Chairperson of the Senate of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbayeva delivered a speech at the 148th session of the Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) “Parliamentary diplomacy: Creating bridges of peace and mutual understanding” in Geneva.
In her speech, she acknowledged that in the current difficult-to-predict international situation and with a lack of mutual understanding in interstate relations, the role and relevance of the parliaments of the countries of the world is increasing.
“We, parliamentarians, must contribute to strengthening peace and global stability through the development of parliamentary diplomacy,” Tanzila Narbayeva emphasized, adding that Uzbekistan supports the conceptual principles of the IPU aimed at strengthening it.
She listed several priority areas that Uzbekistan considers it necessary to focus on.
“Parliamentary diplomacy, as a key mechanism for strengthening trust between states, should play an important role in preventing conflicts,” said Tanzila Narbayeva, recalling that the Secretary General of the IPU acted as a mediator in establishing contacts between the parliaments of Azerbaijan and Armenia.
“We fully support the IPU initiatives to strengthen cooperation between parliaments, which helps to find compromise solutions in difficult situations,” the head of the Senate said.
“Parliaments must actively protect the rights of vulnerable groups. This also includes the fight against discrimination, hatred and violence in all its manifestations,” Tanzila Narbayeva also emphasized.
As a third component, she noted the importance of regional interaction, “which helps to establish trusting relationships between parliamentarians and resolve common problems and challenges”. “They can jointly advocate for the interests of their region,” noted the head of the Senate of Uzbekistan.
Tanzila Narbayeva noted that Uzbekistan will henceforth support the initiatives of the IPU aimed at developing parliamentary diplomacy and strengthening international relations in order to effectively address the global challenges of our time.
The Head of the Senate also recalled that the IPU supported the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to hold the 150th anniversary Assembly of the IPU in Uzbekistan.
“We have already begun work on organizing and holding the assembly at the highest organizational and content level, which will not only be the largest in the history of Central Asia, but will also leave an unforgettable impression for all participants and guests,” she said.
During her visit to Geneva, Tanzila Narbayeva also met with IPU Chairman Tulia Exxon.
“We are glad that Uzbekistan is hosting the 150th assembly. Your country deserves such an honor. I am ready to make every effort to ensure that the anniversary assembly in Tashkent becomes an unforgettable event in the history of the IPU and the entire global parliamentarism,” noted Tulia Exxon.
She also emphasized that following the event in 2025 in Tashkent, the IPU plans to adopt a document defining the priority directions of the parliamentary movement in the world for the medium and long term.
Tanzila Narbayeva also held a meeting with the Deputy Secretary General of the UN, Director General of the UN Office in Geneva Tatyana Valova.
Currently, Uzbekistan and the UN are jointly implementing about 140 programs and projects. Tatyana Valovaya highly appreciated the efforts of Uzbekistan to implement the Sustainable Development Goals.
The parties exchanged views on issues of ensuring human rights and freedoms, gender equality, and the empowerment of women. Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to continue the systemic dialogue and strengthen cooperation by expanding joint projects.
