New era of friendship

In recent years, the frequent mention of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the global stage has become increasingly common. Recognized as one of Central Asia’s leading states, Uzbekistan has firmly established itself as a country pursuing an independent foreign policy, ensuring regional stability, and acting as a reliable international partner. With a population of 38 million, the country represents a substantial market. For this reason, not only the world’s most powerful states but also major multinational corporations are actively seeking opportunities to enter this market.

In this context, the active engagement between Uzbekistan and the United States, the world’s largest economy, in recent years deserves particular recognition. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Uzbekistan’s skillful foreign policy has turned it into a regular participant in the most influential international forums. Rapprochement with the United States is beneficial for Uzbekistan in many respects. In a major geopolitical environment, having strong allies is of critical importance.

At the very least, Uzbekistan is no longer an invisible player among global centers of power. The invitation extended to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan as a founding member to the first organizational summit of a newly established international organization, led by the US president and held on January 22 in Davos, Switzerland, is clear evidence of the country’s growing leadership role on the international stage. The interest shown by the White House administration under Donald Trump in Central Asia, and the selection of Uzbekistan as a “mediator” for regional integration, reflects a special level of trust and partnership.

History of relations

The US government, which supported the dissolution of the Soviet Union, was among the first to recognize Uzbekistan’s independence. On December 25, 1991, the administration of the 41st US president, George H. W. Bush, officially recognized Uzbekistan as an independent state, and in March 1992 the US Embassy was opened in Tashkent. From that period onward, bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and the United States gradually began to develop.

However, during the early years, relations were not particularly strong due to Uzbekistan’s closed political environment and the rise of Islamophobia in the United States. It was only after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and the subsequent US-led operations in Afghanistan that broad cooperation between the two countries began to intensify. Nevertheless, following the “color revolutions” in post-Soviet states such as Georgia, Ukraine, and Kyrgyzstan between 2003 and 2005, relations noticeably cooled, and Uzbekistan began limiting the influence of US and other foreign organizations.

Despite this, under the leadership of the First President Islam Karimov, numerous areas of economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States were established and continued to develop.

In particular, Karimov’s visit to the United States in June 1996 became a significant milestone in advancing bilateral relations. During the visit, a package of bilateral agreements was signed, including financing for the development of gas fields in Bukhara region, as well as agreements between Uzbekistan’s State Committee for Geology and Mineral Resources and the Newmont Mining and Mitsui corporations on the joint development of the Qizilolmasoy and Kochbulak ore deposits.

In 1999, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and the United States amounted to $282 million. Uzbekistan imported wheat, consumer goods, and equipment from the US, while exports were primarily composed of cotton fiber. Successful cooperation between American companies and Uzbekistan, along with frequent exchanges of delegations, helped strengthen bilateral ties. Among joint projects, the Newmont Mining company’s development of a gold deposit near Zarafshan stands out, as the Zarafshon Newmont Uzbek–American joint venture rapidly established a modern enterprise in the Kyzylkum Desert. Nevertheless, the distancing that emerged after the early 2000s negatively affected economic relations as well.

New era of friendship

The reforms launched following Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s rise to power in late 2016, Uzbekistan’s openness to the world, and the elimination of forced labor—long a subject of international criticism—created the foundation for broad cooperation not only with the United States but with the global community at large. Positive trends in relations were primarily linked to changes in Uzbekistan’s domestic policy and Tashkent’s pragmatic regional foreign policy. As a result, diplomatic engagement intensified significantly, with regular dialogue between foreign ministries contributing to more systematic cooperation.

In addition, Uzbekistan demonstrated its readiness for liberalization not only through internal reforms but also through diplomatic engagement. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s first visit to the White House took place on May 16, 2018. This marked the first official visit by an Uzbek president to the United States in 16 years. The meeting with Donald Trump became a historic event, signaling the beginning of a “new era of strategic partnership.” During the visit, agreements worth more than $4.8 billion were signed, covering cooperation in the energy, transport, and agriculture sectors.

From the 2020s onward, bilateral relations evolved into a multi-level structure. On December 13, 2021, the political consultation format was transformed into the “Uzbekistan–US Strategic Partnership Dialogue,” encompassing economic development, security, and environmental issues. Its first meeting was held in Tashkent, laying the groundwork for comprehensive cooperation. Discussions focused on Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization, attracting American investment, and diversifying trade relations. Reforms implemented under President Mirziyoyev, particularly the elimination of forced labor, the protection of religious freedom, and support for freedom of expression, were acknowledged. Cooperation in education, healthcare, and cultural heritage preservation was also emphasized, including efforts to expand English-language education in Uzbekistan.

