In recent years, Uzbekistan has embraced a more active and progressive foreign policy, resulting in a significant increase in its participation in regional and international processes. This has also caused the country’s bicameral parliament, the Oliy Majlis, to grow in prominence.

1. Strengthening Foundations: In 2020, the Kengashes of the Oliy Majlis adopted the Concept of parliamentary diplomacy. A Joint Resolution was also passed to enhance cooperation with foreign parliaments. The post of First Deputy Speaker was established for the development of inter-parliamentary diplomacy.
2. Bilateral Cooperation: From 2015-2019, inter-parliamentary groups for cooperation with the parliaments of 28 countries were formed. In 2020, this number increased to 43, and by 2023, it reached 57 (56 countries and the EU Parliament). Overall, 36 inter-parliamentary structures have been created, including 26 headed by deputies of the Legislative Chamber and 10 by members of the Senate.
3. International Participation: The Oliy Majlis has joined several prestigious inter-parliamentary associations such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States (IPA CIS), and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA). It hosted the 54th plenary meeting of the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly in Samarkand for the first time in the thirty-year history of the organization.
4. Parliamentary Control: There has been an enhanced focus on the systematic realization of national goals in sustainable development. The Parliament’s active participation in the country’s foreign policy supports the strengthening of relations in various spheres.
5. International Recognition: Akmal Saidov was appointed Vice President of the IPU on January 30, 2020. The country’s election to the governing body of the IPU is an acknowledgment of the cardinal social and political reforms led by the President.

Uzbekistan’s parliament is now an essential component of the nation’s foreign policy, boldly promoting its interests bilaterally and within international inter-parliamentary structures. This robust international relations program illustrates the potential and effectiveness of Uzbekistan’s expanding parliamentary diplomacy.