Bilateral trade surpasses $3 billion while cooperation expands in education, tourism, and strategic sectors
TASHKENT / ISTANBUL: Türkiye and Uzbekistan are marking the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, with bilateral ties now reaching the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.Türkiye was the first country to recognize Uzbekistan’s independence on Dec. 16, 1991, following its declaration of independence on Aug. 31, 1991. Formal diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on March 4, 1992.Türkiye also became the first country to open an embassy in Uzbekistan.
The Turkish Embassy in Tashkent began operations in April 1992, while Uzbekistan opened its embassy in Ankara in January 1993.During the first 24 years after Uzbekistan’s independence, relations between the two countries experienced periods of ups and downs. However, a new phase began in November 2016 when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Samarkand.During the visit, Erdogan held talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, which helped revitalize bilateral relations and give them new momentum.
In October 2017, Mirziyoyev paid an official visit to Türkiye, becoming the highest-level Uzbek leader to visit the country in 21 years.In 2017, the two countries elevated their relations to the level of a strategic partnership. In 2018, the Türkiye-Uzbekistan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council was established, with meetings held in Ankara in 2020, Tashkent in 2022, and Ankara again in 2024.Most recently, Mirziyoyev visited Ankara in January, where the fourth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council was held. During the meeting, the two sides signed nearly 10 agreements covering cooperation in various fields.
Uzbekistan also demonstrated strong solidarity with Türkiye following the devastating earthquakes in February 2023. The country immediately sent search-and-rescue and medical teams and delivered approximately 700 tons of humanitarian aid.Additionally, the Uzbek government constructed a housing project of 306 apartments in Hatay province for earthquake victims. During Mirziyoyev’s recent visit, the two presidents inaugurated the “Uzbekistan Neighborhood” and handed over keys to several families.
Bilateral trade between the two countries has grown rapidly, increasing from $1.24 billion in 2016 to more than $3 billion in 2025. The two sides aim to raise this figure to $5 billion in the short term and $10 billion in the long term.In 2025, Turkish exports to Uzbekistan reached $1.888 billion, while imports from Uzbekistan totaled $1.136 billion. Türkiye mainly exports machinery, electronics, furniture, vehicles, textiles, and food products, while importing plastics, metals, and cotton yarn.Cooperation in education, health, and culture has also expanded. Several Turkish educational institutions operate in Uzbekistan, and cultural exchanges continue to grow.
Tourism between the two countries has also increased significantly. The number of Uzbek visitors to Türkiye rose from about 150,000 in 2016 to nearly 500,000 in 2025, while weekly flights increased from five to around 100. Both countries aim to further expand tourism cooperation and reach one million annual visitors.
