MIRZIYOYEVS UZBEKISTAN: TOWARDS OPENNESS AND REAL DEMOCRACY?

Jasur Salomov

EUCACIS Online Paper

No. 6 April 2019

PhD Support Programme The EU, Central Asia and the Caucasus in the International System About EUCACIS “The EU, Central Asia and the Caucasus in the International System” (EUCACIS) is a PhD Support Programme for Postgraduates and Doctoral Researchers in Central Asia and the Southern Caucasus, organized by the Institut für Europäische Politik (IEP) and the Centre international de formation européenne (CIFE). Funded by the Volkswagen Foundation and the programme Erasmus+, it offers scholarships for three years to excellent postgraduates who are working on a doctoral thesis in political science, contemporary history or economics on a topic related to its thematic focus at a university or academy of sciences in the Southern Caucasus or Central Asia (including Afghanistan, the Kashmir region in India and the autonomous region Xinjiang in China). It is the objective of the EUCACIS programme to provide EUCACIS.eu intensive PhD research training for its participants to bring them closer to international standards, to support them until they submit their doctoral theses, and to help them establish their own networks with other young researchers in the target regions and in Europe. This will be achieved through four international conferences, four PhD schools, two research training stays and continuous online coaching.

About IEP Since 1959, the Institut für Europäische Politik (IEP) has been active in the field of European integration as a non-profit organisation. It is one of Germany’s leading research institutes on foreign and European policy. IEP works at the interface of academia, politics, administration, and civic education. In doing so, IEP’s task include scientific analyses of problems surrounding European politics and integration. www.iep-berlin.de

About CIFE The Centre international de formation européenne (CIFE) is a private institution of higher education and research, founded in 1954 with its head office in Nice and branch offices in Berlin, Brussels and Istanbul. It receives special funding in the framework of the Jean Monnet Programme of the European Union. Students from all continents enroll in its programmes and work as senior officials, consultants and academic experts after graduation. www.cife.eu

About the Series EUCACIS Online Paper comprise research and policy papers on topics related to the thematic focus of the programme, written by fellows of the EUCACIS PhD Support Programme and members of the wider EUCACIS network. It aims at making the debates within the network, notably during the EUCACIS conferences and PhD schools, accessible to a wider public. The papers are available on the programme website: www.eucacis.eu About the Author Jasur Salomov is a junior research fellow at the Institute of History at the National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek. He obtained his master’s degree in International Law from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Tashkent. In his research he focuses on transition processes in post-Soviet countries, the formation and development of political systems in Central Asian states, and participation of the international organizations in providing regional security in Central Asia. Jasur is a EUCACIS PhD fellow since 2016.

Editorial team

Publishers: Prof. Dr Mathias Jopp, Head of International Programmes, IEP PD Dr Matthias Waechter, Director General, CIFE

Editors: Dr Susann Heinecke, Programme Manager EUCACIS, CIFE Janny Schulz, Programme Manager EUCACIS, IEP

Layout: Fabian Weber, IEP

Place of publication: Berlin

ISSN: 2627-7204

Internet: www.eucacis.eu

Email: [email protected]

Hashtag: #EUCACIS

published in April 2019 4 EUCACIS Online Paper No. 6 - Mirziyoyevs Uzbekistan: Towards Openness and Real Democracy? Introduction 1 2016 until June 2018 government from September ofUzbekistan ofthenew analyses thetwo-year activities current development ofUzbekistan. The article the orientation, nature ofthe andprospects contribute to understandingandevaluating have arisen? The aimofthispaperisto progressing? What problems andchallenges time. How successful are politicalreforms haschangedsomuch inashort Uzbekistan organizations to anewlevel. the cooperation withinternational financial reasons—, as wellcertain asofbringing countries withwhichtheywere frozen for the regional withthose level—in particular his own visionsofdeveloping relations at Mirziyoyev.Shavkat As out, hehad itturned for are alsoimportant International activities reputable limited. butitseffectiveness was very system from theface ofitmay have looked reforms. shouldbenoted that the previous It was notaffected by personneland conceptual was no single institution of political power that political system ofUzbekistan. thereVirtually changesalsoconcern theentireSerious created duetomarket many barriers. artificially kept aloof for a long time from the Uzbek for large attracting foreign investors whowere This, has opened new opportunities in turn, catalysthas become for a powerful this process. andfinancial reform andthecurrency started hassignificant potential,Uzbekistan isfinally state. The diversification ofindustry, for which economy which recently was in a stable inert begun to radically transform thenational accelerating reforms. are gradually redeemed, are andauthorities campaign, even thoughwithsomedifficulties, Promises thepre-election madeduring and economic development ofthecountry. significantly—influenced thepolitical, social Mirziyoyev, has—ifnotdrastically but in2016headedby Shavkat in Uzbekistan and modernizing politics,and modernizing strengthening

