Twitter & Tashkent: New Diplomacy & International Cooperation

February 18, 2026 Rachel Kim – Technology Editor Technology

Tashkent is experiencing a surge in diplomatic activity, signaling a significant shift in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy, according to observers. The sentiment, highlighted in a recent social media post, describes the city as “waking up to new diplomatic horizons and international cooperation.” This increased engagement comes as Uzbekistan pursues ambitious infrastructure projects and seeks to solidify its role as a regional hub.

The most visible manifestation of this ambition is the ongoing construction of a new airport in Tashkent, announced on October 29, 2025. The $2.5 billion project is intended to develop into Central Asia’s primary aviation gateway, with a projected capacity of over 40 accept-offs and landings per hour and the ability to serve 20 million passengers annually. Economists forecast the airport will generate $27 billion in annual revenue and create numerous jobs.

Uzbekistan is relying on international partnerships to achieve these goals. Japan’s Sojitz Corporation has committed capital and technical expertise to the airport project, leveraging its experience in the aviation sector. South Korea’s Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) has secured a $24.5 million contract to provide consulting services, focusing on operational and service support during the airport’s development phase. The airport is slated to begin operations in 2029.

This diplomatic push extends beyond infrastructure. On Thursday, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Brussels for an official visit. Belgium, as the home of the European Union’s capital, plays a key role in shaping European policy and the economic agenda. A new Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Uzbekistan and the European Union is planned for signing, designed to elevate cooperation to a new level. The agreement builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed on April 15, 1992, and formal diplomatic relations established on November 16, 1994.

The signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, confirmed on Friday, October 24, 2025, represents a logical continuation of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy aimed at strengthening mutual understanding with Europe. The foundation for relations with the European Communities was laid decades ago, with the opening of the Uzbek Embassy in Brussels in 1995, which also serves as the Mission to the European Union. A Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan has been operating in Tashkent since 2011. Visits by the President of the European Council took place in 2019, 2022, and 2025, and a visit by the President of the European Commission also occurred in 2025.

While Uzbekistan actively engages with international partners, its diplomatic agenda also includes navigating complex regional dynamics. The visit by a Taliban delegation to Tashkent suggests the Uzbek government is acknowledging the need to coexist with a potentially volatile neighbor.