In this context, the importance of the C5+1 format connecting Central Asia with the United States should be highlighted. For Washington, the significance of C5+1 lies in limiting Russian and Chinese influence in Central Asia while advancing US interests. For Central Asian states, the format provides an opportunity to address regional and global challenges in cooperation with the world’s largest economy, while gaining support through integration and constructive engagement. In this sense, the summit is equally important for both sides.

Meetings at the ministerial level, held since 2015, evolved by 2023 into a new traditional summit involving heads of state, with expanded scope and influence. On September 19, 2023, the C5+1 summit held in New York on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly brought together President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan, and then-US President Joe Biden. Discussions covered the development of US–Central Asia strategic partnership, trade and economic cooperation, political dialogue, US investment, green development, regional security, transnational crime, and humanitarian issues. However, it should be noted that the primary objective of these summits was not direct assistance to Central Asia, but rather limiting the influence of anti-American forces in the region and securing agreements aligned with US interests.

On November 13, 2024, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Muzaffar Madrahimov and US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu co-chaired the fourth annual Strategic Partnership Dialogue in Washington. The talks concluded with a historic agreement to elevate bilateral cooperation to the level of an “Expanded Strategic Partnership Dialogue.”

The Expanded Strategic Partnership Dialogue (ESPD) signifies that relations between the two countries have moved to a level far beyond conventional diplomacy, characterized by deeper trust and broader cooperation. This status also implies full US support—both technical and political—for Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization, the provision of state guarantees for major US corporations such as Boeing, GE, and Air Products to enter the Uzbek market, and the potential introduction of long-term visa-free travel arrangements.

In 2025, relations between the United States and Uzbekistan were arguably more productive than in any previous year. On February 21, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, reaffirming commitment to existing agreements and holding further discussions on resources and Afghanistan.

On September 23, during the 80th anniversary session of the UN General Assembly, a meeting between Mirziyoyev and Trump was described as a “historic turning point” in bilateral relations. A wide range of issues was discussed, and President Mirziyoyev received high praise from Trump. US purchases and contracts reportedly impressed the White House leader, who expressed positive remarks about Uzbekistan and its president.

“Earlier this month, I spoke with the Honorable President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Today, I congratulate President Mirziyoyev on signing a major deal with Boeing. Uzbekistan Airways will purchase 22 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft worth more than $8 billion. This will create over 35,000 jobs in the United States. President Mirziyoyev is a man of his word, and we will continue working together on many other issues. Thank you for your attention,” Trump said.

The C5+1 summit held in 2025 was also among the year’s most significant political events. On November 6, in Washington, marking the 10th anniversary of the C5+1 format, Uzbekistan and the United States reached agreements on the use of critical minerals and the expansion of bilateral trade channels.

A phone conversation between Trump and Mirziyoyev at the end of 2025, during which Uzbekistan was invited to participate in the upcoming G20 summit in Miami, further indicated a shift in the country’s international standing, particularly in the eyes of Washington. Uzbekistan is now viewed as a close economic and strategic partner.

The new year of 2026 also began successfully for Uzbekistan’s foreign policy. The invitation to join a Peace Council—initially envisioned to address the Gaza crisis but later framed as a major international organization—as a founding member indicates Uzbekistan’s growing influence on the global stage. However, the country’s future relationship with the organization remains unclear. The issue of a $1 billion membership contribution required for permanent status has yet to be addressed. Understandably, this will depend on how effectively the new structure fulfills its objectives. In this regard, Uzbekistan’s traditionally cautious foreign policy approach and adherence to the principle of “measure seven times, cut once” remain commendable.

In the economic sphere, the United States has already become one of Uzbekistan’s close partners. According to Uzbekistan’s National Statistics Committee, the country’s foreign trade turnover reached $81.2 billion in January–December 2025, an increase of $13.9 billion, or 20.7 percent, compared to the previous year. Trade with the United States totaled nearly $1.2 billion, with approximately $900 million in imports and $300 million in exports.

In conclusion, US–Uzbekistan relations continue to strengthen year by year. While closer economic and political ties allow the United States to maintain its influence in Central Asia, for Uzbekistan they represent broader international engagement and stronger support on the global stage.