Asal Kasymova
The speech delivered by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the opening of the Tashkent International Investment Forum, held on June 10, 2025, reflects Tashkent’s growing ambition to position itself as a responsible and humane regional power amid a period of global turbulence. His emphasis on the arms race, deepening economic crisis, and the erosion of trust in international law is not merely an observation but a clear call for reforming the global security architecture.
Against the backdrop of a growing arms race — the scale of which has reached $2.5 trillion — the President highlighted the need to rethink how resources are distributed. While countries, on average, spend around 2% of their GDP on defense, in some states this figure reaches 7–8% (Russia, Saudi Arabia). Notably, even countries involved in active conflicts — such as India, Pakistan, Taiwan, and South Korea — maintain defense spending below 2.5% of GDP. This suggests that heavy militarization does not necessarily ensure security; on the contrary, it may undermine the very foundations of economic development.
In this context, Tashkent offers an alternative to militarization — prioritizing humanitarianism, dialogue, and recovery. Uzbekistan, with no geopolitical ambitions but located in a sensitive region, demonstrates a practical commitment to these principles. A notable example is its direct diplomacy with Afghanistan: 20 official meetings with Taliban representatives between 2021 and 2024, along with humanitarian deliveries and economic initiatives. This is more than just regional engagement — it is an effort to shape a new type of diplomacy centered on engagement rather than isolation.
Equally important are the steps taken toward Ukraine. The organization of rehabilitation and rest programs for children affected by the conflict is a quiet yet powerful form of goodwill diplomacy. These actions contribute to restoring trust between nations and showcase Uzbekistan’s capacity for “humanitarian neutrality,” which in turn enhances its international credibility.
Regarding the situation in Gaza, Tashkent has taken a principled stance, appealing to international law and justice. The President’s rhetoric condemning the killing of civilians echoes a growing international consensus on the need for de-escalation and a just resolution to the Palestinian issue. His affirmation of Palestine’s right to statehood is particularly resonant in the face of the ongoing blockade and humanitarian catastrophe.
In this way, Uzbekistan is shaping the image of a constructive regional power — one that offers an alternative to militarization and confrontation by championing humanitarianism, diplomatic mediation, and universal values. This approach aligns with both the country’s national interests and the spirit of an era in which the world, weary of war, is in search of new centers of peacebuilding initiative.
Author is PhD in Law, Associate Professor of the Department of International and Public Law, Tashkent State Transport University
