Speaking at the summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Gabala, Azerbaijan, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev called for strengthening global security and expressed concern over protracted wars — including the conflict in Ukraine.
“The most pressing issues, conflicts and wars that are continuing to escalate across the Eurasian region, with no end in sight, are undoubtedly having a negative impact on our countries,” Mirziyoyev said, mentioning among them “the tragedy in the Gaza Strip, the situation around Ukraine, issues of Iran’s nuclear program, and questions of stability in Afghanistan.”
These words came at a time when countries in the region are trying to maintain neutrality regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine. Mirziyoyev reiterated the need to reform the system of global governance and strengthen the role of developing countries in the UN Security Council — a position consistent with his previous statements at sessions of the UN General Assembly.
Alongside foreign policy theses, the president outlined a strategic direction for the region — strengthening Turkic integration. He proposed accelerating the adoption of the Treaty on Strategic Partnership and developing the Strategy for the Development of the Organization of Turkic States until 2030.
According to Mirziyoyev, Tashkent is ready to host in Uzbekistan the project office of the new “Council on Economic Partnership” and become a venue for the first joint meeting of foreign ministers and heads of intelligence services of Turkic states. These proposals were voiced as part of Uzbekistan’s broader initiative to strengthen cooperation among Turkic states.
Mirziyoyev’s speech reflects Uzbekistan’s dual strategy — maintaining neutrality in geopolitical conflicts while simultaneously promoting the idea of a “Turkic world” as an independent center of power, separate from Moscow and Beijing.