Dilorum Mamatkulova, a leading researcher at the Institute of Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in her article addresses the issues of strategic rapprochement between Turkey and Central Asia. She emphasizes that this cooperation is based on cultural commonality and mutually beneficial economic interests, which creates a new architecture of regional interconnectedness.
According to the author, multilateral formats and bilateral initiatives provide a sustainable platform for cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, transport, and the "green" economy, transforming geographical proximity into a foundation for long-term stability and joint development.
This cooperation, considering the diversification of foreign policy directions of Central Asian countries and the activation of the Eurasian aspect of Turkish diplomacy, takes on a systemic character, going beyond individual projects and forming a sustainable architecture of regional interconnectedness.
The Political Foundation of Partnership
The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has become a key instrument for political interaction, evolving from a cultural and educational association into a center for attracting countries from Central Asia to the Caucasus and Europe. Regular summits of OTS leaders demonstrate a transition to practical cooperation. In this regard, Uzbekistan and its President Shavkat Mirziyoyev play a special role, advocating for deepening interaction within the OTS.
At the October summit in Gabala (Azerbaijan) in 2025, Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed developing a strategy for the OTS's development until 2030 and creating a Permanent Council for Economic Partnership in Tashkent. These initiatives aim to coordinate economic projects and support business initiatives, highlighting Uzbekistan's aspiration to become a center for regional integration.
Turkey is also intensifying its participation in other multilateral organizations, such as the CICA and SCO, where it seeks full membership while leveraging its partner status. This multi-format approach allows for adapting the agenda to specific tasks, including confidence-building measures in security and coordination of transport corridors.
On January 20, 2026, a meeting of the Joint Strategic Planning Group took place, confirming the readiness of Uzbekistan and Turkey to deepen coordination within the UN, OSCE, and other international structures. This approach transforms bilateral relations into an element of a global diplomatic strategy, where support on international platforms becomes a mutual asset.
Economic Aspects: From Trade to Investment Strategies
Since 2018, the volume of mutual trade between Central Asia and Turkey has more than doubled, reaching $14.5 billion in 2025, with an ambitious goal of reaching $30 billion. Investment activity also shows impressive results: from 2016 to 2024, the volume of Turkish investments in the region increased 2.5 times, amounting to $3 billion, significantly exceeding the overall growth of Turkey's investments in the Eurasian space.
The number of Turkish companies in the region has grown from 4,000 in 2016 to over 7,000 in 2025. In Uzbekistan, Turkey ranks third among the largest investors, with over 2,000 enterprises. Turkish companies are transitioning from working with small businesses to implementing large infrastructure projects in various sectors of the economy.
Within the OTS, key documents such as "Strategy-2026" and "Strategy-2040" have been adopted, which envisage the creation of a common economic space, including a unified energy system. Uzbekistan's initiatives to expand the activities of the Turkic Investment Fund and adopt the "OTS Roadmap on Artificial Intelligence" underscore the shift towards high-tech cooperation.
Energy Complementarity: From Hydrocarbons to Green Transformation
Central Asia possesses significant hydrocarbon reserves, including 30 billion barrels of oil in Kazakhstan and large gas reserves in Turkmenistan. Turkey, aiming to become an energy hub, provides countries in the region with access to the European market, which is particularly important in the context of decarbonization.
The Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline, originally intended for Azerbaijani oil, has become a route for the export of oil from Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Negotiations for the supply of Turkmen gas through the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline are also actively underway.
Countries in the region are actively developing renewable energy sources. In Uzbekistan, the construction of two power plants has been completed, and new capacities are still being built. According to estimates, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan have high potential for the production and export of "green" energy.
The Trans-Caspian Green Energy Corridor project, developed by the Green Corridor Alliance, will connect the power grids of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with Azerbaijan, creating opportunities for the export of electricity to Turkey and Europe. An agreement on strategic partnership for this project was signed at COP29 in Baku in 2024.
The Middle Corridor as a Key Factor for Development
The Trans-Caspian route (Middle Corridor) is becoming strategically important as an alternative artery linking China with Europe through Central Asia and Turkey. It is expected that by 2030, cargo volumes along this route could double, enhancing the economic interdependence and geostrategic significance of the participating countries.
Uzbekistan actively supports the development of the Middle Corridor, viewing it as a factor for sustainable development. The infrastructural interdependence created by this project becomes the foundation for stability in relations between Central Asia and Turkey, transforming transport cooperation into a tool for strengthening regional security.
Cultural and Humanitarian Aspects: The Foundation of Sustainable Partnership
Historical and cultural ties based on a common Turkic heritage remain the foundation of modern partnership. Educational programs within the framework of the "Turkic World" concept are developing in Central Asia, where several universities operate, including the International Turkic States University.
The parties pay attention to increasing the number of scholarships for students from Uzbekistan and developing joint programs. Exchanges in science and culture contribute to strengthening ties between the peoples of Turkey and Central Asia.
Digital cooperation is also becoming an important element. Projects in artificial intelligence and digitalization open new opportunities for engagement. The expansion of tourist flows and media exchanges fosters the formation of a unified information space, which is particularly relevant in the context of global competition.
Thus, the partnership between Central Asia and Turkey demonstrates a transition to a systemic model of cooperation based on the complementarity of resources and strategic interests. Turkey gains access to energy resources, while Central Asian countries diversify their foreign policy and economic ties, enhancing their autonomy and competitiveness.
The prospects of this partnership are defined by three main directions: deepening economic integration, joint implementation of infrastructure projects, and the development of "green" and digital agendas. Successful implementation of these tasks requires ongoing dialogue and strengthening trust between the parties, which is already forming a solid platform for regional stability and joint prosperity in a multipolar world.
