State Visit of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Türkiye was an official state visit to Ankara on 29 January 2026 at the invitation of Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The visit took place within the framework of the fourth meeting of the Türkiye-Uzbekistan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), which addresses bilateral relations at the level of strategic partnership. It was noted that the visit occurred on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the “Eternal Friendship and Cooperation Agreement” signed in 1996.
The program included bilateral and inter-delegation meetings, the signing of various agreements, a joint press conference, the opening of housing units in Hatay built with Uzbekistan’s assistance following the February 2023 earthquakes, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the Uzbekistan State School in Istanbul.
Preparations and Announcement of the Visit
The visit was announced to the public on 28 January 2026 by the Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran. In a statement on his social media account, Duran confirmed that Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev would make an official visit to Türkiye at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The announcement stated that the fourth meeting of the Türkiye-Uzbekistan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council would be held in Ankara during the visit. It was indicated that detailed steps to strengthen cooperation between the two countries would be discussed at the meeting.
Duran also noted that a series of documents aimed at advancing relations to a covenantal level were expected to be signed during the visit, and regional and international developments would be reviewed. It was announced that the opening of housing units constructed in Hatay with Uzbekistan’s support after the February 2023 earthquakes would be conducted via live video link.
Background of Türkiye-Uzbekistan Relations
Diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Uzbekistan were established following Uzbekistan’s declaration of independence on 31 August 1991 and Türkiye’s recognition of this decision as the first country to do so on 16 December 1991. Formal diplomatic relations were established on 4 March 1992.
Türkiye’s Embassy in Tashkent opened in April 1992, and Uzbekistan’s Embassy in Ankara became operational in January 1993. Over the approximately 24 years following Uzbekistan’s independence, relations between the two countries passed through several phases.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Samarkand in November 2016 initiated a new chapter in bilateral relations. The talks between Erdoğan and Shavkat Mirziyoyev during this visit reactivated cooperation between the two nations.
In October 2017, President Mirziyoyev became the highest-ranking Uzbek official to visit Türkiye in 21 years. From that date onward, bilateral relations were elevated to the level of strategic partnership in 2017, and the Türkiye-Uzbekistan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) was established in 2018.
The first meeting of the Council was held in Ankara in February 2020, the second in Tashkent in March 2022, and the third in Ankara in June 2024. The fourth meeting was held in Ankara in 2026.
Official Welcome Ceremony and Meetings
Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev carried out an official visit to Ankara on 29 January 2026. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed him with an official ceremony at the Presidential Complex. This was followed by bilateral and inter-delegation meetings.
At the ceremony, the following officials were present: Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya, Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek, Head of the Presidency of Defense Industries Haluk Görgün, Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, Presidential Advisor for Foreign Policy and Security Akif Çağatay Kılıç, Chairman of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) Erol Özvar, Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Binali Yıldırım, and Governor of Ankara Vasip Şahin.
Erdoğan and Mirziyoyev presided over the Fourth Meeting of the Türkiye-Uzbekistan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council after the bilateral and inter-delegation discussions.
Agreements Signed
At the Presidential Complex, following the bilateral and inter-delegation meetings, the fourth meeting of the Türkiye-Uzbekistan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) was held and several agreements were signed between the two countries.
In the presence of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the following documents were signed:
- Joint Statement of the Fourth Meeting of the Türkiye-Uzbekistan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council
- Decision on Cooperation Mechanisms for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Relations between the Republic of Türkiye and the Republic of Uzbekistan
- Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Health
- Memorandum of Understanding on Enhancing International Transport Corridors and Existing Practices between the Ministries of Transport
- Cultural Cooperation Plan for 2026–2027 between the Ministries of Culture and Tourism
- Memorandum of Understanding on Enhancing Cooperation in the Mining Sector
- Protocol of Intent between the Council of Higher Education and the Uzbekistan Agency for Light Industry Development
- Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Free Zones/Special Economic Zones between the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade
- Memorandum of Understanding on Economic and Financial Cooperation between the Ministry of Treasury and Finance and the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan
- Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Education
Among these agreements, the memorandum of understanding on enhancing cooperation in mining was signed by Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar and Uzbekistan Minister of Mining Industry and Geology Bobir Islamov. The agreement covers information sharing, research and development, and implementation of projects in the fields of critical minerals and rare earth elements. Additionally, a new cooperation roadmap has been established for public enterprises, aiming to enhance economic contributions through mutual exchange of expertise in underground resources.
