The transformation in the international system following the Cold War has led countries to redefine their foreign policy priorities and restructure their bilateral relations on a more flexible, multi-vector, and interest-based foundation. At this stage, interactions between increasingly prominent regional actors and European states are not limited to traditional diplomacy and trade; they are evolving into strategic partnership models that encompass different areas such as migration management, energy security, educational diplomacy, cultural interaction, and global governance.
The growing geopolitical and geoeconomic importance of Central Asia has led to the region’s states establishing more visible and systematic relations with Europe. In this context, Uzbekistan has emerged as a key player, drawing attention with its reformist and pragmatic foreign policy approach in recent years. The opening observed in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy after 2016 has not only strengthened regional partnerships but has also enabled the revitalization of relations with European Union (EU) states from the outset. Italy has acquired a special position in Uzbekistan’s relations with Western Europe at both the political and economic levels. Although bilateral partnerships remained stagnant for a long time, they have entered a phase of qualitative transformation in recent years as a result of high-level mutual visits and institutionalized dialogue mechanisms.
The foreign policy vision shaped under the leadership of His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, is built on an approach centered on economic development, international integration, and multilateral cooperation. Within this vision, the relations developed with Italy are considered not only at the bilateral level but also as a concrete step in Uzbekistan’s European outreach. In addition, the mutual contacts held in Tashkent on January 19, 2026, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have enabled the relations between the two states to evolve into a “strategic partnership.” The talks held in Samarkand in May 2025 and the subsequent high-level contacts in Tashkent in early 2026 demonstrate the deepening of Uzbekistan-Italy relations. These contacts addressed concrete projects and partnerships in a wide range of areas, from economic cooperation to education, cultural diplomacy, and labor mobility. Joint projects implemented particularly in the fields of industry, energy, and finance demonstrate that bilateral relations are based on pragmatism and results.[i]
However, Italy’s positioning as Uzbekistan’s first strategic partner in Western Europe is a noteworthy development not only in terms of bilateral relations but also in terms of the overall trajectory of Central Asia-Europe relations. Italy’s open support for Uzbekistan’s reform process aligns with the Tashkent administration’s aims to deepen its relations with the European Union. This situation makes Italy an important political and diplomatic actor for Uzbekistan in its integration with the European Union.[ii]
Economic partnership has emerged as a key factor in advancing bilateral relations to a strategic level. In recent years, a steady increase in the volume of trade between the two countries has been observed, and the number of joint ventures has also risen significantly. Large-scale industrial projects carried out in Uzbekistan by Italian companies such as Finopera, ANCI, Pietro Fiorentini, and Danieli, in particular, demonstrate that economic relations are based on concrete and sustainable foundations. Sectors such as textiles, energy, geology, chemistry, construction materials, and financial markets have been identified as priority areas for partnership. In addition, the regional and human dimensions constitute another important pillar of bilateral relations. The developing communications between Italy’s Lombardy region and Uzbekistan at the sub-national level indicate that regional partnerships are also strengthening, in addition to classic international diplomacy. Furthermore, the allocation of quotas for organized labor migration of Uzbek citizens to Italy shows that economic relations have also taken on a social dimension.[iii]
In terms of education and academic partnership, it represents the long-term and structural aspect of Uzbekistan-Italy relations. The opening of a branch of the Tuscia University in Italy in Samarkand by the end of 2025 can be considered one of the most concrete developments in this area. The second Rectors’ Forum, expected to be held in 2026, and the strategic dialogue meetings between the foreign ministries aim to deepen the partnership. Cultural diplomacy is also a complementary element of bilateral relations. The organization of Uzbek and Italian cinema days, art exhibitions planned for Milan, and Uzbekistan’s participation in the Venice Biennale stand out as steps towards increasing cultural interaction. These initiatives are also of strategic importance in terms of strengthening mutual perceptions and increasing contacts between the peoples.[iv]
From this perspective, Italy’s support for the deepening of Uzbekistan’s relations with the EU and its positive approach to the Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement process are noteworthy. In addition, Italy’s support for Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization demonstrates that bilateral relations extend to the global economic governance dimension.
In conclusion, relations between Uzbekistan and Italy have undergone a comprehensive transformation in recent years, rising to the level of a strategic partnership. This multidimensional structure, ranging from economic partnership to education and political dialogue on regional and global issues, demonstrates that bilateral relations are not temporary but are based on a long-term and institutional foundation. In particular, the high-level contacts and agreements signed in the 2025-2026 period can be considered concrete outcomes of this process.
Italy becoming Uzbekistan’s first strategic partner in Western Europe reflects the growing importance of Europe in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy vision. This situation also demonstrates the emergence of a partnership model that sets an example for the future of Central Asia-Europe relations. Current indicators suggest that the Uzbekistan-Italy strategic partnership will deepen in the coming period and evolve into a framework that contributes to regional stability.
[i] “Uzbekistan, Italy Expand Strategic Cooperation in Tashkent”, The Caspian Post, https://caspianpost.com/uzbekistan/uzbekistan-italy-expand-strategic-cooperation-in-tashkent, (Date Accessed: 20.01.2026).
[ii]“Italy has become the first strategic partner of Uzbekistan in Western Europe”, Kun.Uz, https://kun.uz/en/05149613, (Date Accessed: 20.01.2026).
[iii] “Oʻzbekiston Prezidenti Italiya Bosh vaziri bilan uchrashuv oʻtkazdi”, Oʻzbekiston REspublikası, Tashqi İshlar Vazırlıgı, https://gov.uz/oz/mfa/news/view/121864, (Date Accessed: 20.01.2026).
[iv] Ibid.
