The meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Ankara is set to leave a deep mark on the political history of the Turkic world. Held at the Presidential Complex on 29 January 2026, this summit carries significance far beyond routine diplomatic contacts.[i] The High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, convened under the leadership of the two heads of state, demonstrates that relations have evolved from personal friendship to institutional partnership. The joint statement signed at the conclusion of the meeting has elevated cooperation between Ankara and Tashkent to the level of a ‘comprehensive strategic partnership.’ This points to the formation of a new power architecture at the heart of Eurasia.
The most notable moment of the summit, apart from the official talks, was the live link to the handover ceremony for the homes built in Hatay. The high level of solidarity shown by Uzbekistan immediately after the 2023 earthquakes has now been transformed into a lasting symbol of brotherhood. This concrete step proves that the bond between the two countries is not limited to diplomatic texts. The leaders’ personal patronage of this project demonstrates the human dimension of inter-state relations. This robust mechanism, which functions smoothly even in times of crisis, is the clearest indication of the trust between the parties.
The messages conveyed by Mirziyoyev during his visit to Ankara have the potential to redefine the regional power equation. The President of Uzbekistan described Turkey as ‘one of the world’s new geopolitical power centres’.[ii] This characterisation reveals that Tashkent views Ankara’s growing global influence as a ‘strategic opportunity.’ Mirziyoyev’s emphasis shifts the bilateral relationship between the two countries to a global perspective. Ankara is now an indispensable partner for Tashkent.
President Erdoğan has clearly stated that they support Uzbekistan’s rising profile in the international arena. The relations have evolved from an asymmetrical structure to a partnership model based on mutual gain. Ankara has demonstrated its determination to actively contribute to Tashkent’s reform process and development initiatives. This approach can be seen as a concrete manifestation of solidarity within the Turkic world.
One of the most important outcomes of the summit in Ankara is the strengthening of institutional dialogue mechanisms. The Fourth High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting requires coordination between ministries and institutions. It has been decided that political, economic and cultural agendas will be synchronised. Thus, the personal harmony between the leaders is transforming into systematic cooperation that extends to the entire state apparatus. This institutionalisation is of vital importance for the sustainability of relations.
Economic integration objectives are the strongest complement to the political vision. The trade volume between the two countries exceeded $3 billion by the end of 2025. The leaders agreed to increase this figure to $5 billion in the medium term. To achieve this goal, customs procedures will be simplified and barriers to trade will be removed. Economic relations will be supported with new incentives to ensure they reach their full potential.
The presence of Turkish companies in Uzbekistan is deepening in strategic sectors. There are significant investments in construction and contracting, as well as in textiles, food and energy. Uzbekistan needs Turkish technology in the process of harnessing its rich underground resources for the economy. For Turkish industrialists, Uzbekistan is a production base opening up to the Central Asian market. This mutual dependence makes economic relations more resilient.
Cooperation in the energy and mining sectors was among the priority agenda items at the Ankara summit. Uzbekistan’s gold, uranium and natural gas reserves are critical for Turkey’s raw material supply security. The agreements signed envisage the processing of these resources through joint projects and their supply to global markets. Turkey’s goal of becoming an energy corridor coincides with Uzbekistan’s resource diversity. Partnership in this area will contribute to the energy security of both countries.
Transport and logistics form the geopolitical backbone of Turkey-Uzbekistan relations. Uzbekistan is a landlocked country with no access to the sea, surrounded by neighbouring countries that are also landlocked. The Caspian Transit Middle Corridor is a vital alternative for overcoming this geographical disadvantage. Turkey is the most important western gateway for this corridor. By integrating their logistics routes, the two countries play a central role in the trade route stretching from China to Europe.
Transport protocols discussed in Ankara aim to accelerate transit movements. Increasing the capacity of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway Line and digitising customs are priority issues. These steps will increase the Turkish world’s share of global trade. Logistical cooperation balances the dependence of countries in the region on major powers such as Russia and China. The Middle Corridor has become a joint strategic project of Ankara and Tashkent.
