Presidents of Uzbekistan and UAE forge strategic vision for cooperation

Today, January 15, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, met with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at the Qasr al-Shati residence in Abu Dhabi. The two leaders held discussions in a narrow format as well as with members of their official delegations, according to the Presidential Press Service.

President Mirziyoyev expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed for the invitation and warm hospitality, while also congratulating him on the successful organization of "Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week."

During their talks, the presidents addressed key issues related to the further development of Uzbek-UAE relations, covering a wide range of areas such as politics, trade, investment, innovation, culture, and humanitarian initiatives.

The shared historical ties, traditions, values, and the Islamic faith that connect the peoples of Uzbekistan and the UAE were emphasized. The visit by President Mirziyoyev was noted as a pivotal moment, marking the elevation of bilateral ties to the level of a strategic partnership.

In recent years, the trade turnover and investment flows between the two countries have increased significantly. The number of joint ventures has grown, direct flight routes have expanded, and a visa-free regime has been implemented. As part of this visit, a portfolio of projects was prepared with leading UAE companies focusing on high-tech sectors.

The discussions underscored the importance of enhancing dialogue between the foreign ministries to strengthen political cooperation further.

A new model of economic partnership was unveiled, focusing on six key areas: artificial intelligence, digitalization, green energy, urban development and infrastructure, tourism, and private business. It was agreed to establish dedicated working groups for each of these priority sectors.

The leaders supported a proposal to designate 2025–2027 as a "New Era of Economic Cooperation" between Uzbekistan and the UAE. They set an ambitious target to expand mutual trade tenfold and grow the investment portfolio to $50 billion by 2030.

President Mirziyoyev highlighted Uzbekistan’s interest in fostering stronger ties between the business communities of both countries and expanding the role of UAE companies in Uzbekistan’s economy. Special attention was also given to deepening cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

The Uzbek President proposed launching a joint program with the Mohamed bin Zayed University to train highly qualified professionals and conduct advanced research in artificial intelligence.

The two sides also discussed preparations for upcoming high-profile events, including the second summit of the Central Asia-Gulf Cooperation Council, scheduled to take place this year in Samarkand.

Finally, the leaders exchanged views on pressing international political issues.

It is worth noting that on January 14, President Mirziyoyev met with the UAE Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, as part of the broader business agenda of his visit to Abu Dhabi.