Kamilov: Uzbekistan was once close to military conflict with its neighbors

Former Foreign Minister and current Special Presidential Envoy for Foreign Policy Abdulaziz Kamilov made a historic statement. He noted that in 2016-2017, Uzbekistan experienced serious tensions in relations with neighboring countries, and there was even a threat of military conflict.

In an interview with Ishonch.uz, Kamilov expressed the seriousness of the situation as follows:

“At that time, relations were so tense that the situation gradually deteriorated and approached the border of a military conflict. If it were not for the firm and rational position of the new political leadership, difficult consequences were not far off,” he said.

After a change in the state leadership in 2016, the new President Shavkat Mirziyoyev identified Central Asia as a priority direction in foreign policy. According to Kamilov, it was this decision that set the situation in the region on the right track.

“From his first speeches, our President set the main goal of establishing close ties with the countries of Central Asia and eliminating the accumulated problems. In 2017, he openly announced this direction from the UN rostrum,” Kamilov added.

He also emphasized that the integration processes in the region and consultative meetings between heads of state have created the basis for the current stable and constructive dialogue.

Abdulaziz Kamilov served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan from 2012 to 2022. Later, he was appointed Deputy Secretary of the Security Council under the President. In 2024 and 2025, he was awarded high awards by Turkmenistan and Italy for his contribution to the development of international cooperation.

This statement arouses great interest not only in political circles, but also among the public. Because it further demonstrates the value of the diplomatic turn and peacekeeping efforts of recent years.