbekistan has played a central role in advancing the organization’s objectives’
A landmark moment came during the 2022 Samarkand Summit, where Uzbekistan took over the OTS chairmanship from Türkiye. President Mirziyoyev outlined a vision for enhanced collaboration, emphasizing economic integration, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange. His leadership has since driven the OTS toward practical outcomes, with initiatives that resonate across member states and beyond.
President Mirziyoyev’s Transformative Initiatives
President Mirziyoyev has introduced a series of bold initiatives within the OTS framework, reflecting Uzbekistan’s ambition to lead by example. These efforts focus on three key pillars: economic connectivity, regional security, and sustainable development.
Economic Integration and the Middle Corridor
Uzbekistan has been a driving force behind the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor. This trade route connects Asia and Europe through Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Türkiye, offering an alternative to traditional pathways. At the January 2025 trilateral meeting in Ankara with Türkiye and Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan pushed for investments in infrastructure, such as the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway, and digital initiatives like streamlined customs processes. These efforts aim to boost trade efficiency and position the OTS as a key player in global commerce.
Mirziyoyev’s emphasis on economic integration aligns with Uzbekistan’s broader foreign policy, which seeks to diversify trade partners and reduce reliance on any single power. His initiatives have attracted interest from global investors, as evidenced by Franklin Templeton’s recent move to list $1.7 billion of Uzbekistan’s state assets, signalling confidence in the country’s economic reforms.
Regional Security and Counterterrorism
Recognizing the importance of stability in Central Asia, Mirziyoyev has prioritized security cooperation within the OTS. Uzbekistan has advocated for joint initiatives to counter cyber threats, extremism, and cross-border challenges. During its OTS chairmanship, Uzbekistan proposed new programmes to enhance intelligence-sharing and capacity-building among member states.
Uzbekistan’s pragmatic approach to regional security is also evident in its engagement with Afghanistan. While maintaining stable diplomatic ties with Kabul, Uzbekistan has secured investment agreements and provided humanitarian aid, positioning itself as a mediator for regional stability. This approach complements OTS efforts to address shared security concerns.
‘Uzbekistan proposed new programmes to enhance intelligence-sharing and capacity-building among member states’
Sustainable Development and Cultural Unity
Mirziyoyev’s initiatives extend to environmental sustainability and cultural preservation. Uzbekistan has proposed collaborative projects for green energy production, including green hydrogen, ammonia, and biofuels, to support the region’s transition to renewable energy. These efforts align with global climate goals and enhance the OTS’s role in sustainable development.
Mirziyoyev’s youth-focused policies, such as the ‘Yoshlar Daftari’ initiative, have tripled the number of young entrepreneurs and promoted language learning, with two million students studying foreign languages in recent years. These programmes reinforce cultural ties within the OTS while preparing Uzbekistan’s youth for global engagement.
Global Recognition and Strategic Partnerships
Uzbekistan’s active role in the OTS has earned international acclaim. The country’s youth policy, a cornerstone of Mirziyoyev’s domestic agenda, ranks among the top 10 globally in implementing the United Nations’ ‘Youth 2030’ strategy. Additionally, Uzbekistan’s diplomatic outreach has strengthened ties with both Western and Eastern powers. A recent state visit to France saw Mirziyoyev and President Emmanuel Macron sign a strategic partnership declaration, boosting trade and economic ties. Similarly, high-level engagements with China and the United States underscore Uzbekistan’s balanced foreign policy.
Within the OTS, Uzbekistan’s initiatives have fostered closer collaboration among member states. The May 2025 meeting between Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and OTS Secretary General Kuban Omurali highlighted progress on Mirziyoyev’s proposals, with a focus on preparing for upcoming summits to further regional cooperation.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite its successes, Uzbekistan faces challenges in sustaining its ambitious agenda. Geopolitical tensions, such as those affecting travel to Uzbekistan due to regional dynamics, require careful navigation. Additionally, maintaining a balance between great powers like Russia, China, and the West demands diplomatic finesse. However, Mirziyoyev’s pragmatic leadership and Uzbekistan’s strategic location position it well to overcome these hurdles.
Under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership, Uzbekistan has transformed into a dynamic leader within the Organization of Turkic States. Through initiatives focused on economic connectivity, regional security, and sustainable development, Uzbekistan is not only strengthening ties among Turkic nations but also carving out a prominent role on the global stage. As Mirziyoyev continues to drive the OTS forward, Uzbekistan’s influence is set to grow, heralding a new era of prosperity and unity for the Turkic world.
Related articles:
