On March 11, 2023, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan engaged in a telephone conversation with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The dialogue underscored the commitment of both nations to bolster their multifaceted cooperation across various sectors, reflecting a shared vision for mutual growth and prosperity.
Warm Wishes and Mutual Respect
President Mirziyoyev commenced the conversation by extending heartfelt birthday congratulations to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He wished the UAE leader sound health, continued success in his state endeavors, and enduring peace and prosperity for the Emirati people. This gesture of goodwill highlighted the deep respect and camaraderie between the two leaders, setting a positive tone for the subsequent discussions.
Expanding Economic and Trade Relations
A significant portion of the discussion focused on enhancing economic ties. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the dynamic development of Uzbek-Emirati relations in recent years. Notably, the volume of mutual trade has doubled over the past year, and there are currently 240 joint ventures operating in Uzbekistan. The portfolio of collaborative projects has exceeded $3 billion, indicating a robust and growing economic partnership.
The leaders emphasized the importance of implementing new cooperation projects in sectors such as the petrochemical and food industries, infrastructure development, and the mining and metallurgical industries. They also discussed increasing financial and technical cooperation programs and enhancing cultural and humanitarian exchanges. Uzbekistan and the UAE have both demonstrated a strong commitment to diversifying their economies, and this shared goal serves as a foundation for further economic engagement.
Furthermore, the UAE has emerged as a key foreign investor in Uzbekistan, with Emirati companies playing a pivotal role in the country’s economic transformation. The Uzbek government has actively encouraged foreign direct investment, offering incentives and creating a business-friendly environment that attracts companies from the UAE. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reiterated his country’s readiness to support Uzbekistan’s economic initiatives and expand the scope of investment projects.
Focus on Innovation and Green Energy
The conversation also highlighted a mutual interest in innovation and high technology. Both nations are keen to collaborate in the fields of green energy, agriculture, logistics, and transport. This aligns with their shared vision of achieving sustainable economic development that serves mutual interests and benefits their peoples.
Uzbekistan, with its vast natural resources and increasing focus on renewable energy, has been actively pursuing sustainable projects. The UAE, a global leader in renewable energy investments, has expressed its commitment to supporting Uzbekistan’s clean energy initiatives. Several Emirati companies have already begun working on solar and wind energy projects in Uzbekistan, contributing to the country’s goal of increasing the share of renewables in its energy mix.
The leaders also discussed the potential for cooperation in technological advancements and smart city development. Uzbekistan has been making strides in digital transformation, and the UAE, known for its technological innovations and smart infrastructure, could play a crucial role in enhancing Uzbekistan’s digital economy. Collaborative efforts in artificial intelligence, fintech, and e-governance were explored as part of a broader strategy to integrate advanced technologies into both countries’ economic and social frameworks.
Strengthening Cultural and Educational Ties
Beyond economic and technological cooperation, the two presidents emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural and educational exchanges between their nations. They discussed initiatives to promote cultural diplomacy, student exchange programs, and academic collaborations that would foster deeper mutual understanding between the peoples of Uzbekistan and the UAE.
Uzbekistan, with its rich historical heritage and deep-rooted Islamic traditions, shares cultural affinities with the UAE. Both nations have taken steps to promote cultural cooperation through joint events, exhibitions, and heritage preservation programs. The leaders acknowledged the role of education in building strong bilateral relations and emphasized the need to enhance cooperation between universities and research institutions in both countries.
Recent High-Level Engagements
This phone call is part of a series of high-level engagements between the two countries. For instance, on January 15, 2025, President Mirziyoyev visited the UAE and met with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. The leaders explored opportunities to expand collaboration, particularly in the fields of economy, trade, investment, renewable energy, environmental conservation, and sustainability. They emphasized their shared vision of achieving sustainable economic development that serves mutual interests and benefits their peoples.
During this visit, several agreements were signed, further solidifying the strategic partnership between the UAE and Uzbekistan. The two leaders reiterated their commitment to continuing these engagements and ensuring the implementation of previously agreed-upon projects.
Future Prospects
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continue active dialogue and thorough preparation for forthcoming summits. They expressed mutual interest in further developing practical cooperation to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. This includes exploring new avenues for collaboration and strengthening existing ties to ensure sustained growth and development for both nations.
Looking ahead, both countries are keen on increasing cooperation in tourism and hospitality. Uzbekistan has been positioning itself as a major tourist destination in Central Asia, with its rich cultural sites and historical landmarks. The UAE, a global tourism hub, can play a crucial role in helping Uzbekistan develop its tourism industry through investments in hospitality infrastructure and promotional campaigns.
Additionally, security and regional stability were discussed as key areas of cooperation. Both nations recognize the importance of maintaining peace and stability in their respective regions. They have agreed to work closely on counterterrorism measures, intelligence sharing, and regional security initiatives.
Conclusion
The telephone conversation between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan signifies a deepening of the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the UAE. Their shared commitment to expanding cooperation across various sectors reflects a mutual dedication to fostering economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development. As both nations continue to collaborate closely, their strengthened ties are poised to yield substantial benefits for their peoples and contribute positively to regional stability and prosperity.
The positive momentum in UAE-Uzbekistan relations suggests a future of increased bilateral engagement, new joint initiatives, and continued diplomatic success. With a strong foundation in place, the cooperation between the two nations is set to reach new heights in the years to come.