The coming to power ofthenewteam There ismuchquestioningthesedays how Thus, inthefirstinstance, has Uzbekistan events and reforms upto andincludingJune2018. Research for thispaperwas doneinsummer2018andincludes 1 that aimedat opening Attempts ofthepolitical onmodernizing system 1. Political andeconomic renewal provide somerecommendations. to problems and challenges and attempts to period. Insofar, thepaperalsodraws attention difficult is goingthroughtransition avery of politicallife country inUzbekistan—the bynoted theintensification that—caused are reviewed.of Uzbekistan shouldbe It dynamics ofbilateral andmultilateral relations On theregional andinternational level, new human rights andfostering economic progress. both centrally andlocallydonot work for 2017 hedeclared that thepublicauthorities meeting oftheCabinet in January ofMinisters economic problems of the country. Later, at a the main reason for the unresolved socio- andregionalof ministries administrations is of senior executivessaid that the inactivity MirziyoyevDecember 2016,Shavkat repeatedly Presidentof beinganActing from September- ofthe strategy.top priority theperiod During 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. areas defined priority for reform infive spheres: 2017-2021”, approved inFebruary 2017,which in development ofUzbekistan oftheRepublic “Strategy for areas ofactions the five of priority for theimplementation ofthetaskswas the all spheres oflife. The mainlegalinstrument transformationsbeginning in oflarge-scale circles that contributed andinsociety to the oftheexisting systemrethinking inpolitical government conceptual there was acertain The renewal ofthepoliticalsystem was the After coming to power of the new beneficial and constructive foreign policy. and implementation ofbalanced, mutually ethnic harmony andreligious tolerance, areasPriority inthefieldofsecurity, inter- sphere; areasPriority ofdevelopment ofthesocial and liberalization; areasPriority ofeconomic development reforming thejudicialsystem;and further areasPriority for theruleoflaw ensuring state andpublicconstruction; areasPriority for improving the system of EUCACIS Online Paper No. 6 - Mirziyoyevs Uzbekistan: Towards Openness and Real Democracy? 5 5 Specification of tasks (functions, powers), tasks (functions, of powers), Specification implementation their for mechanisms bodies, executive of and responsibilities and coordination of improvement processes; interaction reduction of administrative Further sectors on economic and influence of marketexpansion management mechanisms; mechanisms of the vertical the Improving of and interaction system management authorities; executive Introductionstrategic of modernof forms developments ideas, innovative planning, public of system in the technologies and administration; of system of an effective formation The service, civil the introduction professional combat to mechanisms of effective executive of system the in corruption authorities. “The Concept of Administrative Reform in the Republic of Reform “The of Administrative Concept Authorized Official of the website Uzbekistan is approved”, MajlisOliy the of Republicthe of Uzbekistanof for Person 9, 2017, http:// September Human Rights (Ombudsman), ombudsman.uz/en/press_center/news/uzbekistan/the-con- cept-of-administrative-reform-in-the-republic-of-uzbekistan- . is-approved/ Part of the concept was a review of the a review was of the concept Part importantAnother which is area 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. activities of more than 100 state and economic and economic activities than 100 state of more established a commission decree The bodies. as as well implementation, the concept’s for conducting a critical study for working groups fundamental a for proposals preparing and In system. of the public administration reform was the adoption of this document general, the governmental that a kind of recognition meet necessary institutional didn’t apparatus new radically a demanded and requirements approach. is the reforms a stage of undergoing issue with that awkward The parliament. in the competition the lack of real was reform political by of draft legislations promotion members of parliament parties. Moreover, mainly practically act initiatives, without any the by working drafts of laws on proposed or other agencies. administration President’s character of the legislative executive The 5

4 and 2 . By creating such new format such new format By creating 3 Improvement of the institutional, of the institutional, Improvement of legal framework and organizational, activities; authorities’ the executive For the remarks on the presidential decree see Anthony Anthony see decree presidential on the remarks the For Uzbekistan: in Mirziyoyev’s Reform “Political C. Bowyer, RoadSilk Paper, Society”, Civil and Parties Elections,Political 2018: 27-28, https://silkroadstudies.org/resources/pdf/ March SilkRoadPapers/1803-Bowyer-Uzbekistan.pdf In various Uzbekistan, widely disseminate to the tradition the typical as it was for the president, from slogans or quotes year each 1997 since Moreover, continued. was period, Soviet a certain and abstract usually a general issue given name, was and the “youth”, like. “woman”, “child”, as “family”, - as Presi Year First “Uzbekistan – Mirziyoyev’s Stykov, Petra Power, Presidential Change”, without Regime reforms dent: . September 5, 2017, http://presidential-power.com/?p=6834 On 8 September 2017, the Decree of the 2017, the Decree On 8 September According to custom, each year has its has its each year custom, to According

