TASHKENT / ISTANBUL As Türkiye and Uzbekistan mark the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral ties are now taking the forefront with the transformation of Türkiye being the first country to recognize Uzbekistan’s independence to now achieving a level of comprehensive strategic partnership. On Dec. 16, 1991, Türkiye was the first country to recognize Uzbekistan’s independence, which was declared on Aug. 31, 1991. Diplomatic relations were formally established on