THE CONCEPT OF "NEW CENTRAL ASIA" AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN UZBEKISTAN'S FOREIGN POLICY

“INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION” 2025/1 192 DOI: https://10.5281/zenodo.17516829 THE CONCEPT OF "NEW CENTRAL ASIA" AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN UZBEKISTAN’S FOREIGN POLICY Shohislom Maxammadiyev E-mail: shohmuhammadiy7[email protected]om ABSTRACT This thesis analyzes the content, purpose, and role of the "New Central Asia" concept in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy in strengthening regional cooperation. This concept is one of the strategic directions of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy in recent years, aimed at strengthening mutual trust, integration and stability among the countries of the region. It also highlights the role of this policy in the international arena, as well as the mechanisms of regional diplomacy that have emerged through Uzbekistan’s initiatives. Keywords: New Central Asia, foreign policy, Uzbekistan, regional cooperation, diplomacy, security, integration, stability. MAIN PART In recent years, Uzbekistan’s foreign policy has undergone fundamental changes. Since 2016, the country has been promoting a policy of regional openness and cooperation. In this process, the concept of "New Central Asia" was formed and became a key principle of foreign policy. This approach aims to strengthen interconnection, considering the region as a single historical, cultural and economic space. The "New Central Asia" concept, initiated by Uzbekistan, has created an atmosphere of friendly and pragmatic diplomacy between the countries of the region. The coldness of previous years has been replaced by a policy of openness, trust and “INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION” 2025/1 193 dialogue. In this direction, consultative meetings of the heads of Central Asian states have been held since 2018, initiated by Uzbekistan. These meetings have made it possible to resolve regional problems through direct dialogue, without external intermediaries. The main goal of the concept is to form a new model of cooperation between the countries of Central Asia. Joint projects are being implemented in the fields of energy, water resources, transport and logistics, security, ecology and culture. Uzbekistan also aims to strengthen the region’s position in world politics through the "New Central Asia" concept, making it an active participant in global integration processes. One of the important aspects of the initiative is to ensure peace and stability in the region, and to pursue a balanced policy with external powers based on mutual interests. Therefore, the "New Central Asia" model is gaining importance as a diplomatic mechanism to strengthen the sovereignty of the region in a multipolar world. Today, this concept is also recognized internationally. Regional cooperation between the countries of Central Asia is particularly appreciated at the level of the UN, the European Union, the SCO and other organizations. This approach to Uzbekistan’s foreign policy is strengthening the principles of pragmatic, balanced and mutually beneficial diplomacy, shaping a new strategic image of the region. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the concept of "New Central Asia" occupies an important place in the modern stage of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy. It has strengthened the atmosphere of trust, cooperation and stability in the region, turning Uzbekistan into the center of regional diplomacy. This policy opens up new opportunities not only in ensuring regional security, but also in the areas of economic integration, trade, culture and transport. In the future, the regional model being formed on the basis of the concept of "New Central Asia" will create the foundation of a stable, open and cooperative New Central Asia in international politics. “INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION” 2025/1 194 REFERENCES: 1. Mirziyoyev, Sh. M. (2022). New Uzbekistan – New Central Asia Concept. Tashkent: TMA Publishing House. 2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. (2023). A new stage in Central Asian regional policy. 3. Karimov, F. (2024). New paradigms of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy. Tashkent: Journal of Economics and Politics. 4. Central Asian Institute for Strategic Studies (2023). New Central Asia - a modern model of regional cooperation. 5. UN reports. (2024). Regional Cooperation in Central Asia: New Approaches and Perspectives.