Minister Işıkhan Held Talks in Uzbekistan
Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan, the Minister of Labour and Social Security visited Uzbekistan to attend the “1st Meeting of the Türkiye-Uzbekistan Joint Permanent Commission and the Action Plan Signing Ceremony” as well as to hold talks.
As part of his visit to Uzbekistan, Minister Işıkhan met with Narbaeva Tanzila Kamalovna, Chairperson of the Senate of "Oliy Majlis" of Uzbekistan.
Speaking during the meeting held at the Senate building, Işıkhan noted that Uzbekistan is a brotherly country with close ties to Türkiye as well as a shared history, language, faith, and culture.
Minister Işıkhan stated that Türkiye attaches special importance to Uzbekistan, with its rich historical heritage, young and dynamic population, abundant natural resources, and strategic location.
Işıkhan expressed that Türkiye strives to provide all possible support for the development and prosperity of Uzbekistan through all its institutions, especially the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), and continued as follows:
"We closely follow and support the ongoing reform and development process in Uzbekistan. We extend our full support to Uzbekistan’s goal of reducing poverty and joining the upper-middle-income group of countries by 2030."
Işıkhan emphasized that relations with Uzbekistan are progressing within the framework of a “comprehensive strategic partnership based on the bonds of brotherhood,” and stated that they attach great importance to mutual visits and contacts in the further deepening bilateral relations.
Minister Işıkhan also stated that Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz is going to visit Uzbekistan soon to attend the Meeting of the Türkiye-Uzbekistan Joint Economic Commission.
Referring to the fact that they were here for the first meeting of the Türkiye-Uzbekistan Joint Working Commission, Işıkhan said that it is very important to share experiences and know-how in every field, particularly in the fields of labour, employment and social security.
Işıkhan pointed out that the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has strengthened its institutional structure through joint efforts and has become an organization which is being followed by the international community and with which third countries wish to cooperate. The Minister added that they highly appreciate Uzbekistan's contributions to the institutionalization of the OTS and the integration process of the Turkic World.
Senate Chairperson Narbayeva also expressed her constant pleasure in being with their Turkish partners.
Following this, Işıkhan participated in the first meeting of the Joint Working Commission, which was attended by Uzbekistan's Minister of Employment and Poverty Reduction Botir Zohidov and delegations from the ministries of both countries.
The 2025-2026 Action Plan, which was approved, is going to make it possible to share information and experience on various issues such as strengthening the labour markets of the two countries, occupational health and safety, and guidance and inspection activities.
As part of his visit to Uzbekistan, Minister Işıkhan also visited the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Tashkent.
During the meetings, Ceyda Bölünmez Çankırı, AK Party Izmir Deputy, and Öznur Çalık, former Malatya Deputy and Member of the Presidential Board for Social and Youth Policies accompanied Minister Işıkhan.