King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan has arrived in Uzbekistan on a state visit at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. According to thediplomaticinsight.com, this landmark visit highlights Uzbekistan’s growing commitment to a multi-vector foreign policy and deeper integration with the Middle East, thediplomaticinsight.com reports.
The visit marks a turning point in bilateral relations, elevating them to a more structured and strategic level. Diplomatic ties, established in 1993, have evolved significantly in recent years — shifting from formal exchanges to practical cooperation.
Earlier in 2025, a high-level delegation led by Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov visited Amman, where both sides signed a visa-waiver agreement for diplomatic passport holders and launched a Joint Foreign Ministry Cooperation Program for 2025–2027.
Despite modest trade volumes — around $4.6 million in 2024 — Uzbekistan and Jordan are advancing ambitious economic initiatives. These include negotiations on a preferential trade agreement, the establishment of joint ventures in pharmaceuticals, textiles, and digital industries, as well as cooperation in mining and agriculture. The upcoming creation of a Uzbek-Jordanian Business Council is expected to boost private-sector engagement.
The visit comes amid Uzbekistan’s broader outreach to the Gulf region. Trade with the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nearly quintupled between 2020 and 2023, reflecting Tashkent’s proactive economic diplomacy.
Special emphasis is also being placed on strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties. Shared Islamic heritage provides a solid foundation for collaboration in education, theology, archaeology, and healthcare.
As Central Asian nations deepen their global connections, King Abdullah II’s visit could open new avenues not only for bilateral development but also for broader cooperation between Central Asia and the Arab world.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
August 27, 2025