Uzbekistan–Bulgaria: A Dialogue of Traditions and Strategic Interests

On June 9–11, at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rumen Radev will pay an official visit to Uzbekistan.

Relations between Uzbekistan and Bulgaria are rooted in a long and rich history. Scholars trace the interactions between Turkic peoples — including the ancestors of the Bulgarians — and the regions that now comprise modern-day Uzbekistan back to the era of the Great Silk Road. These exchanges, driven by migration, commerce, and cultural ties, laid a foundation for mutual interest and respect that continues today.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were formally established on September 12, 1992. Since then, Uzbekistan and Bulgaria have steadily developed a constructive political dialogue. In recent years, this partnership has gained new momentum, marking a transition to a more dynamic and multifaceted engagement.

Political cooperation is grounded in mutual support and a shared vision for regional and global development. High-level bilateral contacts have intensified, reflecting Uzbekistan’s broader policy of deepening ties with European Union member states. As an EU member, Bulgaria is viewed by Uzbekistan as a key strategic partner in Europe.

A pivotal moment in bilateral relations was the meeting between President Mirziyoyev and President Radev on the sidelines of the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2017. The talks reaffirmed a shared commitment to enhancing dialogue and cooperation, laying the groundwork for expanded interaction — including the current visit.

Within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the OSCE, Bulgaria consistently supports Uzbekistan’s regional initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development and stability in Central Asia. Sofia has also expressed strong appreciation for the reforms underway in Uzbekistan under the "New Uzbekistan" strategy — including efforts to strengthen civil society institutions and media development.

Inter-parliamentary cooperation is evolving steadily. The Bulgarian National Assembly maintains a Bulgaria–Uzbekistan Friendship Group, while Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis (Parliament) has established a corresponding inter-parliamentary group for cooperation with the Bulgarian legislature.

Recent years have seen an active exchange of parliamentary visits. In July 2018, a delegation led by Adlen Shevked, Chairman of the Bulgaria–Uzbekistan Friendship Group, visited Uzbekistan. In November 2018, a delegation from the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis traveled to Bulgaria and held meetings with the leadership of the National Assembly, senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Economy, and Tourism, as well as the mayors of Plovdiv and Kardzhali.

In December 2021, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis Tanzila Narbaeva delivered a video address at the high-level ministerial conference “Shaping Europe’s Demographic Future,” held in Sofia.

The foreign ministries of both countries maintain regular contact, including interagency consultations that cover bilateral priorities as well as global issues such as climate change, digital transformation, countering disinformation, and the protection of human rights.

On October 23, 2023, during the 19th EU–Central Asia Ministerial Meeting in Luxembourg, a meeting was held between Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maria Gabriel.

While economic cooperation has yet to reach its full potential, both sides recognize opportunities for expansion across several key sectors, including pharmaceuticals and biomedical research, information technology and telecommunications, agriculture and food processing, renewable energy (especially solar and hydrogen technologies), textiles, and chemicals.

Efforts are underway to reinvigorate the Uzbek–Bulgarian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation. Its most recent — the fifth — session was held in Sofia in September 2019.

Uzbekistan’s ongoing economic liberalization, the development of free economic zones, and robust support for small and medium enterprises have enhanced the country’s investment appeal. Today, 30 joint ventures involving Bulgarian partners operate in Uzbekistan, including four with full Bulgarian ownership. These businesses are engaged in oil refining, textile manufacturing, food production, trade, and services.

The two countries are also exploring expanded cooperation in transportation and logistics, particularly within the framework of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. This corridor could link Uzbekistan to Black Sea ports via the South Caucasus, with Bulgaria’s infrastructure and logistics hubs serving as a critical gateway between Central Asia and the EU.

Uzbek–Bulgarian cooperation is also gaining strength in the humanitarian and educational spheres. The Uzbekistan–Bulgaria Friendship Society and the Bulgarian Cultural Center play an active role in promoting intercultural dialogue.

Sister city partnerships between Bukhara and Varna, and between Samarkand and Plovdiv, symbolize growing cultural affinity and mutual trust. Through cultural exchanges, joint initiatives, and delegation visits, these cities help to bring the people of both countries closer together.

In recent years, Bulgarian film screenings and art exhibitions have taken place in Tashkent and Samarkand. Embassies and diaspora organizations have played a vital role in promoting cultural heritage through language classes, music events, and roundtables.

Education is another area of fruitful cooperation. Agreements have been signed between the Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology and the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy in Sofia; between the Tashkent State University of Law and Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”; and between the Samarkand State Medical University and the Medical University of Sofia. Memorandums of understanding have also been signed with Namangan State University and the Technical University of Varna, as well as with the University of World Economy and Diplomacy and the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute. These partnerships aim to improve educational outcomes and promote youth dialogue and academic mobility.

Uzbekistan and Bulgaria also participate in Erasmus+ programs, through which Uzbek students study and intern at Bulgarian universities and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.

Tourism offers yet another avenue for deeper cooperation. With their rich historical legacies, architectural treasures, and diverse natural landscapes, both countries are well-positioned to boost two-way tourist flows.

All of this affirms the mutual intent of Uzbekistan and Bulgaria to fully unlock the potential of their bilateral partnership — one grounded in trust, cultural understanding, and respect for each other’s strategic interests.

In this context, the forthcoming visit of President Rumen Radev to Uzbekistan, along with his participation in the 4th Tashkent International Investment Forum, is expected to provide strong impetus to advancing a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership across all areas of cooperation.

Dunyo Information Agency