New Uzbekistan – A New Strategic Partnership
In recent years, Uzbekistan has undertaken significant changes in its foreign policy. The country’s activities on the international stage, its engagement with regional and global issues, and its influence within international organizations have grown significantly. In this process, relations between Uzbekistan and the United States hold a special place. From a historical perspective, cooperation between the two countries has progressed through various stages. Yet, today it can be confidently stated that a new era of strategic partnership has begun.
This progress is primarily linked with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s proactive and constructive foreign policy and his consistent pursuit of domestic reforms rooted in openness and modernization. His strategy, based on transparency and engagement, has garnered significant interest and support not only within Uzbekistan but also abroad. The United States, as one of Uzbekistan’s key partners, has been actively supporting these changes and is clearly striving to expand cooperation across all spheres.
This year, President Mirziyoyev’s participation in the United Nations’ 80th anniversary summit in New York is significant not only for Uzbekistan’s activity within the UN framework but also as an opportunity to elevate bilateral relations with the United States to a new stage.
The President on a High-Level Platform The President’s address at the UN General Assembly once again reflects Uzbekistan’s stance on key global issues. Global security, the Sustainable Development Goals, the fight against climate change, and reform of the international financial architecture are among the most pressing matters shaping humanity’s future. Uzbekistan’s Leader, by speaking from this high tribune, reinforces the country’s active position and growing global responsibility.
Yet the importance of this visit extends beyond the speech itself. Bilateral meetings and strategic agreements reached during the summit have opened a new chapter in relations between Uzbekistan and the United States. A Historic Deal with Boeing One of the highlights of the visit was President Mirziyoyev’s meeting with Brendan Nelson, President of Boeing Global. The agreement, signed for the purchase of 22 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, is of historic importance for Uzbekistan’s aviation sector. The total value of the deal is estimated at $8 billion.
This move not only modernizes the Uzbekistan Airways fleet but also marks a significant step toward the country’s integration into global transport logistics. A firm contract for 14 aircraft, along with an option for an additional 8, lays the groundwork for long-term cooperation. The first deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2031.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s positive response to the deal and his warm congratulations to President Mirziyoyev highlight the growing political and economic trust between the two nations.
In recent years, one of the central directions of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy has been active participation in the global arena and recognition as a responsible partner by the international community. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s regular involvement in UN General Assembly sessions and the initiatives he presents there have become a symbol of reforms in the country’s foreign policy. Through his speeches, Mirziyoyev has projected Tashkent’s voice as an advocate of democratic renewal, human rights, gender equality, youth interests, and environmental security.
However, diplomatic activity is not limited to political initiatives alone. It is developing in close connection with the economic dimension of international cooperation.
Thus, the situation can be analyzed in two aspects. First, the agreement has strategic significance for Uzbekistan. Modernizing the national fleet will help turn the country into a regional aviation hub, boosting tourism and investment flows. At the same time, such a large-scale deal strengthens Uzbekistan’s image as an open economy, integrated into international financial markets, and a reliable partner.
Second, for the United States, this agreement also carries significant geoeconomic importance. For Boeing, the multi-billion-dollar order represents a powerful stimulus for domestic production and the labor market. Moreover, Washington gains an opportunity to strengthen its influence in Central Asia and to lay the foundation for a strategic partnership with Tashkent.
Taken together, Mirziyoyev’s initiatives from the UN platform and the major deal with Boeing reveal a new model of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy: strengthening international prestige through global diplomacy and achieving practical results through strategic economic agreements. These two directions, in harmony, are shaping the country’s new image.
Today, Tashkent is promoting ideas of peace, enlightenment, and sustainable development on the international stage, while in the economic sphere, it is joining global processes through major deals and investment cooperation. The uniqueness of Mirziyoyev’s foreign policy style lies in his ability to harmoniously combine political initiative with tangible economic outcomes.
Therefore, the voice resonating from the UN rostrum and the Dreamliner deal with the U.S. both represent one common goal: building Uzbekistan’s new global identity and consolidating its growing influence in international relations. Financial Architecture and Reforms
President Mirziyoyev’s meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva was another significant step. Georgieva praised Uzbekistan’s reforms as irreversible and assured the Fund’s firm support for the country’s transformation agenda.
Through cooperation with the IMF, Uzbekistan is achieving concrete results in strengthening macroeconomic stability, improving tax administration, and reforming the budgetary system. These measures enhance the country’s financial resilience and create a more reliable environment for investors. Dialogue with Leading U.S. Companies During the visit, a series of meetings was held with major U.S. companies and research institutions. Among them:
- Traxys – a $1 billion project portfolio has been formed in the field of geological exploration and mining. A roadmap was signed to introduce advanced technologies in mineral extraction and processing.
- FLSmidth, McKinsey, Go Green Partners, and others discussed opportunities for expanding strategic cooperation.
- The combined capitalization of these companies exceeds $20 billion, opening significant opportunities for Uzbekistan’s economy.
In addition, the President met with Adebayo Ogunlesi, Senior Managing Director at BlackRock. With more than $11 trillion in assets under management, BlackRock is one of the world’s largest financial institutions. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in energy, transport, and water infrastructure development. Engaging with the Global Financial Elite President Mirziyoyev also met with Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group; John Dugan, Chair of Citigroup; Jenny Johnson, President and CEO of Franklin Templeton; Cathinka Wahlstrom, Chief Commercial Officer of BNY; and Brian Friedman, President of Jefferies.
These meetings demonstrated the strong interest of U.S. financial markets and leading investment corporations in Uzbekistan’s economy. Agreements on specific areas of cooperation and the creation of joint working groups will contribute to sustainable economic development in the country.
Conclusion – A Step into a New Stage President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to New York marked another turning point in the history of relations between Uzbekistan and the United States. His statement from the UN podium, the agreements signed with American companies and financial institutions, and the deepening of political trust and economic cooperation – all of these are clear indicators that a new stage of strategic partnership has begun.
The objective is clear: to strengthen Uzbekistan’s economic potential, to actively contribute to addressing global challenges, and to consolidate broad-based cooperation with the United States. These goals not only serve the interests of both nations but also promote stability and prosperity across the entire region.
By , Zaheer Alam Journalist from Pakistan
