By Rehan Khan
Islamabad, Tuesday, 14 January 2025 (TNS): The burgeoning partnership between Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) serves as a compelling example of the transformative power of international collaboration in an era of global interconnectedness.
According to the Uzbek Embassy in Islamabad, over the past few years, the two nations have built a relationship grounded in mutual respect, shared aspirations, and a commitment to innovation in public governance.
This dynamic partnership goes beyond mere diplomatic ties, embodying an exchange of knowledge, technologies, and policy frameworks. It underscores how bilateral cooperation can strengthen institutional resilience, promote the rule of law, and enhance the quality of public services to benefit citizens in both countries.
The Uzbekistan-UAE relationship is rooted in a shared vision of progress. Both nations are focused on modernizing their governance systems with an emphasis on digital transformation, transparency, and legal reform. For Uzbekistan, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the UAE provides a model of effective governance and innovation. Conversely, the UAE views Uzbekistan as a key partner in Central Asia, offering untapped potential for collaboration and investment.
The foundation of this partnership is a series of agreements and initiatives aimed at improving governance, streamlining legal procedures, and fostering a culture of openness and accountability in public institutions. Currently, Uzbekistan and the UAE collaborate in diverse fields, including trade, science, technology, tourism, and agriculture. Notably, the two nations have signed 32 bilateral documents, comprising three interstate, 14 intergovernmental, six interagency agreements, and nine other documents.
This cooperation aligns with Uzbekistan’s broader strategy to harmonize its legal and governance systems with international standards while leveraging the UAE’s expertise in advanced technologies and governance best practices. A milestone in this collaboration was last year’s visit by Uzbekistan’s Minister of Justice, Akbar Tashkulov, to the UAE. During the visit, Tariq Humaid Al-Tayer, Chair of the Advisory Council of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the UAE’s view of Uzbekistan as a trusted friend and partner, with mutual collaboration yielding shared benefits.
During this meeting, the UAE expressed support for President Mirziyoyev’s initiative to establish an international commercial court in Tashkent. This support includes ensuring the court’s effective operations, which is a critical element in enhancing Uzbekistan’s investment appeal and safeguarding investor capital.
Both nations are working to reform their judicial systems by simplifying procedures, ensuring access to legal assistance, and introducing innovations such as electronic document management systems. These initiatives aim to make legal services more accessible and efficient.
The UAE’s support extends to training Uzbek specialists and harmonizing the legal framework with international standards. This exchange of expertise complements joint efforts to align Uzbekistan’s legal infrastructure with global standards, particularly in areas such as commercial law and intellectual property rights. Such collaborations enhance Uzbekistan’s legal infrastructure, fostering sustainable economic growth.
Strengthened bilateral relations between the ministries of justice of both countries, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), pave the way for long-term cooperation in legal and judicial matters. The MoU establishes a framework for effective collaboration through joint events such as forums, conferences, professional development programs, and training for officials and specialists. Additionally, it fosters collaboration in judicial and forensic fields.
A notable aspect of this partnership is its focus on improving public services. Renowned for its citizen-centric governance approach, the UAE has played a pivotal role in advising Uzbekistan on modern service delivery mechanisms. This collaboration has furthered the development of Uzbekistan’s public service centers, simplifying access to essential services and reducing bureaucracy for citizens.
The UAE’s experience in digitalization has also shaped Uzbekistan’s digital government strategy. Initiatives such as electronic document management systems, online legal information resources, and e-governance platforms are direct outcomes of this bilateral engagement. These advancements have improved access to public services and laid the groundwork for greater transparency and accountability in Uzbekistan’s institutions.
Digital transformation remains a central theme of the bilateral agenda, with both nations recognizing technology as a driving force for governance reforms. Uzbekistan’s efforts to digitalize its judicial and administrative systems have been significantly bolstered by the UAE’s expertise. Innovations ranging from blockchain property registries to AI-powered legal analytics illustrate how this partnership pushes the boundaries of public administration.
The success of the Uzbekistan-UAE partnership offers valuable lessons for other countries in the region. It demonstrates that bilateral cooperation can transcend traditional economic and security concerns to focus on governance and institutional reforms. By leveraging each other’s strengths, the two nations are creating a model of constructive engagement that prioritizes shared benefits and long-term sustainability.
As Uzbekistan continues its ambitious reform agenda, its partnership with the UAE is poised for further growth. Joint projects in governance, justice, and innovation highlight the transformative potential of international cooperation to strengthen institutional resilience and improve citizens’ quality of life.
The collaboration between Uzbekistan and the UAE stands as a testament to the power of mutual respect and the exchange of expertise in building societies that are not only prosperous but also equitable and inclusive.
