Istanbul: Trkiye’s standing as a reliable and influential actor in international relations is growing, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated. He highlighted that Uzbek-Turkish relations have reached the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership, attributing this development to the efforts of Trkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Mirziyoyev conveyed this message to participants of the 29th Eurasian Economic Summit in Istanbul, as published on his website.

According to Anadolu Agency, Mirziyoyev emphasized that the priorities of Uzbek-Turkish relations align with the key goals of the Eurasian Economic Summit, which include expanding comprehensive multilateral partnerships and promoting sustainable development based on equality, trust, and mutual respect. He noted that over the decades, the summit has become a platform for dialogue, uniting leading politicians, business representatives, and experts.

Mirziyoyev remarked on the symbolic significance of holding the summit in Istanbul, a city historica
lly serving as a bridge between Europe and Asia, facilitating cultural, trade, and economic exchanges. The Uzbek president pointed out that modern Trkiye is implementing Erdogan’s strategic vision, referred to as the ‘Century of Trkiye,’ which enhances the country’s prestige as a reliable and influential player in international relations.

One of the summit’s themes, global responsibility amidst water and green resource shortages, is particularly relevant to Central Asia, Mirziyoyev noted. The region is experiencing faster warming than the global average, along with shrinking glaciers and worsening land degradation. Environmental sustainability has thus become a key priority in Uzbekistan’s development strategy.

The Uzbek president highlighted the Green Space project, under which Uzbekistan plants 200 million trees annually, including afforestation efforts on the dried bed of the Aral Sea. He detailed that Uzbekistan has reduced emissions by 35% and aims to cut them by 50% by 2035 as part of its transition t
o a green development model. Additionally, efforts to improve water management through water-saving technologies are helping save significant amounts of water each year.

Mirziyoyev concluded by stating that Uzbekistan intends to actively promote the green agenda and contribute to finding effective solutions to global environmental challenges.