In Kun.uz’s Geopolitics, Head of the Centre for Afghanistan and South Asia Studies Hamza Boltaev and Senior Research Fellow Dr. Islomkhon Gafarov discussed relations between the US and the Taliban, the West’s approach to Afghanistan and Uzbekistan’s role in this complex geopolitical issue.   Hamza Boltaev noted that while the strategic direction of US foreign policy towards Afghanistan has not changed during the Trump administration, there have been significant tactical changes in practice. “Under previous presidents, negotiations between the US and the Taliban were conducted through Doha or other cities. In those negotiations, inclusive government, human rights, women’s and children’s rights were mostly the main conditions. Trump, on the other hand, has embarked on a more pragmatic foreign policy, prioritising US interests ... The West’s democratic values have taken a back seat and now America is trying to take a strategic stance against Beijing in Afghanistan”, he said.   The Taliban have recently been trying to get closer to Germany, Islomkhon Ghafarov said. The European Union also needs direct dialogue with the Taliban, but finds it expedient to do so through Uzbekistan ... President Mirziyoyev proposed to involve Afghanistan in regional economic projects. This proposal was favourably evaluated in Europe. Because they are looking for solutions to security problems not only by military, but also by social and economic methods. “Soft power has become a priority strategy for Europe today”, he emphasised. Uzbekistan’s open and active position on the Afghan issue makes the country an important mediator in the region.   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

In a recent interview, Professor Azamat Seitov emphasised the significance of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov’s speech at the Central Asia-European Union Summit in Samarkand, describing it as reflecting a new stage of constructive engagement in the region. In his opinion, Zhaparov’s statements on the priority of cooperation with the nearest neighbours testify to Bishkek's pragmatic course towards strengthening stability and political coordination in Central Asia, especially in the context of common challenges – climate change, water resources and migration.   Professor also noted that strengthening regional ties paves the way for deeper economic integration and increased investment attractiveness. He emphasised the importance of interaction with external partners, in particular the EU, through the prism of the interests of the whole region. According to him, strengthening ties with the European Union can serve as a catalyst for the development of new economic and political orientations in Central Asia.   Read the interview on KABAR.kg   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

In an interview with the Kyrgyz National News Agency KABAR, Professor Azamat Seitov noted that the opening of the Friendship Stele at the junction of the borders of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan has become a symbol of unity and strategic partnership of the peoples of Central Asia. Presidents of the three countries took part in the ceremony, which emphasized the significance of this event in building confidence and settling border issues at the international legal level.   Prof Seitov added that the completion of border delimitation reduces the risks of interstate disputes and contributes to regional stability. He emphasized that this step demonstrates the effectiveness of Central Asia's diplomatic mechanisms, enhances economic cooperation and strengthens the region's international standing.   Read the full interview on the KABAR website   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

A special edition of Uzbekistan 24 TV channel’s Irreversible Reforms (“Ortga qaytmas islohotlar”) was dedicated to the development of transport and transit potential of the country. The programme was attended by industry specialists, experts and analysts who expressed their views on Uzbekistan’s place in the international transport system, infrastructure projects being implemented and work being done to strengthen regional transport links.   Nargiza Umarova, Senior Research Fellow at IAIS, also participated as a guest in the programme. In her speech, she touched upon Uzbekistan’s topical projects in the field of logistics, in particular, the prospects of China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and Trans-Afghanistan railway projects.   Nargiza Umarova noted that Uzbekistan, given its favourable geostrategic position, pays special attention to the development of transport system. This will allow the country to move from the status of a peripheral territory in the regional transport system to the level of a central logistics and transit hub. The expert also emphasised the significant contribution of such large infrastructure projects to the economic development not only of Uzbekistan, but also of the entire Central Asian region, diversification of foreign trade relations and expansion of international transport corridors.   Thus, the transport infrastructure projects implemented by Uzbekistan serve not only to improve the domestic logistics system, but also to further strengthen the country’s role in international economic co-operation.   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

Mirjalol Murtozaev is a Junior Research Fellow at the Centre for Afghanistan and South Asian Studies   From 11 to 13 March 2025, the official state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to France marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations, fostering cooperation across multiple domains. In an interview with the analytical information channel Paradigma.uz, Mirjalol Murtozayev underscored the pivotal aspects of this diplomatic engagement, highlighting the newly established Strategic Partnership Declaration as a cornerstone for strengthening long-term collaboration between the two nations. The visit also saw progress in investment projects, with France committing to key sectors in Uzbekistan, including energy, infrastructure, water management, transport, and tourism, reflecting growing economic interdependence. Furthermore, discussions centered on enhancing trade relations, particularly in the context of Uzbekistan’s access to GSP+ trade preferences and prospects for free trade agreements, further solidifying economic ties.   Beyond economic and strategic matters, the visit underscored cultural and multilateral cooperation, as exemplified by high-level discussions with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. These talks explored avenues for deepening international cultural engagement, reinforcing Uzbekistan’s role as a bridge between civilizations. A major focal point was the upcoming 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, set to take place in Samarkand in 2025, with both sides engaged in preparatory discussions. This visit is anticipated to elevate Uzbekistan-France relations to a new level, fostering deeper collaboration in politics, education, tourism, and infrastructure while reinforcing Uzbekistan’s growing presence in global affairs.   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

A commentary-interview by IAIS leading research fellow Fazliddin Djamalov for the Qalampir.uz is devoted to the dynamics of relations between Uzbekistan and France in the context of the signed agreement on strategic partnership. The expert discusses in detail the evolution of diplomatic ties between the two countries, starting with the recognition of Uzbekistan’s independence by France in 1992 and the establishment of diplomatic relations, and ending with the current stage, at which the cooperation acquires a strategic character. Mr. Djamalov stressed that the strategic partnership with France opens up opportunities for Uzbekistan to strengthen ties with the European Union, and the signing of this agreement on the eve of the EU-Central Asia summit symbolizes Uzbekistan’s aspiration to a multi-vector foreign policy.   In addition, he emphasized the economic component of cooperation, noting that France, being one of the leading European economies, is interested in Uzbekistan’s resource base, especially in uranium supplies. Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Paris was accompanied by the signing of agreements worth 6.5 billion euros, which demonstrates the seriousness of both sides in the development of economic and investment projects. The expert also notes that France views Uzbekistan as a promising partner for reducing energy dependence on Russia, which makes cooperation beneficial for both countries. In this context, a special role is played by French companies, which can make a significant contribution to the modernization of Uzbekistan’s energy sector, especially in the field of renewable energy. Thus, in Fazliddin Djamalov’s opinion, the deepening of Uzbek-French partnership is not only economic, but also strategic in nature, defining a new configuration of Uzbekistan’s interaction with Europe.   Read on Qalampir.uz   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.