Joint Press Conference
Statements by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a joint press conference with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Presidential Complex.
Erdoğan stated that he had completed the fourth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council with President Mirziyoyev and expressed his pleasure at welcoming Mirziyoyev and his delegation as if they were in their second homeland.
Noting that 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Eternal Friendship and Cooperation Agreement signed in 1996, Erdoğan remarked that “alongside President Mirziyoyev’s wise and strong leadership, Uzbekistan plays a pioneering role in the regional integration of Central Asia within its state tradition.” Erdoğan added that Türkiye closely follows Uzbekistan’s rising international profile, takes great pride in it, and offers sincere support.
Erdoğan said: “We have not only strengthened solidarity between Türkiye and Uzbekistan but elevated it to a comprehensive strategic partnership. With the agreements signed today, we have charted a roadmap for the future.” He emphasized that the institutions of both countries are working in close cooperation to realize all political, economic, cultural, human, and regional shared objectives.
Erdoğan continued: “In recent years, we have implemented numerous projects in areas such as trade, defense industry, education, and culture. Over the last decade, we have tripled our bilateral trade volume. I believe we will soon reach our new target of five billion dollars. I welcome with satisfaction the significant restructuring process underway in the Uzbek economy under the leadership of my brother Shavkat. Turkish companies are already among the top three investors in Uzbekistan with investments exceeding five billion dollars. Insha’Allah, we will reach even higher levels. As Türkiye, we are determined to do our part in contributing to the prosperity of Uzbekistan and our ancestral homeland, Central Asia.”
Erdoğan highlighted that Türkiye and Uzbekistan work in close cooperation within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States as a family council, and noted Mirziyoyev’s significant contribution to the declaration of 15 December as World Turkic Languages Family Day during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference held in Samarkand last November.
Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan, “We will move forward with firm steps toward the goal of ‘unity in language, thought, and action’ indicated by Ismail Gasprinski, whom the late Uzbek poet Abdulhamid Süleyman Çolpan hailed as ‘our master who awakened us.’” Erdoğan added: “As long as hearts speak to hearts, with God’s permission, we are certain that we will leave the mark of the Turkic world on this era.” He emphasized that Uzbekistan has shown principled positions regarding Israel’s attacks on Gaza and other occupied Palestinian territories.
Erdoğan continued: “At a time when humanity is being tested, I once again sincerely congratulate our Uzbek brothers through President Mirziyoyev for standing courageously alongside the oppressed. I commend President Mirziyoyev’s decision to establish a fund to provide social services to Palestinians in Uzbekistan. There is a common expression used by our Uzbek brothers when referring to Türkiye: ‘Our language is one, our heart is one.’ That is, our hearts are one, our language is one. Not only our hearts and language, but also our grief, sorrow, and suffering are one. We experienced this firsthand during Ramadan three years ago. Uzbekistan was among the first countries to rush to our aid after the 6 February earthquakes, in which we lost more than 53,000 lives. We know very well how our Uzbek brothers mobilized their entire nation for us upon hearing news of the earthquake.”
Erdoğan recalled that at the extraordinary summit of the Organization of Turkic States in 2023, at Uzbekistan’s proposal, 6 February was declared as the “Day of Remembrance and Solidarity with Disaster Victims.” He noted that Uzbekistan did not stop there, but also undertook the construction of 308 housing units in the 3,993-unit project in Arsuz, Hatay, carried out by TOKİ. Erdoğan stated that the inclusion of an Uzbek neighborhood in this project brought them “great joy,” adding: “This settlement has become a lasting symbol of our eternal brotherhood. Shortly, we will jointly inaugurate these housing units with President Mirziyoyev via video conference. We will hand over the keys of these new homes to the families present here today, sharing their joy firsthand. I pray that our new homes bring blessings and good fortune to our families. Of course, we do not stop here. Before visiting Hatay, we will also hold the groundbreaking ceremony for the Uzbekistan School in Istanbul via live connection. Uzbekistan’s choice of Istanbul for its first school abroad has further delighted us.”
Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan thanked all Uzbeks for their solidarity during Türkiye’s most difficult days.
Statements by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev
Mirziyoyev spoke at the joint press conference held after his meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Presidential Complex. Emphasizing that Türkiye is gaining increasing influence not only in the Muslim world but perhaps globally across all fields and achieving valuable successes, Mirziyoyev stated that Türkiye’s “Century of Türkiye” strategic program is being implemented consistently.
Mirziyoyev noted that Ankara’s voice is resonating more powerfully on the international stage and said: “Your country is becoming one of the world’s new geopolitical power centers.” He expressed that this development “has delighted Uzbekistan,” and on behalf of the Uzbek people and himself, he congratulated Türkiye for these achievements.
Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated that the languages, hearts, and intentions of Türkiye and Uzbekistan are one, and that when a problem arises, they work together to find solutions. He said: “Indeed, our shared mother tongue and sacred religion mean that no distance can separate us from our Turkic brothers.”
Mirziyoyev said that the realization of all our goals is the result of solidarity, unity, and togetherness, and that while Türkiye and Uzbekistan have done a great deal of work in recent years, their goals are even higher.
Mirziyoyev emphasized that “the languages, hearts, and intentions of Türkiye and Uzbekistan are one, and when a problem arises, we work together to find solutions,” adding: “Indeed, our shared mother tongue and sacred religion mean that no distance can separate us from our Turkic brothers.”
Mirziyoyev pointed out that the visit occurred on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Eternal Friendship and Cooperation Agreement, and said: “We always feel, observe with interest, and respectfully acknowledge Türkiye’s support, which has become our comprehensive strategic partner through our joint efforts in recent years.”
Mirziyoyev underscored that Türkiye-Uzbekistan friendship has rapidly grown on the basis of mutual trust, respect, and a spirit of long-term solidarity, and that they have analyzed the current state and future of their cooperation. He noted that they have set concrete projects and goals in all fields and agreed that bilateral relations will experience rapid development across all areas in 2026.
Mirziyoyev said: “We witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Uzbek school in Istanbul. The construction of Uzbekistan’s first school abroad in Türkiye is a clear indication that educational cooperation between our two countries has reached a new qualitative level.” He mentioned that they opened the International University of Turkic States in Tashkent and launched the activities of the Yunus Emre Institute at Ali-Shir Nava'i University, and agreed to expand the Turkish school in Tashkent by allocating additional land.
Mirziyoyev said: “The new 600-student Uzbek school in Istanbul will provide a suitable opportunity for Uzbek citizens’ children in Türkiye to receive education in their mother tongue. This aligns with the view of our ancestors, who regarded education and science as the meaning of life, saying: ‘The school is the noblest structure in the world.’” He expressed his joy at participating in the opening ceremony of the Uzbek Neighborhood in Hatay, noting that “the 6 February 2023 earthquake severely tested the patience and resilience of the Turkish people.” Mirziyoyev recalled the proverb “A friend is known in hard times,” stating that the Uzbek people accepted the pain and suffering of the Turkish people as their own and showed solidarity during those difficult days.
Mirziyoyev, requesting that the housing units built in Hatay be regarded as “a modest contribution from our ancestral homeland,” stated: “These magnificent settlements and beautiful buildings will be a brilliant symbol of our eternal friendship with the courageous Turkish people who did not bow their heads during severe trials. May your new homes be blessed. In today’s unstable and rapidly changing world, if we unite our pure goals with good intentions and move forward courageously, no force or danger can overcome our peoples who share the same roots. On this occasion, I invite my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to visit Uzbekistan, the land of Imam Bukhari, and to meet with Emine Hanımefendi. I wish peace, tranquility, and continuous development to our Turkic brotherly people and your beautiful country. May our strong friendship never suffer harm.”
