Javlon Vakhabov

Javlon Vakhabov studied international law and international relations at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy before joining Uzbekistan's foreign ministry in 2001. He moved into the National Security Council, became its deputy secretary, and briefly headed the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies. Service as deputy and first deputy foreign minister preceded his appointment to Washington in 2017. ¹

Labor reform was one of the substantive issues he took to American officials. In August 2018, Vakhabov and embassy colleague Amir Sultanov met the U.S. Department of Labor to discuss a proposal to remove Uzbek cotton from a procurement related list of products associated with forced or indentured child labor. Vakhabov described mechanization plans and acknowledged difficulties enforcing labor laws in the regions. He also said international civil society monitors would be welcome to observe the harvest. American officials explained the evidence and procedures required. ²

Vakhabov's American appointment expanded to include Canada and Brazil. After leaving Washington in 2023, he returned briefly to the foreign ministry and became director of the International Institute for Central Asia. He was also appointed deputy presidential adviser on foreign policy in 2025. ¹