Leaders of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan traveled to Jeddah for GCC-C5 Summit Joint Action Plan for Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation approved at leaders meeting hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman BY ARAB NEWS · 19 July 2023

 

• **Title: Forging New Paths: Leaders of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan**
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• *Introduction*
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• Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, two Central Asian nations, have embarked on unique journeys under the leadership of their respective presidents. Both countries, with rich histories and diverse cultures, are seeking to position themselves on the global stage while navigating the complexities of regional politics and socio-economic challenges. This article sheds light on the current leaders of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, and their efforts to shape the future of their nations.
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• **President Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Transforming Uzbekistan's Landscape**
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• Since taking office in 2016 after the passing of long-serving President Islam Karimov, Shavkat Mirziyoyev has initiated a series of reforms aimed at modernizing Uzbekistan's political, economic, and social landscape. President Mirziyoyev's approach has been characterized by a commitment to inclusivity, openness, and pragmatism. Some of his key initiatives include:
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• 1. **Economic Reforms:**
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•  To attract foreign investment and foster economic growth, President Mirziyoyev has taken steps to liberalize Uzbekistan's economy. This includes streamlining business regulations, encouraging entrepreneurship, and diversifying the country's trade relations with other nations.
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• 2. **Regional Diplomacy:**
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•  Uzbekistan, under President Mirziyoyev, has sought to engage in regional diplomacy to foster cooperation and peaceful relations among Central Asian countries. Efforts to resolve long-standing border disputes and strengthen ties with neighboring countries have been at the forefront of his diplomatic endeavors.
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• 3. **Human Rights and Media Freedom:**
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•  The government of Uzbekistan, under President Mirziyoyev's leadership, has taken steps to improve human rights conditions in the country. Progress has been made in allowing greater media freedom and releasing political prisoners, though challenges remain in achieving full press freedom.
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• 4. **Infrastructure Development:**
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•  President Mirziyoyev has emphasized the importance of infrastructure development to enhance connectivity within Uzbekistan and the region. Projects such as modernizing transportation networks and increasing energy cooperation with neighboring countries have been prioritized.
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• **President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow: Shaping Turkmenistan's Future**
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• Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow has been at the helm of Turkmenistan since 2006, following the death of Saparmurat Niyazov. As the president of Turkmenistan, Berdimuhamedow has focused on promoting Turkmen culture, strengthening national identity, and diversifying the country's economy. Some key aspects of his leadership include:
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• 1. **Cultivating National Identity:**
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•  President Berdimuhamedow has emphasized the preservation of Turkmen culture and traditions, promoting the Turkmen language, arts, and sports. National holidays and cultural events are celebrated with fervor to foster a sense of national pride.
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• 2. **Economic Diversification:**
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•  Turkmenistan's economy has long been dependent on natural gas exports. To reduce this reliance, President Berdimuhamedow has sought to diversify the economy by investing in sectors such as agriculture, textile manufacturing, and petrochemicals.
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• 3. **Neutrality Policy:**
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•  Turkmenistan maintains a policy of permanent neutrality, avoiding involvement in military alliances or conflicts. This approach, enshrined in the country's constitution, underlines Turkmenistan's commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and regional stability.
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• 4. **Infrastructure and Mega-Projects:**
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•  President Berdimuhamedow has spearheaded several infrastructure projects aimed at modernizing Turkmenistan's cities and transportation networks. High-profile developments include the construction of modern buildings and monuments that reflect the country's cultural heritage.
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• **Conclusion**
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• Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are each embarking on distinctive paths of development and transformation. While Uzbekistan's President Mirziyoyev seeks to modernize and open up the nation's economy and society, Turkmenistan's President Berdimuhamedow emphasizes the preservation of national identity and the diversification of the economy. Both leaders' efforts play a crucial role in shaping the future of their respective nations and fostering regional cooperation in Central Asia. As they continue to navigate the complexities of governance, the world watches closely to see how their visions will unfold in the years to come.