Opening of Earthquake Housing Units in Hatay
In the Arsuz district of Hatay, the opening ceremony of the “Uzbek Neighborhood”, consisting of 308 housing units constructed by Uzbekistan, was held with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Shavkat Mirziyoyev via video conference.
In his speech at the ceremony, President Erdoğan said: “The inclusion of an Uzbek neighborhood in this project has brought us great joy.” He stated that this settlement is a lasting symbol of eternal brotherhood. During the opening ceremony, keys to new homes were handed over to some earthquake-affected families.
In his speech, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev recalled the proverb “A friend is known in hard times,” stating that the Uzbek people mobilized to support Türkiye after the 6 February 2023 earthquakes. Mirziyoyev said: “These magnificent settlements and beautiful buildings will be a symbol of our eternal friendship with the courageous Turkish people.” At the ceremony, performances were given by the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, the Turkic World Music Ensemble, and the National Folk Dance Ensemble of the Turkish Folk Dance Federation.
Following the program, President Erdoğan and his wife Emine Erdoğan hosted an official dinner in honor of President Mirziyoyev and his wife Ziroat Mirziyoyeva.
Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Uzbekistan State School in Istanbul
In the Ataköy 7-8-9-10 Quarter neighborhood of Bakırköy district, Istanbul, the “Taş Koyuş” (Laying of the Foundation Stone) ceremony for the planned Uzbekistan State School was conducted with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Shavkat Mirziyoyev via video conference.
The ceremony was attended by Uzbekistan Minister of Preschool and School Education Ezazhan Karimova, Turkish Deputy Minister of National Education Bilal Macit, Governor of Istanbul Davut Gül, Uzbekistan Consul General in Istanbul Sherzod Abdunazarov, AK Party Istanbul Provincial Chairman Abdullah Özdemir, and Turkish and Uzbek citizens.
The program began with a concert by Uzbek artist Lola Akhmedova, followed by the reading of the Turkish and Uzbek national anthems. A live connection was established from the Presidential Complex, and Presidents Erdoğan and Mirziyoyev joined the ceremony. Erdoğan requested a view of the general layout of the foundation site and extended his wishes of “May it be blessed.” At that moment, protocol members and Turkish-Uzbek children removed the covering from the foundation stone, completing the ceremony. The event ended with applause.
According to information from the Istanbul Governorate, the school’s construction is being carried out under the Land Allocation Protocol signed on 1 November 2025 between the two countries. Under the protocol, the Republic of Uzbekistan has allocated a plot of land in the Kohota neighborhood of the Sheykhantahur district of Tashkent to Türkiye, granting Türkiye the right of usufruct over the building indefinitely and free of charge, while retaining ownership in Uzbekistan.
In return, the Republic of Türkiye has allocated a property in Bakırköy, Istanbul, to the Republic of Uzbekistan free of charge, retaining ownership in Türkiye.
Statements by the Presidential Communications Directorate
Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran shared his assessment of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Türkiye via his social media account. Duran stated that the meeting and joint press conference between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Shavkat Mirziyoyev demonstrated the deepening of strategic partnership in Türkiye-Uzbekistan relations.
“The momentum achieved between the two countries in recent years has transformed into strong solidarity not only in economic indicators but also in cultural and humanitarian fields,” Duran noted. “The emphasis by our President on ‘unity in language, thought, and action’ by Gasprinski is also an expression of our shared vision for the future of the Turkic world. The rapprochement between Türkiye and Uzbekistan is the strongest evidence of this vision turning into reality through concrete steps. This cooperation rising from the heart of Central Asia brings the Turkic world closer to its goal of becoming an effective global power. Uzbekistan’s brotherly solidarity during the 6 February earthquakes and its principled stance on Gaza demonstrate that relations between the two countries are built not on interests but on shared values and moral conviction.”