It identifies six key areas for radical reform of reform radical for It six key areas identifies of Uzbekistan: the government 1. President of the Republic of Uzbekistan of President of the approval “On Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the reform of administrative Concept The issued. was Republic of Uzbekistan” an effective introducing at aimed was concept ensuring government, transparent and of the rights and freedoms protection reliable and enhancing the country’s of citizens, arena. in the international competitiveness of contact with the population, President President of contact the population, with of the set a good example Mirziyoyev is that point The dialogue with the people. removing him directly, addressing he allowed and the all barriers the President between people. common own name in Uzbekistan, name in own no and 2017 was had Mirziyoyev In 2017, President exception. when the old traditions the from strayed way’ the Soviet ‘in declared were years people. In this regard, he demanded the civil the demanded he Inthis regard, people. to meet servants but sit in the offices to not them. Although to listen people and with serious a demand was this extraordinary, picture the of real a obtaining at aiming in the country. problems existing announced 2017 as the “Year of Dialogue with “Year the 2017 as announced a result, As Human Interest”. the people and where launched were “virtual receptions” their problems openly voice people could various issues on proposals and put forward dialogue has This the President. directly to gained such wide popularity in just ten that have than a million letters more months been received. 4 2 3 6 EUCACIS Online Paper No. 6 - Mirziyoyevs Uzbekistan: Towards Openness and Real Democracy? 6 sphere Rights intheHuman Changes President, withgovernment officialsand ZeidRights Ra’ad Al Husseinmetwiththe CommissionerMay 2017,UNHigh for Human rights, particular, andpoliticalprisoners. In in issues aschildlabour, forced labour, women’s the international ispaidto community such Specialattentionvisited Uzbekistan. from of reputable human rights organizations have issues, andinthepasttwo years delegations of international organizations onrelevant extensive negotiations with representatives the world. To date, state conduct authorities around the politicalimageofcountry ofpoliticalinstitutionsand the functioning havein Uzbekistan affected seriously both human rightssince thechangeofpower on ensuring achievements in the policy organizations hasbeensuspended. Positive cooperation withInternationalhumanrights rightsthe fieldofhumanandfreedoms, and ratings in hadunsatisfactory Uzbekistan liberalization ofthecountry.” ofallontheoverallimportantly political members. Success most willdependperhaps outreach to recruit andretain party active effectiveconduct communication and and well-researched platform initiatives, to organize,on itsability develop coherent in a competitive system depends greatly oppositional orpro-government, itssuccess dialogue. Forpublic policy any party, be it is having ademonstrable effectinincreasing scene, thenitcanbesaidthat theStrategy with theregistration onthe ofnewparties continues topolitical spectrum diversify human rightsanddevelopment, andifthe and address challenging issues, including to pursuebolderstrategies ofinclusion ofgreater political openness opportunity the officially-registered takethe parties envisioned by President Mirziyoyev. Once Strategy oftheAction is akeyobjective project: “A ofpoliticalcompetition rebirth outlinedthescope ofthisreform perfectly entire politicalsystem. Anthony Bowyer may threaten thedemocratic nature ofthe It isnosecret that inpreviousIt years, pdf/SilkRoadPapers/1803-Bowyer-Uzbekistan.pdf Paper, March 2018:49,https://silkroadstudies.org/resources/ Politicalstan: Elections, Parties and Civil Society”, Silk Road Anthony C.Bowyer, “Political Reform inMirziyoyev’s- Uzbeki 6 . 8 7 development Attempts theeconomic social to and lift trade were incrementally removed. to barriers foreigninstitutions, allartificial countries and international financial partner regards to animprovement ofrelations with the businessclimate. Moreover, with the rightsofentrepreneurs andto improve were madeto strengthen the protection of was eased,permitted, andefforts exporting conversionUzbek afree market: currency was that focused ontheliberalization ofthe retreat ofthestate from theeconomy. order to reach conversion free currency anda regulation mechanismsofcurrency in market an incremental implementation ofadvanced to liberalize the national economy through ofthehead ofstate.priorities The aimwas future. “transformational impact” onUzbekistan’s of humanrightsreforms could have a that the “successful implementation” in Tashkent He emphasized and Samarkand. representatives ofnongovernmental groups human rightscommitted inthepast. as unbiased re-investigation against ofcrimes rehabilitation ofall “political prisoners”, aswell the termination cases and the of criminal list ofrecommendations, on inparticular a half. Internationalprepared Amnesty a overlabour and slavery the past year and expression, freedom ofmovement, forced on suchproblematic issuesasfreedom of positive steps takenby theUzbek authorities number ofofficials. Strasers Marie noted the the firsttimesince 2004andmetwitha from 22untilUzbekistan 25May 2017for visited Krivosheev Denis and her deputy Europe andCentral Strasers Asia Marie delegation includingthedirector for Eastern years. Furthermore, International anAmnesty a UN human rights delegation in past ten issues, asthiswas thefirsthigh-level visitof willingness incooperating onhumanrights the government towards and transparency Consequently, reforms were launched Economic liberalization was oneofthetop Uzbekistan.pdf tudies.org/resources/pdf/SilkRoadPapers/2018-04-Tsereteli- stan,” Paper, SilkRoad 2018:24,https://www.silkroads April - Mamuka Tsereteli, - Economic ofUzbeki Modernization “The news/2017/05/13/uzbekistan-un-official-calls-rights-reforms Reforms,”Rights May 13,2017,https://www.hrw.org/ Human Rights Watch, Calls UNOfficial for “Uzbekistan: 7 Basically, astep thisvisitmarked of . 8 . EUCACIS Online Paper No. 6 - Mirziyoyevs Uzbekistan: Towards Openness and Real Democracy? 