Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited Tashkent and Samarkand, where he met Uzbek leaders and discussed economic, investment, trade and cultural cooperation.
Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited Uzbekistan, meeting President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and senior Uzbek officials in Tashkent and Samarkand to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in trade, investment, financial technology and development partnerships. The visit also included discussions on people-to-people exchanges and the potential for greater economic engagement between Singapore and Uzbekistan.
Source: Facebook/Lee Hsien Loong
The visit took place as Singapore and Uzbekistan prepared to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027. During his meetings in Tashkent, Minister Lee said Singapore looked forward to pursuing new areas of cooperation with Uzbekistan, which is located along the historic Silk Road and has been developing its infrastructure and international connectivity.
Minister Lee met President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to discuss the state of bilateral relations and opportunities to deepen cooperation. Discussions covered economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, financial technology and development partnerships.
He also met Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov, where the two sides witnessed the signing of a Joint Statement between Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade. The statement formalised the two countries’ intention to launch negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Separate Memoranda of Understanding were also signed with the Uzbek government covering cooperation in investment, industry and trade, as well as investment activities involving Singapore companies. The agreements established areas for further engagement between businesses and government institutions in both countries.
Source: Facebook/Lee Hsien Loong
During his stay in Tashkent, Minister Lee visited the Islamic Civilization Center, which officially opened in March 2026. The museum and research institution houses historical artefacts and cultural exhibits reflecting Central Asia’s role in Islamic civilisation, while providing a platform for interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
He also visited Amir Temur Square, including landmarks such as Hotel Uzbekistan and the State Museum of the Temurids. The cultural programme formed part of his wider engagement with Uzbekistan’s historical and cultural heritage.
In Samarkand, he met Governor of the Samarkand Region Adiz Boboev to discuss the economic and investment potential of the two regions. Discussions also covered opportunities to develop tourism, explore new markets, expand business activities and strengthen people-to-people ties.
Source: Facebook/Lee Hsien Loong
He noted that Singapore and Samarkand could learn from each other as both sides explored opportunities for greater economic and commercial engagement. The visit was expected to contribute to continued cooperation between Singapore and Uzbekistan ahead of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
Source: Facebook/Lee Hsien Loong
