Uzbekistan–Slovenia: 30 years of partnership and new horizons of cooperation

On May 21–22, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay an official visit to Slovenia.

Symbolically, this visit coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Slovenia, which have been steadily developing since January 16, 1995, encompassing political, economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres.

Political interaction between Uzbekistan and Slovenia is considered by experts to have significant potential for further development and deepening, based on mutual respect and constructive dialogue. Both countries, aiming to diversify their foreign policy and economic ties, find common ground that promotes mutually beneficial exchange and strengthens bilateral relations. As a member of the European Union, Slovenia is an important partner for Uzbekistan in its efforts to deepen relations with the EU.

In March 2005, the first official visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Slovenia took place, marking an important stage in the development of bilateral relations. In subsequent years, inter-parliamentary ties and cooperation within international organizations have intensified. Notably, Ljubljana supported and co-authored UN General Assembly resolutions initiated by Uzbekistan, such as “Enhancing the Role of Parliaments in Accelerating the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals” (2022) and “Promoting Sustainable Forest Management, Including Afforestation and Reforestation, on Degraded Lands, Including in Arid Areas, as an Effective Solution to Environmental Problems” (2024).

Slovenia also supported Uzbekistan’s candidacy for membership in the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for 2025–2027. Additionally, both countries mutually supported each other’s candidacies for the Human Rights Committee (Uzbekistan for 2025–2028) and the Human Rights Council (Slovenia for 2026–2028). Within UNESCO, Uzbekistan supported Slovenia’s candidacy in 2017 for the Intergovernmental Council of the International Hydrological Programme and the Council of the International Bureau of Education at the level of the second electoral group.

A constructive dialogue is ongoing between the foreign ministries of the two countries. In November 2024, the third round of political consultations between the ministries took place in Tashkent, with the participation of State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, Marko Štucin. The parties discussed prospects for expanding diplomatic presence and agreed to hold the next round of consultations in 2025 in Ljubljana.

Regular meetings and consultations at various levels, including official delegations and ambassadorial exchanges, contribute to a better understanding of each other’s positions on current international and regional issues.

Economic cooperation between the two countries also shows positive dynamics. Slovenia, as a member of the European Union, represents a strategic interest for Uzbekistan in the context of expanding trade and investment cooperation with the EU. Developing a partnership with Slovenia opens opportunities for attracting investments, implementing advanced technologies, and expanding export markets.

Since 2022, when mutual trade volume increased by 40%, the scale of bilateral trade turnover has been steadily growing, facilitated in part by Uzbekistan obtaining the status of a beneficiary of the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+). By the end of 2024, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Slovenia increased by 60.3% compared to the previous year. Statistics for the first quarter of 2025 show that trade turnover grew by another 47.8% compared to the same period last year. Notably, exports from Uzbekistan increased more than 20 times, while imports from Slovenia decreased by 10%, indicating the growing competitiveness of Uzbek products in the European market.

Uzbekistan primarily exports raw materials and agricultural products to Slovenia, while Slovenia supplies high-tech equipment, pharmaceuticals, automotive components, and other industrial goods. There is significant potential for expanding the range of goods and services, especially in manufacturing and information technology.

In February 2023, a business forum “Uzbekistan–Slovenia” was held in Tashkent, during which an Agreement on Economic Cooperation was signed. Prospects for joint projects in automotive engineering, hydro turbine production, pharmaceuticals, the creation of an agro-industrial complex, and the opening of a branch of the Slovenian retail chain “Mercator Group” in Uzbekistan were discussed.

A key factor in developing cooperation is the mutual interest of both parties in investment partnership. Uzbekistan, actively pursuing economic reforms, offers Slovenian companies favorable conditions for investing in various sectors, including textile, construction, pharmaceutical, and tourism industries. Slovenian companies, in turn, can offer Uzbekistan expertise in innovation and high technology. Currently, three enterprises with Slovenian investments operate in Uzbekistan: one joint venture and two with 100% foreign capital.

Joint projects are developing in areas such as energy, logistics, and tourism. Slovenia, known for its natural beauty and developed tourist infrastructure, is of interest to Uzbek tourists. At the same time, the ancient cities and rich history of Uzbekistan attract more and more Slovenian travelers. The development of tourist ties contributes to deepening interpersonal contacts.

During the recent Uzbek-Slovenian summit at the highest level, business delegations from Uzbekistan in Ljubljana reached several specific agreements to increase mutual trade turnover to $500 million by expanding the range and volume of supplies of textile and fruit and vegetable products, mineral fertilizers, plastics, non-ferrous metals, building materials, pharmaceuticals, industrial equipment, and other high value-added products.

The geographical location of Uzbekistan in Central Asia and Slovenia in Europe creates opportunities for effective cooperation in developing transport corridors connecting the two regions. Therefore, both countries are interested in enhancing transport and logistics cooperation, including establishing direct air connections between the capitals of the two states.

Cultural and humanitarian ties occupy an important place in bilateral relations. They contribute to strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between peoples.

Various cultural events, such as exhibitions, concerts, and festivals, are held within the framework of cultural exchange, promoting the cultural heritage of both countries.

In November 2024, a meeting was held in Tashkent with the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, during which prospects for scientific and educational projects, academic exchanges, and joint educational programs were discussed.

Analysis shows a growing interest in both countries in cooperation in the field of education, so the development of this direction promises to be mutually beneficial and fruitful.

Thus, in the year of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Uzbekistan and Slovenia demonstrate a commitment to further strengthening cooperation based on mutual respect and common interests.

In this regard, the rich program of the upcoming visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Slovenia, the planned meetings, and high-level negotiations will undoubtedly define new horizons for bilateral relations, giving them a multifaceted and dynamic character.

Dunyo IA