The President of Uzbekistan put forward important initiatives to further deepen regional cooperation

On May 19, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the first Central Asia-China summit in the city of Xi’an, the press service of the head of state reports.

President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov also took part in the event, chaired by the Head of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping.

In accordance with the agenda, issues of further expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and China, topical international and regional issues were discussed.

The President of Uzbekistan in his speech noted the symbolism of holding a summit in ancient Xian, which for many centuries served as the starting point of the Great Silk Road, which has become an important factor in civilizational development, interconnectedness and progress throughout the Eurasian continent.

It was emphasized that in the conditions of a difficult international situation, the current meeting is of particular importance.

– Our countries, having overcome the ordeals of the pandemic, faced the negative consequences of a global crisis of confidence.

Serious gaps in sustainable transport and logistics chains, which are especially sensitive for Central Asia, the challenges of food and energy security, the risks of social tension against the backdrop of growing inflation imports and other problems require closer coordination and practical interaction from us, the head of our state noted.

It was noted with satisfaction that today Central Asia is a cohesive and strong region open to dialogue and full-scale partnership.

For closer coordination and practical interaction, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forward a number of important initiatives to develop regional cooperation based on a long-term agenda, long-term plans and tasks of multifaceted cooperation.

The need to establish interaction between the leading “think tanks” of the six countries for the development of strategic approaches, comprehensive recommendations and solutions, “breakthrough” projects of a regional and global scale was noted. As a discussion platform, it was proposed to hold the first International Expert Conference in Samarkand next year on the issues of conjugation of national development strategies.

The President of our country dwelled separately on the issues of creating conditions for the sustainable development of the countries of the region, where the central place is given to the effective fight against poverty.

“I am sure that the adoption and implementation of a joint program with specific tasks to improve living standards and develop territories, especially rural areas, will be supported by our peoples and will become a common contribution to achieving the Goals of the 2030 Agenda,” the leader of Uzbekistan said.

The head of our state called for the further formation of the New Economic Dialogue and the strengthening of interconnectedness, the achievement of a twofold increase in the trade turnover of the countries of the region with China by 2030.

The implementation of this task is proposed to be ensured through a balanced growth of mutual supplies of industrial goods and agricultural products, the creation of an effective trade and logistics infrastructure and modern wholesale distribution networks, the introduction of green and express corridor systems, and common e-commerce platforms.

In order to form favorable framework conditions and a legal framework, it was proposed to consider the possibility of adopting a multilateral Agreement on Facilitating Mutual Trade and Encouragement of Investments.

The President drew attention to the fact that the issues of deepening industrial cooperation, attracting digital technologies and introducing innovations can be effectively resolved through direct interregional contacts with the provinces of China.

It was proposed to hold a Forum and an exhibition of cities and regions of six countries this year in Uzbekistan to establish practical cooperation, strengthen sister cities and partnerships.

– Of strategic importance is the development of safe and shortest transport corridors connecting China with our region, with access to Europe, the Middle East and South Asia. The priority project for the revival of the Great Silk Road is the Trans-Eurasian Highway, the important components of which will be the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan highway and railway, the leader of our country said.

As a top priority, it was determined to ensure the conjugation of national programs for the development of transport communications and the development on this basis of a single long-term Strategy.

It was proposed to pay special attention to the issues of cooperation on the climate agenda and green energy.

– Unfortunately, the pace of energy infrastructure development in Central Asia has not kept up with the pace of industrialization and urbanization, as well as demographic growth. Today, this is indeed a very serious challenge to the long-term sustainable development of our countries, – said the head of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Taking into account the technological leadership of China in the field of solar, wind and hydropower, as well as existing financial instruments, it was proposed to establish a closer scientific and practical partnership in alternative energy.

In addition, the readiness for fruitful cooperation in solving the environmental problems of the Aral Sea region, protecting biodiversity, preserving glaciers and soil, and introducing water-saving technologies was indicated.

The President of Uzbekistan highly appreciated the current level of regional dialogue on stability and security issues, supporting China’s global initiative based on the principles of indivisibility of security and peaceful development in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.

“We consider it important to make full use of the dialogue platforms of the Contact Group within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and neighboring countries of Afghanistan to develop a coordinated position and take measures to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in this country,” the leader of Uzbekistan stressed.

The importance of continuing the regular holding of humanitarian exchanges, exhibitions, concerts and tours, joint sports events, with the wide involvement of young people, was noted. In this regard, it was proposed to hold a Young Talents Forum together next year.

Summing up, the head of our state stressed that our countries are strategic partners and reliable friends.

“And today, in the face of increasing confrontation and unpredictability in international relations, we provide mutual support and build a prosperous future for our peoples together,” the President said.

In this regard, the initiative of the Chinese side to hold regular meetings to strengthen friendship and partnership between the states of Central Asia and China was supported.

Confidence was expressed that the fruitful results of today’s summit will serve to strengthen good neighborly relations and all-round cooperation, and the prosperity of our countries and peoples.

Following the meeting, the heads of state signed the Xi’an Declaration of the Central Asia-China Summit and held a joint press conference.

At the end of the summit events, the leaders planted trees as a sign of friendship, good neighborliness and common aspirations of our countries for development and prosperity.