Turkish, Uzbek foreign ministers discuss ties, prepare for summit

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan engaged in diplomatic consultations with Central Asia on Monday, speaking by telephone with Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov. According to sources from the Turkish Foreign Ministry, the discussion centered on strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two Turkic nations and addressing ongoing developments in their shared regional sphere.

A Focus on Deepening Bilateral Cooperation

A key agenda item for the ministers was the ongoing preparation for a forthcoming high-level strategic cooperation council meeting. These councils represent the pinnacle of diplomatic engagement between Türkiye and its partners, designed to elevate ties through concrete agreements and joint projects across multiple sectors, including trade, energy, security, and culture. The call indicates both nations are actively working to structure and prioritize the agenda for this significant bilateral summit.

Context of Türkiye's "Asia Anew" Initiative and Shared Regional Interests

The dialogue between Ankara and Tashkent fits within the broader context of Türkiye's strategic "Asia Anew" initiative, which seeks to deepen political, economic, and cultural ties with nations across Asia, particularly in Central Asia. For Uzbekistan, engagement with Türkiye offers a valuable partnership with a major regional actor that shares historical, linguistic, and cultural affinities. The ministers' discussion of "regional developments" likely encompassed shared interests in Afghanistan's stability, connectivity projects, and the evolving geopolitical landscape in Central Asia and beyond.

Strengthening the Turkic World Partnership

The phone call underscores the continuous diplomatic effort to solidify the partnership within the Turkic world. Türkiye and Uzbekistan are both influential members of the Organization of Turkic States, and regular high-level contact is essential for coordinating policies and fostering unity. By aligning their positions and advancing their bilateral strategic council, Ankara and Tashkent aim to enhance their collective voice and cooperation on the international stage, reinforcing a partnership based on mutual strategic interests and deep-rooted historical connections.