Uzbekistan and Russia: A Time-Tested Strategic Partnership
Uzbekistan and Russia: A Time-Tested Strategic Partnership
Historical Foundations and Modern Dynamics
The relationship between Uzbekistan and Russia today represents a robust model of strategic partnership, based on mutual respect, equality, and a commitment to shared development. Since establishing diplomatic relations on March 20, 1992, the two countries have progressed from classic interstate contacts to a multi-level system of interaction covering politics, economy, industry, energy, transport, and the humanitarian sphere.
Over three decades, there have been 35 mutual high-level visits—an indicator of uniquely intense political dialogue. In the last two years alone, the leaders of the two countries have met in Kazan, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Tashkent, discussing issues of industrial cooperation, energy integration, and support for regional ties. In 2024, the visit of the President of Russia to Uzbekistan became a historic event, marking the launch of the Council of Regions—a new format for direct interaction between the federal subjects of the two countries.
A Barrier-Free Economy: From Trade to Industrial Cooperation
In the economic sphere, a free trade regime is in effect between the countries, and cooperation is coordinated by an Intergovernmental Commission, which unites 14 subcommissions—ranging from industry and investments to science, digitalization, and healthcare.
Recent years have seen steady growth in bilateral trade: from $5.7 billion in 2018 to $11.6 billion in 2024, and in January-August 2025, it reached $8.3 billion, an increase of 6.5%. Notably, Uzbekistan's exports to Russia grew by almost 17%, mainly due to textiles, food products, and metallurgical goods. Uzbek fruits, textiles, and non-ferrous metals have long become recognizable brands on the Russian market.
Imports from Russia traditionally consist of rolled metal, timber, energy resources, and vehicles, reflecting the complementarity of the two economies.
Investing in the Future: Industry, Energy, Regions
The investment partnership between Uzbekistan and Russia today encompasses 415 projects with a total value of $55.6 billion. In 2024 alone, over $5.8 billion was utilized, and another $5 billion is planned for 2025.
More than 3,000 enterprises with Russian capital are actively operating in Uzbekistan, over 2,100 of them in Tashkent. These companies are represented in all strategic sectors—from energy and chemicals to pharmaceuticals and digital technologies.
The project portfolio includes the construction of hydropower facilities, the creation of joint ventures for fertilizers and polymers, the development of non-ferrous metal deposits, and the launch of modern machine-building and construction enterprises. A separate focus is the development of regional cooperation: in the Bukhara region alone, projects worth almost $1.2 billion are being implemented, and in the Namangan region, projects worth over $600 million.
Transport and Logistics: The Connecting Link of Eurasia
Transport connectivity remains the backbone of the entire cooperation system. In 2024, the volume of bilateral freight traffic exceeded 15 million tons, and passenger traffic on air routes reached 4 million people (+42%).
Approximately 300 flights per week are operated between the countries, making Russia one of Uzbekistan's largest aviation partners. In railway and road logistics, there is an active modernization of corridors, including routes through Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea, as well as the development of joint logistics centers and multimodal hubs.
Joint "Roadmaps" and Industrial Platforms
In recent years, dozens of "roadmaps" have been approved following visits and forums, including the major "INNOPROM. Central Asia" exhibitions. Their results alone have led to the signing of hundreds of agreements worth billions of dollars in industry, trade, and innovation.
These documents are not mere formalities—it is on their basis that dozens of specific production facilities are being implemented, jobs are being created, and a new architecture of industrial cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia is being formed.
Conclusion: A Union of Creation and Pragmatism
Uzbekistan and Russia are not just neighbors and partners—their relationship is an example of pragmatic alliance, where the priority is not political rhetoric, but real deeds.
The rapid growth in trade, large-scale investments, the development of transport corridors, and the strengthening of humanitarian ties demonstrate that this partnership is not a tribute to the past, but an investment in a shared future
