Uzbekistan and Mongolia Sign Joint Declaration to Deepen Bilateral Ties

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Mongolia on June 24 for a historic state visit at the invitation of President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. This marks the first official visit by a Uzbek head of state to Mongolia, signaling a significant step forward in bilateral relations. The official welcoming ceremony took place at Sukhbaatar Square in central Ulaanbaatar, where the two leaders reviewed an honor guard and greeted members of their respective delegations as national anthems were performed. In formal talks, both presidents reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to deepening cooperation. President Mirziyoyev expressed gratitude for Mongolia’s warm reception, and extended congratulations in advance of the country’s upcoming People’s Revolution Day celebrations. Expanding Economic Cooperation Discussions focused on strengthening economic ties, including cooperation in healthcare, education, e-commerce, agriculture, and construction materials. A recent Uzbek-Mongolian business forum held in Ulaanbaatar highlighted growing commercial engagement, while the opening of a Trade House for Uzbek goods in the Mongolian capital further cemented trade ties. The two presidents emphasized the importance of expanding trade in high value-added products, and expressed readiness to finalize agreements on preferential trade and investment protection. Areas such as mining, technology transfer, and vocational training were also on the agenda. To support these initiatives, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Geology has opened a representative office in Ulaanbaatar. Agro-Industrial Development and Connectivity Agro-industrial collaboration will be advanced through the creation of joint clusters in meat, dairy, wool, and leather processing. Both sides are also exploring the possibility of launching direct flights between Tashkent and Ulaanbaatar by the end of 2025 to facilitate business and tourism. Humanitarian and Educational Exchange Humanitarian cooperation featured prominently in the dialogue. The leaders agreed to resume educational exchange programs, enabling Mongolian students to study at universities in Uzbekistan, thereby strengthening cultural and academic ties. Formalizing a Comprehensive Partnership The visit concluded with the signing of a joint declaration establishing a comprehensive partnership, outlining key areas for long-term cooperation and reaffirming mutual commitment to deeper ties. President Mirziyoyev also invited President Khurelsukh for a reciprocal visit to Uzbekistan.

Amidst Diplomatic Tensions, Russia and Uzbekistan Explore Long-Term Youth Exchange Program

During a recent meeting with the heads of global news agencies in St. Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin responded positively to a proposal from Uzbekistan’s National News Agency (UzA) to establish a long-term youth exchange program aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and addressing migration-related issues. Abdusaid Kochimov, Director General of UzA, initiated the proposal, emphasizing the historical and cultural ties between the two countries. “There is a strong interest in Uzbekistan in everything that happens in and around Russia. Our societies share close mentalities and traditions,” he said. Kochimov praised the leadership of Presidents Vladimir Putin and Shavkat Mirziyoyev in deepening strategic cooperation, describing their efforts as “titanic.” However, he pointed out persistent challenges in the migration sphere and argued that a structured youth program with defined goals could foster deeper mutual understanding and resolve some of these issues. “There is a real need for a large-scale and long-term youth exchange program with clear projects and goals,” Kochimov said. “This would bring our young people closer and build a strong, friendly image of each other, based on our shared values and history.” President Putin welcomed the suggestion, noting ongoing collaboration between Russia and Uzbekistan across several sectors, including energy. He referenced the two countries’ partnership in nuclear energy development and acknowledged Uzbekistan’s rapidly growing population, from 15 million three decades ago to 38 million today, highlighting the resulting pressures on its labor market. “We agreed with President Mirziyoyev to prepare people who want to work in Russia in advance. This includes learning the Russian language and culture. There’s a good plan in place,” Putin said, adding, “This work is not just important, it’s essential. I fully agree with you.” Putin also mentioned recent visits by Uzbek officials to Moscow, including Saida Mirziyoyeva, which included discussions on youth engagement. He reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to supporting joint initiatives in this area. However, this positive diplomatic development comes against the backdrop of recent tensions over the treatment of Uzbek nationals in Russia. On June 10, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry summoned Russian diplomats to protest what it called the aggressive and disrespectful conduct of law enforcement officers during identity checks on Uzbek migrants. The protest followed a major police raid in Moscow’s Strogino district on June 8. Footage shared online appeared to show migrants being forcibly removed, verbally abused, and subjected to electric shocks. Uzbek authorities criticized these actions as unauthorized and unacceptable. In response, Uzbekistan’s embassy in Moscow issued an official note requesting a legal explanation and urging Russian authorities to treat migrants with dignity in line with international standards. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova confirmed that the matter is currently under official review.