7 Given these challenges, the the challenges, these Given 12 . „The concept of tax reform for 2018-2020 submitted for for 2018-2020 submitted for of tax reform concept „The налоговой “Концепция (Russian original: public discussion” на общественное выносится реформы на 2018-2020 гг. обсуждение“), Norma.uz, 27, 2018, https://www. March norma.uz/nashi_obzori/koncepciya_nalogovoy_reformy_ na_2018-2020_gg_vynositsya_na_obshchestvennoe_obsuj- denie Finally, in order to stabilize the national the national stabilize to in order Finally, Another important step towards a a important Another towards step tax existing the corruption, with Along government has decided to carry to decided has government large-a out a simplification envisaging scale tax reform international and harmonization with of “Concept the recently Thus, standards. for submitted was 2018-2020” for tax reform public discussion. to attempted the government economy, a step loans, international actively involve extremely was government the former that of Indeed, the revival cautious about. the can also be judged by life economic with the leading of cooperation resumption on 8 Thus, institutions. financial foreign office 2017, a representative November Reconstruction Bank for of the European was Tashkent in (EBRD) and Development Vice- During the visit of the first inaugurated. Tashkent, of the EBRD Bennett to President interaction with banks, leasing, insurance, insurance, leasing, banks, with interaction companies. estate and real valuation, audit, against the fight is climate business better of the current Beingcorruption. aware a approved Mirziyoyev President situation, February on 2 Program” Anti-Corruption “State the program, basis of that 2017. On the a relentless waging agencies are respective officials. corrupt high-level against fight investments, a serious was obstacle to system of a high number by being characterized rules non-uniform taxes, and treatments tax of categories different for taxes paying for individual provide to and a refuse taxpayers, other many and These tax incentives. significantly system of the current drawbacks the of attractiveness investment the reduced most investors, of in the eyes since country, an understandable Uzbekistan did not provide transparency fair competition, tax legislation, of level an acceptable of tax administration, of of protection or guarantees tax burden rights. investors 12 The The mission 9 Taking into account the current the current account into Taking 10 11 - as Presi Year First “Uzbekistan – Mirziyoyev’s Stykov, Petra Power, Presidential Change”, without Regime reforms dent: . September 5, 2017, http://presidential-power.com/?p=6834 Otabek Akromov, ”Mirziyoyev model break from the past from model break ”Mirziyoyev Otabek Akromov, October Digest, International Policy 3, 2017, in Uzbekistan”, https://intpolicydigest.org/2017/10/03/mirziyoyev-model- break-from-the-past-in-uzbekistan/. 12th edition. “Doing Efficiency. Business 2015 Going Beyond Report”: Flagship Bank Group 4. World A Furthermore, the number of bureaucratic the number of bureaucratic Furthermore, Along with this it should be noted that that noted be it should with this Along According to the rating of “Doing of the rating to According situation, Shavkat Mirziyoyev started Shavkatsituation, Mirziyoyev issue to of the the improvement aiming at decrees of Uzbekistan. business climate In November economic new free of four 2016, the creation announced. privilegesspecial with was zones important2017, InAugust in addition, modernin IT investments towards steps Valley” “Silicon and a national infrastructure taken. were documents required to start to a new business required documents 1 1, and since 6 to from reduced was an own April 2018 people can register In Uzbek the online. minutes 30 in business promote to a network of centers regions, will be established in the entrepreneurship to designed are centers The near future. support business to comprehensive provide necessarythe creating conditions by entities the opportunitiesand providing receive to of servicesfull range of public authorities in a close arrange It to is envisaged one place. a number of existing problems hinder the hinder problems of existing a number 20 years, the past For breakthrough. economic Uzbekistan in black market has dealt currency with obstacle in cooperating a crucial was that assumed Mirziyoyev After investors. foreign he embarked on the liberalization power, “Priority on the decree signing of currency, directions of currency policy.” Business 2016”, Uzbekistan only the took Business 2016”, of the absence which confirmed 141st place attracting foreign for conditions appropriate investments. of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Monetaryof the International Fund until 27 February from Tashkent who visited the the plan for 2018, approved 12 March experts of the monetary Fund reform system. exchange foreign significant that mentioned reservesUzbekistanof confidently allow will currencyimplement reform. 11 9 10 8 EUCACIS Online Paper No. 6 - Mirziyoyevs Uzbekistan: Towards Openness and Real Democracy? 15 14 13 cooperation theinternational2. Rethinking andregional and international organizations were held. and representatives ofmore than60states visits took place, andmeetingswithleaders December 2017,in2017alone21high-level noted in his “Address to theParliament” in countries oftheworld. As thePresident visibly intensified thedialoguewithkey relations countries withneighbouring and MirziyoyevShavkat changedthecourse of and ambitious”. areby theleadershipofUzbekistan “bold stated that thereforms out to becarried Bennett a total amount of$120million.Mr the Banksigned three loanagreements for of December 2016until July2018, 130 visits volume ofalmost$60billion.For theperiod contracts have beensigned withatotal been negotiated, trade andinvestment As a result, more than 400 agreements have billion”. valued at more inUzbekistan projects than$1 alone the World Bank approved investment $573 million.Meanwhile, for theyear 2017 and agriculture. The value of these loans is smallbusinessdevelopment,construction, agreements inthefieldsof water supply, road the conclusion ofwhichhesigned loan onMarch 3,2017,atvisit to Uzbekistan President Takehiko paidanofficial Nakao concrete agreements. March 2017,ADB’s In agenda and translated that approval into “positively evaluated Uzbekistan’s reform Bank (ADB) andthe World too, Bank, Contrary toContrary many experts’ expectations, . respubliki-uzbekistan-shavkata-mirziyeev-23-12-2017 News Agency, http://uza.uz/ru/politics/poslanie-prezidenta- National December 23,2017, Uzbekistan Олий Мажлису“), Президента Республики Узбекистан Шавката Мирзиёева Mirziyoyev to theOliyMajlis” (Russianoriginal: “Послание from thePresident Shavkat ofUzbekistan oftheRepublic This andthefollowing data isretrieved from “Message Uzbekistan.pdf tudies.org/resources/pdf/SilkRoadPapers/2018-04-Tsereteli- stan,” Paper, SilkRoad 2018:29,https://www.silkroads April - Mamuka Tsereteli, - Economic ofUzbeki Modernization “The html ebrd-enters-new-stage-of-engagement-with-uzbekistan. ment, November 8,2017,http://www.ebrd.com/news/2017/ Uzbekistan”, European and Develop Bank of Reconstruction Anton Usov, “EBRD enters newstageofengagement with . 14 . 13 The Asian Development 15 -

