Uzbekistan and Turkey are strengthening their strategic partnership in defense and politics through the new 4+4 format. A meeting was held in Ankara on January 20, bringing together the ministers of foreign affairs, interior, defense, and heads of intelligence agencies from both countries. This mechanism has become a key platform for direct coordination in intelligence, military cooperation, and regional security, Gazeta.uz reports.
Following the talks, the parties adopted a Joint Action Plan aimed at protecting national interests and maintaining stability. Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov emphasized that the shared goal of Tashkent and Ankara remains improving the quality of life for their peoples through the creation of a reliable security system.
The following day, January 21, the foreign ministers held a meeting of the strategic planning group, where they discussed expanding ties in trade, energy, and the defense industry. Particular attention was paid to the development of transport corridors, including the Trans-Caspian route and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, which connect regions through Uzbekistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.
During the meeting, the diplomats also compared positions on the international agenda, including the situation in Afghanistan, Gaza, Ukraine, and Syria. The talks in Ankara were an important step in preparation for the upcoming meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, which will be chaired by the presidents of Uzbekistan and Turkey.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
January 22, 2026