In August 2024, Gideon Lustig, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Israel, arrived in Uzbekistan. According to a press release following his appointment, the 46-year-old diplomat brings a wealth of experience in international relations and is dedicated to fostering bilateral cooperation. Lustig expressed his commitment to strengthening the partnership between Israel and Uzbekistan. In an interview with Kirill Altman, the author of the ALTER EGO project, he outlined the goals and objectives of his role as head of the Israeli diplomatic mission. Lustig discussed the reasons behind the increasing trade turnover between the two nations, the key areas of bilateral cooperation that need attention, and much more.

KA: Upon arrival, you met with the heads of local Jewish communities. What are Jewish communities doing in Uzbekistan now?

A: The main priority of the heads of the Jewish communities over here is to maintain Jewish life in Uzbekistan and ensure that the long history of Jewish life, starting thousands of years ago, will continue. It is important that Uzbekistan will continue to have vivid Jewish life, and it will not be part of Uzbekistan’s history but part of Uzbekistan’s present and future.  

KA: How active are they here? Do they hold any events?

A: I am invited to events by the Jewish community, mainly during the holidays. Most recently, we celebrated three major Jewish holidays together. I am happy to participate in the life of the local community.

KA: Do you know how many Jews currently live in Uzbekistan? By the end of 1990, there were about 65,000. Is there an updated figure on how many are left now?

A: The Jewish population in the country can differ depending on how one chooses to define it—whether based on Jewish ancestry or active community involvement. Various estimates suggest the population is in the range of several thousand individuals.

KA: What did you know about Uzbekistan before becoming an ambassador? What were your initial thoughts when you learned about your appointment? This is your first mission as an ambassador.

A: This is my first mission as an ambassador, and I specifically requested to serve in Uzbekistan. I was thrilled to be nominated for this role. My interest in Uzbekistan began years ago; I learned about its rich history, and 20 years ago, I visited as a tourist. During that trip, I explored Khiva, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent, and I fell in love with the country and its people. Throughout my diplomatic career, I always had a special desire to come back to Uzbekistan, and now that I have achieved that goal, I am excited to be here.

KA: I’m curious: are you also carrying out this activity for Tajikistan?

A: Indeed, I have been nominated as an ambassador accredited to both Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, and I look forward to receiving full accreditation from the President of Tajikistan very soon.

KA: Are you planning to establish a separate embassy in Tajikistan, or will all operations be handled through the embassy in Tashkent?

A: No, our approach often involves having a single embassy that serves multiple countries in a region. In this case, we represent Israeli interests in both Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. We operate from the same location and have the same team but handle the responsibilities of two distinct missions.

KA: What task has the State of Israel assigned you in this region?

A: My main task is to develop friendly relations between Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Israel. I aim to develop a positive trajectory in our cooperation across various areas, including commerce, political relations, engagement with Jewish communities, academic collaboration, and corporate interactions. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition in Israel that Central Asia is a neighboring region. The world has become more interconnected, leading to an increased interest in strengthening our ties with Central Asia and investing more in these relationships.

KA: Have you had the chance to explore Tashkent and see the city? Is there anything you noticed that you liked?

A: I have developed a habit of exploring the city when I arrive, visiting various areas. One of the places I visited earlier was the State Museum of Remembrance of Victims of Repression. The national history of Uzbekistan deeply moved me, and I noticed many similarities with the national history of Israel.

Photo: Madina Nurman

KA: It’s a rather serious question, and I would like you to answer as broadly as possible. What is it like to be an Israeli ambassador in a Muslim country?

A: It is an honor and a pleasure. In Israel, 20% of our population is Muslim, which is not unusual given our location in the Middle East. I interact with Muslims regularly, and cultural differences should not hinder a Jewish-Israeli ambassador from serving in a Muslim country. I emphasize this honor because Uzbekistan was among the first Muslim countries to establish diplomatic ties with Israel, and we cherish this unique relationship.

KA: Recently, the relationship has not been very warm. Do you agree? I am not saying they are bad, but overall, little activity is happening.