Central Afghanistan Asiaand state borders. President Mirziyoyev urged issue ofdemarcation anddelimitation of between Tashkent and Bishkekwas the Tajikistan. The stumblingblockinrelations language withtheleadersofKyrgyzstan and particular, hemanagedto finda common normalize relations withitsneighbours. In new leadertook unprecedented steps to time. Since 2016,thecountry’sa short processes inCentral Asia would lastonly fruitfulness. always and beencharacterized by itsstability independence, andthe relationship has since thecountry’s ofUzbekistan partners can benoted. All thesecountries are strategic Korea,China, andSouth nonewtendencies Germany. Regarding relations withRussia, countries as Turkey, theUnited States, and intensify bilateral cooperation withsuch Uzbekistan’s relations with theEU, andto to fostergovernment istrying dynamicsof on bothsidesoftheborders. citizens wholived affected ordinary primarily Central Asian states’ independence which these issues were not resolved since the For reasons, andsubjective someobjective oflargethe construction hydropower plants. riversof watersincluding oftransboundary and delimitation ofstate borders, andtheuse biggest challengeswere issuesofdemarcation to anaggravation onurgent problems. The development ofbilateral relations whichled by thelackofacommon interest inthe situation, caused from arather unsatisfactory Uzbekistan’s neighboursastheydeparted totried normalize andintensify relations with foreign renewal. policy demonstrates ofthecountry’s thesincerity jointly withforeign partners. This eloquently were worked out, whichwere implemented adopted documents, more than40roadmaps made. For thetimelyimplementation ofthe werebusiness delegations to Uzbekistan foreign countries and267visitsofforeign toof economic delegations ofUzbekistan Hardly anyone that expected thetransition At theinternational level, thenew At theregional level, President Mirziyoyev EUCACIS Online Paper No. 6 - Mirziyoyevs Uzbekistan: Towards Openness and Real Democracy? 9 . Before, Before, 17 Farkhod Tolipov, “The Tashkent Conference on Afghanistan: on Afghanistan: Conference Tashkent “The Tolipov, Farkhod Analyst, CACI The Little Solution”, Too Much Diplomacy, Too 29, 2018, http://www.cacianalyst.org/publications/ May analytical-articles/item/13521-the-tashkent-conference-on- afghanistan-too-much-diplomacy-too-little-solution.html One of the most surprising events was was One of the most surprising events that it would be a mistake if the countries countries the if mistake a be would it that Afghanistan view to continue of the region Only by Asia. Central as disconnected from dialogue in the regional Afghanistan involving a or even a mitigation and cooperation, in the country of the situation settlement March 27 25 until from Thus, can be reached. 2018, Uzbekistan the international initiated “Peace titled on Afghanistan conference and regional security cooperation process, Shavkat Mirziyoyev President collaboration”. conference, Tashkent the so-calledorganised of Afghanistan the President by attended Representative Ghani, UN Special Ashraf US Yamamoto, Tadamichi Afghanistan for Affairs Political Undersecretary for of State Shannon and HighThomas Representative and Affairs Foreign Union for of the European Mogherini. Federica Security Policy, President Mirziyoyev’s visit to the United the United visit to Mirziyoyev’s President the visit at state This 2018. in May States was Trump Donald of President invitation Before both sides. by as historical recognized Uzbekistan, of Islam President the first that, twice on an States the United visited Karimov, was made on 23-28 The first visit official visit. Bill of President the invitation June 1996 at the political ground and prepared Clinton countries. the two a dialogue between for delegation 2002, a state On 11-14 March Karimov the USA at visited President led by Bush. W. George of President the invitation only of diplomatic both visits were Basically, the whereas without practical results, nature on visit was scale and agenda of Mirziyoyev’s During his visit level. different a completely a package further aimed at of documents mutually beneficial ties in strengthening the In particular, was signed. fields various from 4 until 6 December 2017, important2017, December 6 until 4 from and had been mutually beneficial agreements on launching with Afghanistan concluded and social infrastructure new economic, projects. 17 USA Restoring and developing trade trade Restoring and developing 16 “Uzbekistan-2017: What has been changed in a year?”, Insti - year?”, a in changed been has What “Uzbekistan-2017: the President studies under and regional Strategic for tute of the Republic of Uzbekistan, January 5, 2018, http://www. isrs.uz/en/maqolalar/ozbekiston-2017-bir-yil-ichida-qanday- . ozgarishlar-roy-berdi Another noteworthy point is that in is that point noteworthy Another A serious concern for Uzbekistan is the for A serious concern In general, the reset of relations between between of relations the reset In general, 2017 alone, the volume of trade between between of trade the volume 2017 alone, 70%, by increased Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan 85%, and with Kazakhstan by Tajikistan with 30%. by to resolve this issue and to turn Kyrgyz- the to issue and this resolve to friendship”. of “border a into border Uzbek with Treaty” Border “State the result, a As on 2 October signed was 2017 Kyrgyzstan of the solution for the foundation which laid it became Tajikistan, With issue. the border of on the resumption agree possible to April in 2017. A high estimate flights regular Tajikistan on the part of of the inhabitants weight humanitarian aid with a total received regions Tajik Uzbekistan the from to of 60 tons disasters. by natural affected Afghan problem. Along with traditional with traditional Along problem. Afghan weapon illicit such as drug trafficking, threats radical of dissemination the and trafficking, Uzbekistan about concerned ideas, is Islamist ISIS activitythe revitalizing in the south parts Inand western this of Afghanistan. times argued several the President regard, the Central Asian states is needed not only states Asian the Central the entire but also for Uzbekistan itself, for will benefit from countries and all its region, contribute is to intention Uzbekistan’s’ it. of development a steady promote to the in particular to Asia, regard with Central of potential of the full economic realization a full-scale cooperation Moreover, the region. might countries Asian the Central between into of the region the transformation lead to some union and to independent a relatively players foreign of extent limit the influence on the region. links between the Central Asian neighbours Asian the Central links between a regionalization. to is crucial on the path During from the meetings with his colleagues Mirziyoyev President the neighbouring states, be it would times that out several pointed a part to become extremely difficult of the integrity. without regional system trade world 16 10 EUCACIS Online Paper No. 6 - Mirziyoyevs Uzbekistan: Towards Openness and Real Democracy? 