KYIV, December 31. /Dunyo IA/.  The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Kyiv hosted a “roundtable” on the topic “Renewed Foreign Policy of Uzbekistan”, bringing together over 50 representatives from leading Ukrainian analytical centers and media outlets, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The event was chaired by Hryhoriy Perepelytsia, Director of the Institute for Foreign Policy Studies of Ukraine and a renowned political analyst. Speaking at the roundtable, he highlighted that under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership, Uzbekistan has been actively developing political and economic ties both within Central Asia and beyond, charting new vectors for international cooperation. He noted that the country maintains an active and pragmatic approach amid global turbulence and the ongoing transformation of the international order.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Ukraine, Alisher Kurmanov, outlined key initiatives of the Head of State, including strengthening regional neighborly relations in Central Asia, pursuing a peaceful foreign policy grounded in international law, diversifying trade and economic partnerships, developing transport logistics, advancing green energy and addressing water and climate agendas.

The roundtable also highlighted Uzbekistan’s growing international stature, marked by hosting the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference, signaling the country’s enhanced global authority.

Professor Sergii Tolstov, leading the Department of Transatlantic Studies at the Institute of World History, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU) emphasized the principles of “positive neutrality” and a multi-vector approach in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy, noting that Tashkent pursues an active and pragmatic strategy aimed at balancing interests and strengthening the country’s international agency. Particular attention was paid to expanding economic diplomacy and broadening Uzbekistan’s global presence.

A dedicated segment of the discussion focused on Uzbekistan–European Union cooperation. Experts underscored Uzbekistan’s increasing role as a key EU partner in Central Asia across investment, transport and logistics, green energy, water resources, education, and regional security, including developments in Afghanistan.

The participants also stressed the importance of Uzbekistan’s cultural and historical heritage as a tool of soft power, agreeing that the country’s foreign policy is characterized by pragmatism, openness, and predictability.

Concluding the event, it was emphasized that Uzbekistan’s renewed foreign policy strengthens its role as a reliable partner and a key factor in stability within Central Asia and beyond.