LJUBLJANA, November 9. /Dunyo IA/. Dr. Denis Mancevič, Assistant Professor of International Relations at the Faculty of Government and European Studies, New University, Slovenia, highlighted the outcomes of the visit of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Türkiye and his participation in the 13^th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the expert, a systemic transformation is unfolding at the level of geopolitics and the structure of international relations. Traditional multilateral institutions established after the Second World War are increasingly becoming paralyzed, dysfunctional and incapable of responding to complex contemporary challenges. Concurrently, bilateral ties are strengthening, and political forces favoring an exclusively bilateral approach are gaining momentum. Such dynamics, Denis Mancevič noted, objectively play into the hands of the world's major powers.

“In this context, the significance of the OTS extends far beyond mutual integration based on shared historical roots and culture. Its true strategic value lies in its potential to serve as a foundational model for international relations in the 21^st century”, expert emphasized.

In his view, closely cooperating regional organizations enable like-minded states to jointly counter contemporary asymmetric challenges: the weaponization of trade as a tool of political pressure, migratory pressures and escalating security threats. Today, these factors not only jeopardize international peace and stability but also pose a direct threat to the international subjectivity of states, their sovereignty, development potential and very existence.

According to Dr. Denis Mancevič's assessment, the outcomes of the summit carry profound significance: Uzbekistan is no longer merely participating in the activities of the OTS but is emerging as one of the most influential leaders within the organization. This is underscored by several pivotal decisions. Official appointment of the representative of Uzbekistan, Mirvokhid Azimov, as the new Secretary General of the OTS, coupled with the decision to host the 14^th summit of the organization in Uzbekistan in 2027, provides Tashkent with direct administrative and political leadership in shaping the future agenda.

Expert characterized the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to implement 100 joint industrial projects as a pragmatic and forward-looking roadmap for cooperation. By prioritizing critical mineral resources, the transition to green energy, and the creation of “Turkic Industrial Zones”, Uzbekistan is actively reinforcing its position as one of the key industrial hubs in the region.

Dr. Denis Mancevič noted that Uzbekistan's proactive stance on accelerating the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route - the Middle Corridor - is of fundamental importance. For a landlocked country, securing reliable and independent transport links to European markets, circumventing traditional Russian transport infrastructure, constitutes a vital component of economic security and a multi-vector foreign policy.

At the same time, while the agreements reached lay a solid foundation for future interaction, the potential for economic expansion remains largely untapped. Despite the positive dynamics of the integration processes, Uzbekistan's current trade volume with other OTS member states remains relatively modest. According to him, the practical implementation of the “100 Industrial Projects” program, alongside the introduction of new simplified customs corridors, will be of crucial importance for translating the achieved political consensus and goodwill into concrete results, thereby ensuring substantial growth in mutual trade and the development of transport and logistics cooperation within the organization.