18 progress inreducing forced labour. These systematic childlabour, andsignificant of politicalprisoners, elimination of therelease inparticular in Uzbekistan, to improve the human rights situation Mirziyoyev’s ambitiousreform program format. and development through theC5+1regional for regional USsupport assuring cooperation Central Asian countries for ajoint dialogue, Mirziyoyev to convene theleadersof and alsowelcomed of theefforts President and independent Central Asian region, time, ofa strong hestressed theimportance in thefight against terrorism. At thesame withUzbekistan long-standing partnership addition, President Trump appreciated the on awiderange ofmutualpriorities. In Declaration onStrategic Partnership, based relations inorder to update the2002 Presidents agreed to strengthen bilateral law, agreements andcommitments. The ofsinglecountries ofinternationalneglect power ininternational relations andthe given ofhard theincreasing importance for suchasUzbekistan, ayoung country sovereignty whichisimportant ofUzbekistan, to independence, territorialintegrity and US commitment reaffirmed theunshakable emphasized. particular, In President Trump statements were madethat shouldbe Tashkent in2018were signed. holding ofaCentral Asian Trade Forum in World Trade andthe Organization (WTO) Uzbekistan’sto support accession to the understanding andcooperation withUSAID energy were adopted. Amemorandum of and scientific research, agriculture and trade ties, cooperation inhighereducation protocols onintentions to expand bilateral President Trump appreciated President During the visit, a number of important thevisit, anumberofimportant During players intheregion etc. likeChina,Russia,Iran instrument ofpolitical pressure oftheUSagainstothermajor form ofdialoguewithoutmutualbenefitsand remains asa and Chineseinitiatives, theC5+1format is a relatively inert incomparison withRussian intheregion.prospects fact, In vironmental issuesandto improve UStrade andinvestment official view, C5+1aims toaddress anden- commonsecurity and to theChinese “One -OneRoad” Belt initiative. the In which includedtwo countries oftheCentral Asian region, the creation oftheRussiainitiated Eurasian Economic Union The C5+ 1 format emerged of US both to in 2015 as a reaction 18 20 European Union European 19 signed. and More Prosperous Future Together” was “EU andCentral Asia: Working for aSafer were the Joint Communiquéin Samarkand and Central Asian foreign ministers was held 10 November 2017,the13thmeetingofEU of economic cooperation oftheregion. On inthediscussionsonprospects participated the “European Union-Central Asia” where he meeting offoreign ministers intheformat of within theframework ofthe12th interregional of ForeignKamilov visited Affairs Brussels A. increased significantly. ofUzbekistan Republic between the European Union and the Union. The intensity of diplomatic interaction greatly facilitated with the European contacts on theliberalization offoreign policieshave ofthenewUzbek leadership The activities changed thesituation inapositive direction. change ofpower fundamentally inUzbekistan since the2000s.Uzbekistan However, the of humanrightsandpoliticalfreedoms in this was theEU’s assessment ofthestate weakened noticeably. The main reason for and the EuropeanUzbekistan Union have cooperation. for increased economic, political, andsecurity accomplishments have created theconditions of Uzbekistan intheinternational arena.of Uzbekistan will play apositive role inbuildingtheimage noted thatChina. Many thisvisit observers without beinglimited to suchasRussiaand to expand relationships withworld leaders be perceived asawillingness ofUzbekistan of documents might of a sizeable package Uzbek President to theUSAandsigning for SustainableDevelopment andMutual Past andCommon Future, Cooperation conference entitled “Central Asia: One cooperation program, an international Thus, 2016,theUzbek Minister inOctober thepasttenOver years, relations between Uzbekistan%20relations headquarters/headquarters-homepage_en/11047/EU- NovemberService, 12,2018,https://eeas.europa.eu/ relations“,“EU-Uzbekistan European Action Union External news/2018/05/14851/. May 17,2018,https://mfa.uz/en/press/public ofUzbekistan, strategic partnership”, ofForeign Ministry AffairsRe ofthe andtheUnited States:“Uzbekistan launchinganewera of 20 As part of the EU – Central As Asia part 19 In general, In thevisit ofthe . - EUCACIS Online Paper No. 6 - Mirziyoyevs Uzbekistan: Towards Openness and Real Democracy? 11 23 . . In addition to that, agreements agreements In that, addition to 21 On 15 May 2018, the 4th meeting of 2018, the 4th On 15 May 22 Mamuka Tsereteli, “The Modernization of Uzbeki Economic - Tsereteli, Mamuka - April 2018: 29, https://www.silkroads Silk Road Paper, stan,” tudies.org/resources/pdf/SilkRoadPapers/2018-04-Tsereteli- Uzbekistan.pdf Mamuka Tsereteli, “The Modernization of Uzbeki Economic - Tsereteli, Mamuka - April 2018: 29, https://www.silkroads Silk Road Paper, stan,” tudies.org/resources/pdf/SilkRoadPapers/2018-04-Tsereteli- Uzbekistan.pdf “The visit Uzbekistan”, German to largest business delegation 12, 2018, http://uza. May Uzbekistan Agency, News National uz/en/business/the-largest-german-business-delegation-to- visit-uzbekistan-12-05-2018. In particular, a number of significant of significant a number In particular, In general, to date, economic relations relations economic date, to In general, opened a window of opportunitywindow a opened full-scale for Germany. with cooperation the members of meetings with business autumn held since were German government a boost of economic to 2016 which led “During the visit of an Uzbekistan relations: Prime led by delegation governmental November on Germany to MinisterAripov Bank for National 14-17, 2017, Uzbekistan’s loan Activity reached Economic Foreign leading German with banks in agreements at the largest, of €950 