Uzbekistan continues to expand its foreign policy ties, strengthening international cooperation on all continents. Another step in this direction was the establishment of diplomatic relations with the State of Eritrea, an African country on the Red Sea coast. Eritrea has become the 161st country with which Uzbekistan has officially established diplomatic relations.
The communique on establishing relations was signed on July 11 at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The document was signed by Uzbekistan's Permanent Representative to the UN Ulugbek Lapasov and Eritrea's Permanent Representative Sofia Tesfamariam Johannes.
The parties agreed to start an official dialogue and develop cooperation at the level of permanent missions to the UN. The signing of the document became the basis for the formation of bilateral relations based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, territorial integrity and compliance with the UN Charter.
The expansion of the diplomatic presence in the African direction corresponds to the foreign policy course of Uzbekistan to deepen cooperation with global partners, including African countries. In June 2025, Uzbekistan established diplomatic relations with Ivory Coast, which became the 160th partner country.
The signing of the agreement with Eritrea opens up opportunities for further steps in the areas of international trade, investment, education, cultural exchange and humanitarian cooperation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan considers Africa as a promising region for expanding business and diplomatic cooperation, given the growing role of the continent in global economic and political processes.
