Ashraf AboArafe writes
FROM the steppes of Central Asia to the corridors of global diplomacy, Uzbekistan steps forward not with the language of force, but with the vocabulary of dialogue.
On 17–19 February, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will visit the United States to participate in the inaugural meeting of the newly established Peace Council — a multilateral platform designed to strengthen dialogue and promote peaceful solutions to global and regional conflicts.
A New Architecture for Peace
The Peace Council was formally established in January 2026 during the World Economic Forum in Davos, where its founding charter was signed by heads of state and representatives of founding nations. Conceived as a practical mechanism for conflict prevention and diplomatic engagement, the initiative aims to respond to some of the most acute crises of our time — particularly those in the Middle East.
Uzbekistan joined as a founding member, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to peaceful diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and shared international responsibility. Tashkent’s foreign policy, rooted in balance and pragmatism, continues to emphasize respect for international law and the rejection of force-based scenarios.
A Consistent Voice on Global Justice
Within this framework, Uzbekistan’s principled position on the Palestinian issue — advocating a just and sustainable settlement in accordance with United Nations resolutions — has gained renewed resonance. Its participation in shaping the Peace Council highlights the country’s growing diplomatic weight and constructive global role.
This initiative is not an isolated gesture; rather, it reflects a strategic continuity in Uzbekistan’s international engagement. The country increasingly positions itself as a mediator, a bridge-builder, and a responsible stakeholder in global governance.
A New Chapter in Uzbek–American Relations
President Mirziyoyev’s participation in the Council’s first session coincides with a period of intensified political dialogue between Tashkent and Washington. Over the past six months, bilateral contacts have reached a qualitatively new level.
In September last year, the Uzbek leader visited New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, where he engaged with global leaders on pressing international issues. Momentum continued in November 2025 during his working visit to the United States, which included meetings with the U.S. President, members of Congress, and representatives of American business circles.
A key dimension of cooperation has been the C5+1 format — viewed by both sides as an effective platform for coordinating regional efforts in Central Asia.
Today, Uzbekistan is increasingly perceived in Washington as a reliable and predictable partner pursuing a balanced foreign policy. The expansion of economic dialogue, growing investment cooperation, and strengthened interagency communication all signal rising mutual trust.
From Regional Stability to Global Responsibility
Beyond diplomacy, Uzbek–American cooperation is broadening across strategic sectors: regional security, economic reform support, trade and investment, energy, digitalization, infrastructure, and human capital development. These joint projects form the backbone of a long-term strategic partnership.
Uzbekistan’s participation in the Peace Council thus carries symbolic and practical significance. It underscores the country’s aspiration to contribute not only to regional stability but also to shaping a new architecture of global dialogue.
In an era marked by polarization and geopolitical tension, Tashkent chooses a different path — one of engagement over isolation, dialogue over division, and cooperation over confrontation.
As President Mirziyoyev joins fellow leaders in the Peace Council’s inaugural session, Uzbekistan signals that peace is not merely an abstract ideal — it is a strategic priority and a shared global responsibility.