A: I respectfully disagree with your perspective. During my visit, I was warmly received by the President of Uzbekistan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and all the other ministers I had the opportunity to meet and by many communities throughout Uzbekistan. As an ambassador, I feel deeply grateful and respect for the relationship between our countries and people. Interactions between our officials could be warmer, more cordial, and more intensive, which has been lacking in recent years. However, let’s look at the historical context of our relationship. There have been many professional exchange programs between our ministries and mutual visits by our presidents. I am considering possibly organizing a visit by Israeli officials to Uzbekistan in the near future. Israel has been under attack for the past year amidst a war, and these circumstances make things challenging. Recent visits by Israeli politicians have primarily focused on areas related to the conflict. I hope that once the situation calms down and we achieve our military objectives, we can continue to foster exchanges and visits between our countries.

KA: Let’s talk about money. What Jews don’t like to talk about money, let’s say. Trade in the first 8 months has already exceeded the turnover for last year. What do Uzbekistan and Israel trade?

A: I believe the figures are accurate, and I want to note that trade volume in the first eight months of last year was nearly half of what it is this year. By the end of this year, I hope trade between our countries will double. Our trade primarily involves fresh agricultural products, with machinery exported to Uzbekistan and industrial goods imported from there. However, the figures do not account for services like tourism, which means the actual trade volume is much larger.

KA: Are there any specific plans to be implemented in the coming years to expand trade?

A: Absolutely. Let’s consider the current situation. The past year has not been typical; we have faced the reality of war. As a result, we have had to adapt our trade practices and diversify the sources of our imports. Uzbekistan is exporting more goods to Israel, which is a positive trend. We are actively working on several plans to enhance imports from Uzbekistan and increase Israeli exports to Uzbekistan.

KA: How do Israeli entrepreneurs evaluate the investment climate in Uzbekistan? What obstacles do they face? Are there ways to improve this situation? What are your thoughts on these matters?

A: Uzbekistan has changed significantly since my visit 20 years ago. It is now more open and welcoming to international investments. Israeli businessmen recognize this growing interest, which could lead to more collaborations and joint ventures in Uzbekistan. The presence of Uzbeks working in Israel also helps familiarize Israelis with opportunities in Uzbekistan, encouraging them to explore potential partnerships.

KA: Do you have a specific goal of attracting Israeli businessmen to Uzbekistan or vice versa?

A: As the Israeli ambassador in Uzbekistan, I encourage Uzbek businessmen to explore investment opportunities in Israel. My counterpart, Mr. Aminov, focuses on attracting Israeli investments to Uzbekistan. However, any collaboration between Israelis and Uzbeks, regardless of location, strengthens our relationship. I am dedicated to supporting and facilitating these partnerships.

KA: How many Israeli companies are currently operating in Uzbekistan? Do you have any approximate statistics?

A: Last time I checked, there were approximately 200 Israeli companies operating in Uzbekistan.

KA: I recognize that we are discussing agriculture, irrigation, and cybersecurity. What other industries could we possibly engage with? What are your thoughts?

A: I think we can cooperate in any field we want. I believe we can collaborate in key areas, particularly medicine and education. In medicine, Israel has extensive experience in healthcare management and technologies that could benefit Uzbekistan. In education, given your country’s large youth population, our developed educational system and expertise could contribute to your growth. Investing in these two areas would be advantageous for both parties as we look to the future of Uzbekistan.

KA: In September 2023, Uzbekistan and Israel lifted air travel restrictions. How has the number of flights changed since then, and are there plans for new flights or airlines?

A: A couple of weeks ago, I had an experience at the airport that stood out to me. While waiting for guests arriving from Israel, I noticed two aircraft landing almost simultaneously, filled with travelers heading to Uzbekistan. Three airline companies now operate eight weekly flights to Israel, a significant increase. These planes typically carry Israeli tourists and business seekers coming to Uzbekistan, while the return flights are often full of Uzbek citizens going to work in Israel. This enhanced connectivity is significantly strengthening the bilateral relationship between our countries.

KA: Another airline is planning to operate flights in the near future. Is this true? There will be four airlines in total.

A: I know of three airlines: Havo Yullari, Qanot Sharq, and Centrum Air, which is now starting flights to Israel.

KA: Israel approved Uzbekistan’s application to join the WTO in February of this year. What advantages do you think Uzbekistan can gain from being a member of the WTO?

