CONTINUITY IN EVERYTHING

The election of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, opens a new page in the history of this country. Uzbekistan is not only a fraternal Turkic country for Azerbaijan with a common Soviet historical past. It is our closest, a time-tested ally in Central Asia. No other country in Central Asia was not as close ethnically and culturally to Azerbaijan than Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan has always unambiguously supported Azerbaijan in all international organizations on all issues relating to the protection of our territorial integrity. The Uzbek political analyst, Farhad Tolipov, told R+ about the expected political and economic changes in Uzbekistan under the new president.

- Uzbekistan has always followed an evenhanded foreign policy with geopolitical centers. Do you think the country will change its geopolitical orientation under the new president? How do you see the future of Uzbekistan's foreign policy?

- Both during the election campaign and after the elections, Shavkat Mirziyoyev has clearly stated the continuity of Uzbek foreign policy. This means that the country will retain its non-aligned position. Although he did not mention the EAEC, we can assume that Tashkent will not enter into this union. In general, Mirziyoyev will continue his predecessor's (Islam Karimov) foreign policy. However, Uzbekistan’s reluctance to join EAEC does not mean alienating Russia. Under Karimov’s regime, there was a proposal to establish a free trade zone between EAEC and Uzbekistan. There are various other forms of cooperation that can contribute to increase of trade volumes and the strengthening of economic relations.

- Uzbekistan is located in a very sensitive region. The country has quite difficult relations with its neighbors. The tragic events in Osh and border disputes with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, plus neighborhood with Afghanistan means a lot. How will you develop relations with your neighbors?

- The new leadership has declared the Central Asian region its foreign policy priority. Some practical steps confirm the advantage of this principle, such as the meetings of the representatives of the Uzbek Foreign Ministry with colleagues from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. There is a dialogue at governmental level with Kyrgyzstan. We will resume flights to and from Tajikistan starting January 2017. They were suspended in the early 90s. We have also established a dialogue on visa-free regime with neighboring countries. Finally, we are slowly but steadily resuming the construction of the Aragun hydropower plant.

- What do you think about inter-Turkic integration and the establishment of common market for Turkic countries?

- I am skeptical about the prospects of dynamic integration and the unification of the Turkic world. I have been working on this issue. The Turkic world is heterogeneous and complex, both in terms of geopolitical orientations and foreign policy preferences in the world. Despite the historical unity and converging factors, there are also interests outside of the Turkic world. From anthropological point of view, the term "Turkic world" in addition to cultural and ethnic characteristics also means rational pragmatic interests that prevail in the foreign policy of all Turkic countries. Here is one important factor: most of the Turkic world is part of a single state, Russia. This part of the Turkic world will refer to the concept of convergence and unity not only in the light of their own interests and the Turkic identity but also through the prism of Russia’s global policy. This will significantly modify their position and interests. We can come to the ambiguity and heterogeneity of the Turkic world. Complete unity of the Turkic world is not necessary.

- Can Uzbekistan take advantage of the export route through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and beyond for its energy resources in addition to the Russian and the Western routes?

- Uzbekistan has always supported economic expediency. Therefore, it would be a big mistake to give priority to projects based on personal sympathies rather than rational commercial gains. Economic feasibility will determine the fate of energy projects.

- The government of the late President Karimov has always supported Azerbaijan’s position on Karabakh in the United Nations and other organizations. What about the new Uzbek government?

- There is no reason that would change the established position on this issue.

- Uzbekistan is famous for its prestigious Islamic educational institutions. How was the recent victory of Donald Trump and his ambiguous remarks against Muslims interpreted in Uzbekistan?

- Despite extravagant statements and expressions of the US presidential candidates, this country has a proven track record of checks and balances. You can never see there a president saying something, which would be immediately implemented. I think that we should treat his critical statements about Muslims properly. I do not believe he refers to all Muslims or rejects the entire Islamic world. I think that these statements were caused by indignation against radical Muslims, they had a specific context, and not Mr. Trump’s personal views.

- Did Mirziyoyev mention in his official speeches about the prospects of relations with the South Caucasian countries?

- During the election campaign, he has outlined only the most significant moments. Of course, the cooperation will develop and we will further strengthen earlier relations and communication with this region. There is no reason to minimize or limit these connections. The mutual interests between Uzbekistan and the countries of South Caucasus remain and will only grow under favorable conditions.