☰ Contents · History of Uzbekistan

Relations with Russia, China and the USA

Lessons 19 · 1 lessons · N. Jo‘rayev, A. Zamonov. History of Uzbekistan (the period of independence): textbook for Grade 11 pupils of secondary schools and for secondary specialised and vocational institutions. 1st edition. G‘afur G‘ulom Publishing and Printing Creative House, Tashkent, 2018
19

Uzbekistan’s relations with Russia, China and the USA

Textbook: pp. 120–123
GoalDescribe the main stages of Uzbekistan’s relations with Russia, China and the USA.
New words
recognition: a state’s official acceptance of another state as independent · tan olishalliance treaty: an agreement of close political and security cooperation · ittifoqchilik shartnomasistrategic partnership: a long-term, wide-ranging form of cooperation · strategik sherikchilikdeclaration: a formal statement of shared aims or principles · deklaratsiya
Explanation

Relations with major powers are an important part of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy. A treaty on friendship and cooperation was signed with Russia in 1992, a treaty on strategic partnership in 2004 and a treaty on allied relations in 2005; in later years ties widened in trade, labour migration and energy. China recognised Uzbekistan’s independence on 27 December 1991, diplomatic relations were established in January 1992, a strategic partnership was established in 2012 and raised to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016, and in 2017 high-level visits raised the volume of trade and projects. Diplomatic ties with the USA were established in 1992 and an embassy opened in Tashkent; in 2002 a declaration on the foundations of strategic partnership and cooperation was signed. After 2016 political dialogue, trade and educational contacts revived, although relations have developed differently in different years. The textbook describes these ties as based on equality and mutual benefit.

Worked examples
Example: China recognised independence on 27 December 1991, while diplomatic relations were established in January 1992 — recognition and establishing relations are two separate steps.
Example: the 2004 strategic partnership and the 2005 allied relations treaty are not one document; they were signed in two different years.
Class activity

Three timelines: the class splits into three groups; each puts the dates of relations with Russia, China or the USA on a timeline and gives a short presentation.

Practice
1
Which treaties were signed with Russia in 2004 and 2005?
2
When did China recognise independence and when were diplomatic relations established?
3
What document was signed with the USA in 2002?
4
Why is keeping ties with several large states considered useful for Uzbekistan?