Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Serbia were established on January 18, 1995, following Belgrade’s recognition of Uzbekistan’s independence in late 1991.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has undertaken wide-ranging reforms in the field of labor migration, establishing a comprehensive system to ensure the safe, legal, and dignified employment of its citizens abroad. These reforms are aimed not only at protecting the rights and interests of migrants, but also at enhancing their professional skills and supporting their long-term social and economic integration.

Today, the most pressing global issue is undoubtedly the environmental crisis. Virtually all countries are facing the negative consequences of climate change, water scarcity, and air pollution. Unfortunately, ecological degradation poses a significant threat to human life and health. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), between 4.2 and 7 million people die each year worldwide due to air pollution. Additionally, 2.7 billion people around the world experience water shortages for at least one month each year.

Relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Kingdom of Belgium are built on the principles of mutual respect, equality, and constructive dialogue. Belgium recognized Uzbekistan’s independence on December 31, 1991, and diplomatic relations were established on March 10, 1992. In 1995, Uzbekistan’s Embassy began operating in Brussels, while Belgium coordinates its cooperation through its diplomatic mission in Astana.

By 2023, the new National Agency for Social Protection (NASP) and community “Inson” service centres were delivering aid to roughly 2.3 million needy families – about a fourfold increase from 2017. Pensions and basic benefits were also raised: for instance, pension and disability payments in real terms are now about 1.5 times higher than before the reforms.

Today, Uzbekistan–Russia cooperation forms the foundational pillar of economic interaction across the CIS region. Russia is Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner: bilateral trade amounted to $11.6 billion in 2024, and $8.3 billion in January–August 2025, marking a 6.5% increase.

In October, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will pay a visit to the Kingdom of Belgium, during which important decisions are expected to be made that will mark a qualitatively new stage in relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union. In particular, the visit will feature the signing of the Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has been actively shaping a new framework of engagement with Europe – a key pillar of stability amid current geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty. The ties between Uzbekistan and European countries continue to grow, and the areas of cooperation are diversifying, supported by the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan.

On October 6-7 of this year, the 12th summit of the Organisation of Turkic states was held in Gabala, Azerbaijan. Speaking at the event, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev drew attention to a number of actual issues and put forward initiatives that are extremely important for the development of cooperation.