Security and the defence industry constitute the most sensitive dimension of the strategic partnership. Regional instability and the threat of terrorism are driving the two countries to work more closely together. Turkey’s experience in the defence industry is contributing to the modernisation of the Uzbek Army. Within the scope of the summit, an agreement has been reached on military training and defence technologies. This cooperation strengthens the principle that regional security should be provided by the countries of the region themselves.
Risks originating in Afghanistan are high on the security agenda of Ankara and Tashkent. Intelligence sharing on border security and combating radicalism will be increased. Turkey’s experience in combating terrorism is being shared with Uzbek authorities. Steps taken in the defence industry aim to increase Uzbekistan’s deterrence. This partnership is geared towards preserving regional stability rather than harbouring a hostile attitude towards third countries.
Soft power and cultural diplomacy form the social basis of political relations. A common language, history and religion are the natural foundation for cooperation. The education and culture agreements signed in Ankara reinforce this foundation. The Turkish-Uzbek University project is the pinnacle of academic cooperation. The aim is for future generations to be raised with a shared vision.
Partnerships in the media and communications are essential for combating disinformation. It has been decided to develop a common discourse against perception operations targeting the Turkic world. Coordination between communications directorates will be increased. Cultural interaction enables peoples to get to know each other better. Incentives in the field of tourism will accelerate this process.
The Ankara summit contributes directly to the vision of the Organisation of Turkic States. Turkey and Uzbekistan are the two main driving forces behind the organisation. The harmony between these two countries accelerates the organisation’s decision-making mechanisms. Regional integration is moving beyond bilateral relations to a multilateral dimension. The common stance of Ankara and Tashkent increases the weight of the Turkic world in the international system.
Turkey and Uzbekistan’s approach to regional issues is based on a stability-oriented perspective. Both leaders advocate that problems should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. This stance is aimed at reducing the risk of conflict in the region. Ankara and Tashkent do not shy away from taking the initiative to establish peace. Keeping diplomatic channels open facilitates crisis management.
Interaction between the two countries also encompasses civil society organisations. Contacts between business representatives are becoming increasingly frequent. Cultural and artistic activities are building new bridges between the hearts of the people. Joint productions in the fields of literature and cinema are bringing historical heritage to light. Such activities increase the social legitimacy of political relations.
Technology and innovation represent a new and dynamic area of cooperation. Turkey’s experience in technology parks is being transferred to Uzbekistan. Digital transformation projects are increasing the efficiency of public services. The technological literacy of the young population aligns with the development goals of both countries. Potential cooperation in the fields of space and aviation are exciting steps towards the future.
Agriculture and water management are vital issues due to global climate change. Uzbekistan’s agricultural potential is being combined with Turkey’s modern agricultural techniques. Water-saving irrigation systems are being promoted through joint projects. Food security is among the strategic priorities of both countries. Increasing agricultural trade supports rural development.
Cooperation in the field of health has deepened with the experience gained during the pandemic. Health tourism and the pharmaceutical industry offer new opportunities. Joint hospital investments are improving the quality of healthcare services. Medical training programmes are developing personnel capacity. Coordination between the health ministries of the two countries continues uninterrupted.
As a result, this meeting has confirmed Turkey and Uzbekistan as the ‘Central Countries’ of Eurasia. Relations have evolved from an emotional basis to a rational and strategic level. This transformation serves the national interests of both countries. The Ankara-Tashkent axis is progressing towards becoming a guarantee of regional peace and prosperity. In the coming period, the global implications of this partnership will become clearer.
[i] “Türkiye Becoming One of World’s New Geopolitical Power Hubs: Uzbek President”, Anadolu Agency, 29 Ocak 2026, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkiye/turkiye-becoming-one-of-world-s-new-geopolitical-power-hubs-uzbek-president/3814624, (Access Date: 29.06.2026).
[ii] “Presidents of Uzbekistan and Türkiye Conclude Productive Talks”, UzDaily, 29 Ocak 2026, https://www.uzdaily.uz/en/presidents-of-uzbekistan-and-turkiye-conclude-productive-talks/, (Access Date: 29.06.2026).