A: We supported Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) because we consider it a friendly country. We are now planning to enhance our trade relationship with Uzbekistan. Joining the WTO signifies that a country adheres to high standards in trade regulation. This membership acts as a stamp of approval, opening doors for increased trade, more agreements, and further cooperation.

KA: You mentioned agriculture. What do we sell, and what do we buy from Israel?

A: There are various factors to consider when discussing fresh foods. Recently, I’ve noticed an increasing demand for Uzbek apricots in Israel. This trend has prompted ventures supported by the government to facilitate the import of dried fruits from Uzbekistan. These products are widely popular in that location. We’re also focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables. As I mentioned, we are diversifying our import resources, and Uzbekistan is a market we are exploring more extensively.

KA: We are not doing well with official visits in general. Are any visits planned at the state level in the next year or year and a half? Maybe at the level of some ministries?

A: I understand that during these difficult times, my country is experiencing a reduction in the number of visits from high-ranking ministers to Uzbekistan and fewer visits from Uzbek officials to Israel. As an ambassador, I am eager to host my government and parliament members in Uzbekistan soon.

KA: As of October 2023, approximately 10,500 citizens of Uzbekistan reside in Israel, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan. Was there a significant outflow following the outbreak of the war?

A: On the contrary, I observe that Uzbeks are primarily traveling to Israel for work. There is an increasing number of Uzbeks going to Israel. My role at the embassy is to facilitate visa issuance for all citizens. I haven’t observed many Uzbeks returning to Uzbekistan because of the situation in Israel.

KA: What do they mainly do?

A: There are several employment sectors for Uzbeks in Israel. The majority work as home caregivers, particularly for the elderly. Another significant area is construction. Both sectors are in high demand. An increasing number of Uzbeks are traveling to Israel to work in these fields. As I mentioned, this helps familiarize Uzbeks with Israel, its vibrant population, and its culture. Similarly, Israelis become acquainted with Uzbeks, encouraging them to visit and experience the stories they have heard firsthand. This exchange ultimately brings our people closer together.

KA: I’m sure you’re aware that the children’s hospice “Taskin” was built with the support of the Embassy of the State of Israel in Uzbekistan and the personal involvement of your former colleague. Are there any similar projects planned in the near future? Are you interested in pursuing this kind of initiative?

Photo: Madina Nurman

A: Definitely, it was an impressive project—one of the best examples of bringing Israeli expertise in management and methodologies to establish the first hospice in Uzbekistan. This is a fantastic illustration of how Israel can share its experience and support Uzbekistan. I would be happy to continue this cooperation and expand it to other areas of medicine, such as cancer treatment. This is another field in which we excel, and it could also be beneficial here.

KA: Water shortage in Central Asia is a well-known issue that affects many. How can Israel assist Uzbekistan in addressing this problem?

A: It is well-known that Israel has transformed desert areas into productive land. This transformation is integral to our national story, and you can see it yourself. We have various water companies that use advanced technologies. Our methods for reusing water, purifying it, and installing water systems are now cutting-edge technologies. Some countries may have water resources but do not manage them properly, leading to waste. We have the technology to ensure that any country can have enough water for its population. Uzbekistan has experienced this kind of cooperation in the past, and it continues today and will happen in the future.

KA: Are there any specific projects planned?

A: It depends on the various tenders and the opportunities for Israeli companies to participate in them. As an ambassador, I will support any Israeli company that applies for such a tender.

KA: In 2019, a project named Watergen was launched in collaboration with Israel. This system generates drinking water from the air and was tested in the Bukhara region. What are the next steps for this project?

A: To be honest, there has not been any follow-up on this project.

KA: Tell us about Netafim’s long-standing and successful project.

A: Netafim has been a leader in irrigation for many years, developing numerous technologies and successfully leading projects at both national and regional levels. The company remains active and continues to apply various technical innovations. As the world evolves, their technologies are updated to align with current demands. We are currently focused on implementing these new technological developments to bring about a breakthrough in irrigation methods.

