UAE and Uzbekistan deepen their partnership
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, witnessed the signing of a declaration solidifying the strategic partnership between their nations during President Mirziyoyev's visit to the UAE. Additionally, the two countries announced agreements, memoranda of understanding, and cooperation protocols at a ceremony in Qasr Al Shati, Abu Dhabi. These agreements span sectors such as industry, technology, diplomacy, culture, investment, mining, agriculture, food security, defense, and justice.
The parties are set to invest over $4 billion in various projects in the field of clean energy and waste management. These include a $200 million thermal waste-to-energy plant in Bukhara and Navoi, a 1,000 MW wind power plant in Uchkuduk, and a $1 million project to develop sustainable agriculture with a genetic seed bank for salt-tolerant plants. Masdar, Mubadala, DP World, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and other Emirati companies are expected to participate in these investment projects.
Further collaboration includes a joint research program on sustainable development goals between UAE University and Green University in Uzbekistan, aimed at training specialists to address environmental challenges and advance regional sustainability.
Currently, Uzbekistan is focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aligning national policies with the SDGs through legal and regulatory reforms to promote private entrepreneurship and attract investments. According to K.B. Tursunov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the Oliy Majlis Senate for Budget and Economic Matters, Uzbekistan requires at least $6 billion in additional annual investments to achieve its national SDG targets.
Earlier in May, the fifth joint economic committee session was held in Tashkent. During the event, the UAE and Uzbekistan agreed to enhance cooperation in sectors including the new economy, tourism, entrepreneurship, fintech, innovation, transportation, renewable energy, logistics, agriculture, food security, and infrastructure.
