After achieving its independence, the Republic of Uzbekistan determined the directions of its foreign policy, following its national and state interests.

Saudi Arabia was one of those countries that established diplomatic relations with Uzbekistan from the first years of independence.

In November 1992, the Uzbekistan Consulate started its activities in Jeddah, and in May 1994, it got the status of consulate general. The first legal foundations of diplomatic relations were formed during this period. In May 1995, the Uzbekistan Embassy was the first among the Central Asian countries to open in Riyadh. In March 1997, the Saudi Embassy began its operations in Tashkent.

After establishing diplomatic ties, Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement on cooperation in the fields of trade, economy, investments, technology, culture, sports, and youth affairs, which created the legal basis for bilateral cooperation in these areas. Until now, this agreement has shown its practical importance.

The cooperation of foreign political agencies also plays a vital role in the relations between the two countries. For instance, in 2005, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the ministries of foreign affairs of both nations on conducting political consultations. Since then, the foreign offices of both countries have been holding regular discussions on regional and international developments.

Significant results have also been achieved in cooperation between the two governments in security, education, and construction. For example, on Nov. 27, 2010, the allies signed an agreement on combating terrorism, organized crime, trafficking of narcotics, and other crimes.

Increasing cooperation

In May 2014, a delegation from Uzbekistan participated in the first economic forum, the League of Arab States-Central Asia-Azerbaijan, in Riyadh, which led to the signing of another memorandum of cooperation.

One can see that between 2005 and 2015, both countries cooperated in the fields of security and jointly fought crimes, and then built their partnership in trade and economy.

We consider 2016 a new stage in boosting cooperation between the two countries. In this period, along with economic, political, social, and cultural cooperation, great attention was paid to developing a legal basis for investment cooperation.

Between May 28 and July 3, the ministries of justice of both nations signed an MoU to develop a legal affiliation.

Also, the Kingdom widened its influence with Arab countries within the framework of international organizations, particularly the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Islamic Development Bank.

Uzbekistan also extended the cooperation by hosting the 43rd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC held in Tashkent from Oct. 18-19, 2016.

At this event, Riyadh and Tashkent approved a bilateral agreement on financial cooperation.

On May 21, 2017, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Kingdom to participate in the Summit of Arab-Muslim countries and the US at King Salman’s invitation, which further improved the bilateral ties.

Infrastructure development

The agreements signed with the Saudi Development Fund for the implementation of various uplift projects in Uzbekistan are crucial.

In 2011, Uzbekistan and the SDF inked a deal in Jeddah to finance the work on the reconstruction of the Guzar-Chim-Kukdala highway.

The SDF allocated $30 million to reconstruct this highway. The fund also developed irrigation systems and public schools in the region.

Since 2016, Uzbekistan’s cooperation with the SDF has continued, including financing the residential construction on its rural lands, which has over the years yielded positive results.

It is interesting to note that the legal basis of bilateral cooperation between the two nations consists of about 20 documents from the year of Uzbek independence.

Notably, the accords on Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages are renewed every year.

Besides the cultural affiliations, there has also been a significant emphasis on economic ties between the two countries. An excellent example of this affiliation is between the Saudi company ACWA Power and the Ministry of Investments and Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan, which envisaged designing, financing, building, and operating a thermal power plant for 25 years.

As part of the project, ACWA Power will attract $1.2 billion in direct investment and create more than 1,000 jobs during the construction and operation phases. Additionally, the power plant will produce 12 billion kilowatt-hours of additional electricity per year. This facility will be commissioned in the fourth quarter of 2023.

To further develop the economic potential and opportunities between the two nations, President Mirziyoyev will once again pay a state visit to the Kingdom from Aug. 17-18 at the invitation of King Salman.

Both leaders will focus on areas of common interest such as the green economy, high technologies, digitization, innovation, small business, and entrepreneurship.

We are sure that during the visit, a large set of bilateral documents will further expand the scope of relations between the two peoples, based on the principles of longstanding religious, cultural, and educational friendship and brotherhood.

• Кomil Rashidov is a professor of international law at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy.

• Mahinora Mirhamidova is an associate professor at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy.