In the windswept capital of Mongolia, Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh of Mongolia stood side by side in a gesture rich with symbolism and substance. Following high-level talks in Ulaanbaatar, the two leaders signed a historic Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Partnership, setting the stage for an ambitious new era of cooperation between the Central Asian Republic and its East Asian counterpart.
This was not just diplomacy on display—it was a meeting of minds and histories, a rekindling of ancient ties stretching back to the Silk Road and beyond. From higher education and healthcare to environmental protection, agriculture, mining, and cultural exchange, the two nations are aligning their futures across critical sectors. Whether it’s a protocol on archival cooperation or a roadmap for joint action in ecotourism, every signature underscored one overarching message: collaboration is the future.
“We are not only partners—we are neighbours in spirit, in history, and vision,” President Mirziyoyev said during the ceremony. “Today, we commit not just to projects, but to people—to young minds, to clean air, to shared heritage, and to the stories we will write together.” President Khürelsükh echoed this sentiment. “Our partnership is rooted in the same soil that once carried Silk Road caravans and shared wisdom between civilizations. That same spirit guides us now, as we look to the future.”
Tourism as a Cultural Renaissance
One of the most compelling threads of this partnership was the intensifying focus on tourism—an industry that, both leaders believe, can become a bridge between cultures and an engine of sustainable economic growth.
Mongolia and Uzbekistan are crafting a joint tourism narrative rooted in their complementary strengths: Uzbekistan dazzles with its cultural cities and historic architecture, while Mongolia captivates with its nomadic traditions and wild landscapes. Together, they offer a rare, dual-destination experience for today’s traveller—one that moves from the ornate mosques of Samarkand to the rugged steppes of the Gobi Desert. While Uzbekistan enjoys strong visibility among the broader Islamic world and Central Asia, Mongolia draws interest primarily from East Asian markets such as Japan, South Korea, and China. This creates a powerful synergy, allowing each to amplify the other’s reach in new tourism corridors.
Making It Happen: Concrete Steps
The partnership is not just built on goodwill—it’s anchored in tangible initiatives. Some of the key projects include:
- Joint participation in the upcoming “Silk Road Tourism” International Fair in Tashkent, positioning both countries as must-visit destinations.
- Familiarization tours for tourism professionals, allowing first-hand exposure to attractions, practices, and local flavours.
- The ongoing development of direct flight routes is a transformative move to reduce travel barriers and promote dual-country itineraries.
- Collaborative efforts to create joint travel packages and stimulate private sector investment in infrastructure and services.
At the heart of this push lies a clear goal: to establish a new Silk Road for the modern traveller, blending the legacy of trade and exploration with contemporary desires for authentic, immersive experiences.
The “Pearl of the Silk Road” Forum: A Milestone Event
One of the most symbolic preludes to this new chapter came just days before the signing, at the “Pearl of the Silk Road” Tourism Forum, held in Ulaanbaatar on June 23, 2025. This first-of-its-kind summit brought together over 150 tourism stakeholders from both nations. From tour operators and policymakers to ecotourism advocates and cultural curators, attendees discussed how best to reinvent the Silk Road as a living, breathing travel corridor. Discussions focused on niche adventure tourism, heritage trails, and the potential for cross-cultural festivals celebrating the shared values of hospitality, resilience, and creativity.
A Partnership Rooted in the Past, Aimed at the Future
The momentum behind this agreement is no accident. Since establishing formal diplomatic ties in 1992, Uzbekistan and Mongolia have steadily expanded their bilateral relations. Yet, beneath the treaties and trade deals lies something far deeper: a shared memory of connection. During the 13th century, under the Pax Mongolica, the Silk Road thrived, linking the cities of Central Asia with East Asia and Europe. Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent became cosmopolitan centres of culture, trade, and faith. It is this memory that now informs a new vision—not of nostalgic return, but of renewed purpose.
Looking Ahead: A Silk Road for the Next Generation
The signing of this comprehensive partnership marks not a conclusion, but a beginning. As direct flights take off, tourism fairs open their doors, and ancient stories are retold through modern voices, the people of Uzbekistan and Mongolia will find themselves more connected than ever before. What started as a political agreement is already evolving into something more: a human story, about two nations choosing cooperation over competition, and shared memory over division. In a world so often divided, Uzbekistan and Mongolia are offering a different vision—one of togetherness, history, and hope. A new Silk Road is being paved—not with bricks or caravans, but with ideas, dialogue, and the unshakable belief that the best journeys are the ones we take together.
