Uzbekistan’s foreign policy has undergone a fundamental transformation since late 2016, marked by a shift from relative isolation to openness, pragmatism, and proactive engagement on the global stage. A clear indication of this transformation is the introduction of a visa-free regime for citizens of nearly 100 countries—many of them European—alongside a surge in foreign direct investment, which reached almost $12 billion in 2024, marking a more than fourfold increase compared to 2016. These developments have significantly enhanced international connectivity and underscored Uzbekistan’s commitment to openness and global cooperation.

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