KA: As we prepared for your arrival, we received some guidance: you are a new person who tends to be reserved, and filming in residences is prohibited—certain things are allowed, while others are not. Then, in October, you posted a pointed video on Twitter highlighting how the Iranian Embassy in Uzbekistan was distributing letters inviting people to sign a condolence book for the death of Hassan Nasrallah. This seemed like an unusual activity for an ambassador. What prompted your strong reaction to this situation?

A: I believe diplomacy is evolving. A diplomat should communicate in a way that resonates with the public, not just engage with governments as in the past. In a recent video, I spoke with the people of Uzbekistan and explained that the Iranians opening a condolence book for Hassan Nasrallah indicates that Hezbollah, a terrorist organization, serves only Iran’s interests in its conflict with Israel. This does not reflect the true stance of the Lebanese people. It was important for me to convey this message and share it with the people of Uzbekistan.

KA: How ethical do you think this was from a diplomatic point of view? Uzbekistan has always strived for good neighborly relations, so we are quite neutral with all countries.

A: I represent the state of Israel, which is currently in a state of open war with Iran. On October 7, 2023, Iran aided Hamas in launching the deadliest attack on Israeli civilians since the Holocaust. The following day, October 8, Iran supported Hezbollah in attacking us from the north, and these assaults continue to this day. They are also collaborating with the Houthis in Yemen, the Shiite factions within the Iraqi army, and Syrian forces. As an Israeli diplomat, I believe it is vital to speak out against a regime that is actively trying to destroy my country.

KA: Does this mean you will keep doing activities like this periodically in the future?

A: The video, you mean?

KA: Yes

A: As I mentioned, diplomacy today encompasses various areas and methods. Creating videos is one of these methods.

KA: Yesterday, I read the news that Israel closed its office in the Middle East UN. Can you tell us a little why this happened?

A: This decision was made by the Israeli Knesset after years of expressing concerns that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has become an organization that supports incitement against Jews and Israelis. They teach in their school systems against Jews, like antisemitic materials and the incitements against Israelis. They made themselves available to shelter Hammas’ activities. Hamas was hiding ammunition and planning an attack from beneath UNRWA’s schools and UNRWA’s medical clinics, and at war, we have seen that it was UNRWA’s employees who were participating in the murderous attack of October 7. Several terrorists were members of UNRWA. Unfortunately, the UN did not condemn it or take UNRWA accountable for this action. Different announcements made by the Secretary General of the UN talked about these terrorists as colleagues, and they condemned when Israelis operated against terrorists. So, at the end of the day, what we found out was that after all these years, UNRWA had become a part of this terroristic system. And we had to stop it. We had to operate against it. We think the world should acknowledge that UNRWA needs to be accountable. We gave the names of 100 terrorists who are members of UNRWA to UNRWA. They did nothing about it. I want to say that we think that the international community systems to help this Palestinian population should continue to work, but other organizations can do that, such as the World Food Program. It does not necessarily have to be UNRWA. We cannot allow the activities of such an organization, which has proven to shelter terrorists. One of my positions as a diplomat was to head the Department for Political Affairs in the UN for Israel. Many times, I have seen how Israel has been treated unfairly at the UN. How reports about Israel, and even about other countries, were distorted. The UN today is not an ideal system. Reform must be carried out from many angles. There must be a very loud international voice from free governments and free countries stating that this international community must be reformed into a stable system, a platform that will not be used for political distortions and intrigues. This is all wrong for the international order. We need to restore our faith in this international order.

KA: The latest events in the world, be it the war in Ukraine or the war in Israel and Palestine, show the whole world and us in particular that there are absolutely no authorities left, be it the UN, be it freedom of speech, be it human life. What do you think this could lead us to in the end?

A: I do not necessarily agree with you. I believe that the importance of freedom, rights, and the value of human life are ideals that people from different countries still aspire to. These are challenging times for the world, and my country is no exception. However, I have faith that people can act, work, and fight for their freedom, ensuring that these values continue to guide governments and the international community. I agree that if we lose sight of these important values, humanity could be in prolonged conflict. Nonetheless, I remain optimistic. I believe we are not at that point yet, and there is still a chance for change and restoration.

KA: Thank you!

Kirill Altman

Kirill Altman

Journalist, blogger, author of the YouTube project Alter Ego, author of the Telegram channel altmanews, editor-in-chief of POLITIK Central Asia