President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the meeting of heads of delegations in the format “Central Asia - European Union” in Astana.
The President of the Council of Europe Charles Michel, the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Khojamirat Geldimiratov also took part in the event.
In accordance with the agenda, prospects for the development of political dialogue, expansion of interregional relations, trade-economic cooperation and activation of cultural-humanitarian exchange were discussed.
In his speech, President Shavkat Mirziyoev noted that the main priority of the irreversible reforms in New Uzbekistan is to establish a strong legal state with effective market mechanisms, a high standard of living and comfortable living conditions.
“We are not limited by our successes and we aim to expand the scale of new developments. Here, first of all, we are talking about the unconditional primacy of the law, comprehensive support of civil society institutions, ensuring human rights and gender equality, freedom of speech and belief,” the head of state said.
In the economic sphere, it was noted that from now on, creation of the most favorable conditions for entrepreneurs, uncompromising fight against corruption, and stimulation of the development of competition and innovative business environment will be continued.
Special attention was paid to the promotion of good neighborliness and regional partnership.
Shavkat Mirziyoev noted that “as a result of joint efforts, a completely new political environment has been created in Central Asia, and many problems that have accumulated over several decades and that no one believed would be solved have been eliminated in a few years”.
Today the situation has completely changed. Visa-free regime was introduced, all checkpoints were opened. Airline and ground transportation increases.
Cooperation relations are increasing, investment companies and other financial instruments have been launched to implement large projects.
“Of course, there are still unresolved issues in the region. However, we are sure that our strong political will and the spirit of common creativity will serve to bring the brotherly countries and peoples of the region closer together,” the leader of Uzbekistan added.
“We are in favor of holding such events every year - in the capitals of European countries and cultural centers in cooperation,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.
The head of state stressed the great potential in the field of tourism and offered to present the concept of General regional tourism products to the attention of the leading operators of Europe within the framework of the first tourism forum “EU-Central Asia” to be held in Khiva next year.
The President of Uzbekistan noted that ensuring regional security is an important area of cooperation. He appreciated the practical support of the European Union within the framework of joint programs to combat terrorism, radicalism and extremism, organized crime, drug trafficking and other common threats.
Based on the international operation, it was proposed to establish cooperation between special services and law enforcement agencies for the exchange of information and joint fight against modern threats.
