The first days of 2026 have marked a very strong start in the context of Türkiye-Turkic World relations. In this context, the Ankara-Tashkent geopolitical axis, which forms the backbone of the Turkic World, is witnessing critical visits and meetings. Two important high-level meetings between Uzbekistan and Türkiye on January 20, 2026, are significant indicators of this.
As a brief reminder, the fourth meeting of the Joint Strategic Planning Group was held under the co-chairmanship of Bakhtiyor Saidov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye. Subsequently, on the same day, the First Meeting of the Türkiye–Uzbekistan 4+4 Mechanism took place with the participation of Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, MIT President İbrahim Kalın, and their Uzbek counterparts. The statement made regarding the reception of the delegation, which was also hosted at the Presidential Complex by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, included the following noteworthy remark: “We believe that this reception, held under the leadership of our President, will contribute to further strengthening the strategic partnership between Türkiye and Uzbekistan.”
This statement can clearly be considered one of the significant milestones in the developments between Türkiye and Uzbekistan during the term of Uzbekistan’s President, Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Furthermore, it stands out as a signal flare in terms of the nature and scope of the steps to be taken regarding the future of bilateral relations.
Indeed, this development extends beyond the traditional meaning of Türkiye-Uzbekistan relations, encompassing a vast geography extending from the Balkans to the Caucasus, from the Caspian Basin to the depths of Central Asia and South Asia, where regional risks and threats are becoming increasingly apparent and regional cooperation has become inevitable. It is already being assessed as a process of building a deep and powerful strategic geopolitical axis that generates development, security, stability, and connectivity. Moreover, given that the new Uzbekistan has been pursuing an increasingly proactive foreign policy in recent years, strengthening its relations with Middle Eastern and even African countries, and taking steps to evaluate commercial opportunities in these regions, such contacts with Türkiye, which possesses a deep understanding of the region, would be highly beneficial.
The 4+4 Mechanism: Institutionalization of the Geopolitical Line
Indeed, during this visit, important documents covering political, security, economic-commercial, transportation, defense industry, and regional cooperation areas were signed between the two countries. These documents not only expanded existing areas of cooperation but also transformed the Ankara-Tashkent geopolitical axis into a multidimensional partnership. Therefore, this visit represents a critical threshold in the transformation of Ankara-Tashkent relations from an abstract strategic discourse to an institutional and sustainable cooperation model, signaling that a new phase in bilateral relations will be declared in the near future.
In this context, the implementation of the 4+4 mechanism between the two countries demonstrates that relations will be conducted in a more systematic, coordinated, and determined manner going forward.
Based on the “4+4 Mechanism,” which also focuses on strategic coordination and security-centered dialogue, the two countries appear to be targeting joint opportunities and capabilities in the following areas: a) Joint assessment of regional security risks; b) Development of a coordinated approach to crisis areas in Central Asia and its surroundings; c) Deepening defense industry cooperation; d) Gaining the ability to develop a common response to counter terrorism, radicalization, and cross-border threats.
The Geopolitical, Geostrategic, and Geoeconomic Dimension of Agreements
This mechanism also serves as a significant example of the Turkic World’s approach, which prioritizes stability, security, and win-win prosperity and cooperation in the regional-global power struggle based on competition and power struggles over “resources” and “corridors.” This situation makes the Ankara-Tashkent axis indispensable in terms of strengthening stability in Central Asia, managing existing and potential risks and crises, primarily originating from Afghanistan, deepening integration in the Turkic World, and creating a peaceful and constructive balance in Eurasian geopolitics.
Indeed, within the scope of these recent contacts, it appears that the topics of “transportation,” “logistics,” and “connectivity” were at the forefront of the agreements signed on January 20, 2026. This issue is equivalent to the Middle Corridor, which is of great importance for the common future of the Turkic World. The Middle Corridor, which enables the Turkic World to be strongly positioned on the geopolitical line connecting the east and west of Eurasia and also gives it the identity of a “geopolitical backbone,” undoubtedly plays a critical role in terms of: a) Creating an alternative and secure route for China-Europe trade; b) The integration of Central Asia into global supply chains; c) Increasing the operational capacity of Caspian transit routes.
The Middle Corridor undoubtedly represents one of the most functional and strategic dimensions of the relationship between Türkiye and Uzbekistan at this point in terms of its necessity and future. Strengthening this corridor is crucial not only for the two countries but also for regional stability, security, and Eurasian connectivity.
4+4 Mechanism: “We Are Ready!”
To conclude, January 20, 2026, marked the beginning of a new era in Türkiye-Uzbekistan relations, signaling the start of a process that will be followed by high-level contacts in the near future. In this context, the 4+4 mechanism that has been implemented highlights a proactive approach to building an institutionalized, multidimensional, and sustainable strategic axis between the two countries, emphasizing a crisis-preventing and stability-producing understanding and commitment. In this regard, the “4+4 Mechanism,” which brings together relevant institutions in the fields of foreign affairs and security, has initiated the groundwork for a much more inclusive cooperation model between Türkiye and Uzbekistan, capable of regular, coordinated, and strategic decision-making. It has signaled that “we are ready” at a time when uncertainties have reached their peak on a regional and global scale.
