Uzbekistan and UAE Presidents Forge Strategic Partnership During High-Level Talks

Uzbekistan and UAE Presidents Forge Strategic Partnership During High-Level Talks

Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: On January 15, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Qasr Al Watan residence in Abu Dhabi. The talks, held in a contracted format and with official delegations, focused on deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations.

President Mirziyoyev expressed heartfelt gratitude to the UAE leader for the warm hospitality and congratulated him on the successful organization of the international Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The discussions highlighted key avenues for enhancing cooperation, including political, trade-economic, investment, innovation, and cultural-humanitarian ties.

The leaders emphasized the shared historical ties, common values, and traditions rooted in Islam that unite the peoples of Uzbekistan and the UAE. President Mirziyoyev’s visit was hailed as a milestone, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations and elevating them to a strategic partnership.

Both leaders acknowledged the significant growth in trade turnover, joint ventures, and investments in recent years, alongside the introduction of direct flights and a visa-free regime. They endorsed a comprehensive portfolio of new projects in collaboration with leading UAE companies, focusing on high-tech industries.

Six priority areas were identified for a new economic cooperation model: artificial intelligence, digitalization, green energy, urban development and infrastructure, tourism, and private enterprise. Dedicated working groups will be established for each area, with the declaration of 2025-2027 as the “New Era of Economic Partnership” between the two countries.

The talks set an ambitious target to increase mutual trade volumes tenfold by 2030 and expand the investment portfolio to $50 billion. Both sides expressed a strong interest in fostering closer ties between their business communities and expanding UAE investments in Uzbekistan.

Cultural and humanitarian collaboration also featured prominently. President Mirziyoyev proposed a joint program with the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence to train specialists and conduct advanced research in artificial intelligence.

Preparations for high-level events, including the upcoming second summit of the “Central Asia – Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf” dialogue in Samarkand, were also discussed. The leaders exchanged views on pressing international issues, reaffirming their commitment to addressing global challenges through collaborative efforts.

This visit further cements Uzbekistan and the UAE’s commitment to building a future-focused partnership that benefits both nations.