million, the amount €500 million, being with Deutsche Bank to support projects in large-scale investment Uzbekistan.” the German-Uzbek Business Council (GUBC) the German-Uzbek Business Council of German A delegation Tashkent. held in was than 70 more businessmen representing German arrived largest companies the of among the meeting, attend to Tashkent in Group, TUI of the them representatives Deutsche Bank and SAP, BASF, MAN, Siemens, Commerzbank. the German During the event, about the planned creation informed side was “Algorithm” called small industrialof a zone of its management and the possible transfer Uzbek The of the German one to companies. of an Uzbek- the creation side also proposed German of Commerce. Chamber is the core of German-Uzbek relations. of German-Uzbek relations. is the core Uzbekistan among all the second ranks with which Germany’s countries post-Soviet last year. most rapidly grew trade bilateral the preliminary to estimates, According approximately by increased of trade volume with 2017. compared 16-20 per cent exports and imports Germany from Moreover, with Commerzbank worthwith Commerzbank and €350 million with AKA worth Bank million were €100 signed. 21 22 23 Uzbekistan insists on creating new Uzbekistancreating insists on Germany, as the locomotive of the the locomotive as Germany, mechanisms for the initiation and and the initiation mechanisms for of EU projects in the region. implementation Asian all Central projects should cover These would Tashkent, to which, according states, It their effectiveness. increase significantly desire Uzbekistan’s that should be noted number of projects the increase is to directly specific financing activities which EU provided the traditionally goes beyond Uzbek The and supporttraining programs. underlines the importancegovernment of the with the EU: cooperation for a fields following countering security, security border issues, supportingdrug trafficking, stability in the consequences and reducing Afghanistan of the drying Sea. up of the Aral Prosperity” was held in November 2017 2017 November in held was Prosperity” launched President during the Uzbek which contacts expanding on some initiatives In the EU Special addition, in this format. Ambassador Asia, Central for Respresentative Uzbekistan. visits Burian, regularly In Peter appreciate the EU representatives general, openness of Uzbekistan,the increased in Mirziyoyev particular the appeal of President active of cooperation the development to which is shown, level on the international of quarterly the introduction by instance, for countries of foreign meetings of ambassadors to government the Uzbek with members of projects problematic and on joint consult issues. European economy, is capable of giving is capable of giving economy, European between the cooperation new dynamics to It Uzbekistan is no coincidence and the EU. and trade largest is the Germany that partnereconomic of Uzbekistan in Europe. to with Germany Raising the cooperation the of agenda the on also is of level new a It that should be noted government. Uzbek of EU that countries one of the was Germany with Uzbekistan during relations maintained of the dialogue the period of stagnation the full However, with the EU in 2000s. not has of Uzbek-German relations potential mostly were relations and exploited, been and humanitarian issues. cultural to limited in Uzbekistan 2016 since developments The Germany 12 EUCACIS Online Paper No. 6 - Mirziyoyevs Uzbekistan: Towards Openness and Real Democracy? 24 Turkey culture andtourism, andagreed to increase many anddefence spheres—from to industry signed 25documents oncooperation in untilApril 1May 2018. The two Presidents Rejep Tayyip Erdogan from to 29 Uzbekistan apogee of the state visit of Turkish President political dialoguewas resumed, withthe again to invest intheUzbek market. The Since autumn2016, Turkish investors started previous state of cooperation with Turkey. and expressed readiness to reanimate the were stagnating. until autumn2016,Uzbek-Turkish relations Turkic nations. From that moment onand of comprehensive cooperation between the ofwhichisthedevelopmentmain purpose Organization of the Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), refused toUzbekistan enter theInternational law. As aconsequence issue, ofthisconflictual whichwerepreaching activities prohibited by Fethulla Gulenwere closed becauseoftheir organization of the Turkish religious figure that wereUzbekistan undertheaegis ofthe September 2000,allschoolsin In Uzbekistan. and Abdurrahman Salih Muhammad Polat to extradite two Uzbek politicaloppositionists decreasedsharply dueto Turkey’s refusal to expelled andtrade from turnover Uzbekistan came up: Turkish business was practically times intherelations between thecountries cooperation. However, 1999,difficult after trend in both political and humanitarian independence, enviable there was avery by their volatility. years the early of In and Uzbekistan Turkey are distinguished spreads to Turkey. Bilateral relations between immediate neighbourswhichmeanwhile also campaign to restore relations with its Karimov, Tashkent launchedadiplomatic trade totalled €542million. grewfrom Uzbekistan andthevolume of After thedeath offormer President Islam The newUzbek leadershipbroke theice . vo-i-perspektivy-razv-21-01-2019 uza.uz/ru/world/uzbekistan-germaniya-opyt-sotrudnichest National News Agency,Uzbekistan 21,2018,http:// January Германия: опыт, сотрудничество развития”) иперспективы development prospects” (Russian original: Узбекистан – experience, cooperation - Germany: “Uzbekistan and 24 - 25 3. Challenges andrecommendations economy. a goodinvestment potential for theUzbek of thebiggesteconomies oftheworld has and long-term partner. turn, In Turkey as one Tajikistan cannot yet be regarded as a reliable ofisolation, and in thesuccess ofitspolicy integration project, Turkmenistan stillbelieves Kyrgyzstan are more involved intheRussian orientation: and Whereas Kazakhstan Asia which isrelated withitsgeopolitical Turkey state inCentral asthekeypartner Kyrgyzstan andKazakhstan. in 2009at theinitiative of Turkey, Azerbaijan, organization in 2018 which was established memberoftheinternational became thefifth Turkic-speaking countries. Thus, Uzbekistan decided to jointheCouncil ofCooperation of partnership. Moreover, President Mirziyoyev relations to the level ofanexclusive Undoubtedly, thiscollegial bodybrings Cooperation whichwillmeetannually. agreed to establishaCouncil for Strategic investments so far do not affect the welfare economy andpoliticalsystem. Multibillion has to experience therenewal oftheentire the beginning ofadifficultandlong way and isat Everyone understands that thecountry andpoliticaluncertainty.restructuring difficult period, complicated by economic is still going throughUzbekistan a future. the trade turnover to $5billioninthenear 20%. However, intend to increase theparties been fixed—the volumes have increased by the positive dynamicsoftrade hasagain to $1.5billion.Since thebeginning of2018, trade turnover grew by 30%inannualterms mutual trade turnover. 2017, In Turkish-Uzbek In general, isinterestingIn Uzbekistan to Furthermore, and Uzbekistan Turkey Despite anobvious leapindevelopment, . prezidenta-turtsii-v-uzbekistan tyurkskii-mir-erdogana-i-mirzieeva-chem-zavershilsya-vizit- 3, 2018, визит президента Турции в Узбекистан“), Asia-Plus, May “Тюркский мирЭрдогана иМирзиеева:чемзавершился Turkish president’s end” visitto Uzbekistan (Russianoriginal: „Turkic how world didthe of Erdogan andMirziyoyev: 25 https://news.tj/ru/news/centralasia/20180503/ EUCACIS Online Paper No. 6 - Mirziyoyevs Uzbekistan: Towards Openness and Real Democracy? 13 The processes of regional rapprochement rapprochement of regional processes The In recent years, Uzbekistan has become years, In recent in Central Asia are carefully monitored by by monitored carefully are Asia in Central each that is noteworthy and it leaders, world benefits and interests own its has them of are there that shows Practice this region. from in interested entirely not are that countries as in this case they of the region, the integrity fade region on the influence see their political policy towards Russia’s In particular, away. is clearly not aimed countries the post-Soviet of formation the for conditions creating at In in the region. associations independent observe to will be interesting it this regard, of of Russia on the attempt the behaviour Moreover, Asia. Uzbekistan Central unite to with relations of Uzbekistan’s the restoration Union, the visit of the President the European and the of Uzbekistan States, the United to of ties with India and China strengthening Russia, and this irritate will in some way without a Russian not remain will probably will Mirziyoyev President Therefore, reaction. policy an equidistant continue with to have was the case it world powers—as different to period—in order during Islam Karimov’s with them. relations stable have a kindthe not at of newsmaker—if the regional least at then at international, country complex a The through going is level. with a positive of renewal process and lengthy far-sighted a have reforms Economic dynamic. still many are there however, character, accumulated have that solve to problems is good news The years. the previous over not turned leadership has the country’s that but these problems, addressing from away of practical program built a pragmatically of the speedy stabilization for measures domestic Regarding economy. the national people the Uzbek it can be said that reforms, of easy euphoria, and the in a state live hope policies gives of the current orientation Uzbekistanterm, in the medium that, can climb the category with a stable of countries socio-political shape. 4. Conclusion A tremendous problem is that almost is that problem A tremendous It the country seems that is struggling The greatest challenge is the renewal renewal the is challenge greatest The all initiatives for renewal come from one from come renewal for all initiatives the efforts All of person—the President. the political revive Shavkat to Mirziyoyev his meetings All still in vain. institutions are inertiaThe some kind into of lecture. grow is still very in and lack of initiative present In institutions. mentality of the heads of many this connection, it is necessary it seems that young the practice of giving continue to in leading positions, work to people a chance the Soviet far from especially those who are past and mentality and who received in Uzbekistan. aftereducation independence with itself. For the second year, high-ranking year, the second For with itself. removed and been arrested have officials with confronted being their posts, from corrupt a created having of accusations in their departments. Itsystem is also importantmedia actively the and openly that kind.this of events about public the informs by a led Office, General Prosecutor’s The seriously was engaged new head, completely who had among the authorities, in purging corruption. to relation slightest least the at lead ultimately measures these doubt, No and effective a more a change towards to functioning of government transparent agencies. of the political and bureaucratic elites. elites. and bureaucratic of the political political years, in recent Unfortunately, a very developed negative have circles bureaucracy, mentality entrenched based on and and a lack of administrative corruption already as Therefore, skills.management practically all political institutions mentioned, underwent personnel and structural changes. appointed the government In most cases, for leadership positions, very officials young the on influence positive a has already which respective institution’s of the effectiveness output. of the people, since the resources, first of first resources, the since the people, of the construction to of large directed are all, to production begin which will capacities function years. of only in a couple 14 EUCACIS Online Paper No. 6 - Mirziyoyevs Uzbekistan: Towards Openness and Real Democracy? past years. might bethegreatest achievement ofthe the livingconditions ofthepeoplewhich strong focus andonimproving onhumanity domestic policiesare characterized by a Soviet Central Asia to anentirely newlevel. claim for becoming a leading player in post- the andbring ofUzbekistan political stability willundoubtedly leadto economicpolicy and and adherencepreservation to the planned this goalhasnotyet beenset, however, the its intention to become aregional leader— course, didnotopenlyexpress thecountry accepted by theinternational community. Of many disagreements whichwas positively government that managedto eliminate was thepoliticalwillofnewUzbek in key the roleregion. of Uzbekistan It countries once again demonstrated the The relaunch of relations with neighbouring more productive thandomesticreforms. haveinitiatives ofthecountry beenmuch that to date, international and regional It willnotbeanexaggeration ifweIt say In general,In Mirziyoyev’s foreign and