Guterres in Uzbekistan testifies to country’s increasing cooperation with the UN
The Secretary-General emphasized the full support of the large-scale reforms and initiatives of Uzbekistan carried out in the country that have global and regional significance, as well as the expansion of the activities of UN institutions in the country.
On July 1, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met at the Kuksaroy Residence with the Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres, who is in Uzbekistan on an official visit.
The UN Secretary-General expressed sincere gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan for the invitation to visit the country and the warm welcome provided.
Warmly welcoming the distinguished guest, the Leader of Uzbekistan noted that the current, already second visit of António Guterres to the country testifies to the UNs full support for the ongoing irreversible reforms within the framework of the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy.
During the talks, issues of ensuring global and regional peace, stability, and sustainable development, further enhancing multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and the UN, and the progress of implementation of joint projects aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals were discussed.
The intense dynamics and unprecedented high level of cooperation were noted with deep satisfaction. 140 joint programs and projects are being successfully implemented. In recent years alone, on the initiative of the Uzbek side, 10 special resolutions of the UN General Assembly have been adopted.
Since the beginning of the year, five UN Under-Secretary-Generals have visited Uzbekistan. Last month, Uzbekistan was elected to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the Governing Body of the International Labour Organization. The Uzbekistan representative became a UN Human Rights Committee member for the first time. The representative office of another particular UN agency, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, began its work in Tashkent.
Major international events with a global agenda are jointly held, particularly on food security, tourism development, the fight against poverty and climate change, and biodiversity protection. Next year, the 43rd Session of the General Conference of UNESCO will be held in Samarkand.
Views were exchanged on current international and regional issues. The President of Uzbekistan expressed strong support for the Secretary-Generals initiatives to ensure global security and stability, reform the UN and its main bodies, and hold the Summit of the Future in New York this year.
Interaction issues in developing transport connectivity and ensuring food, energy, and information security in the region were considered.
The emerging situation in Afghanistan was discussed. The need to expand humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and to develop a consolidated strategy for the world community regarding this country was emphasized.
Following the meeting, an agreement was reached on the joint development of a Framework Program for Cooperation with the UN on the Sustainable Development Goals of Uzbekistan for 2026-2030.
UN General Secretary António Guterres wwasalso awarded the Oliy Darajali Dustlik Order
At the Kuksaroy Residence, a solemn ceremony was held to present one of Uzbekistans highest state awards, the Oliy Darajali Dustlik (Supreme Friendship) Order, to UN Secretary-General António Guterres for actively promoting solidarity and unity in the world, increasing the organizations efficiency, and strengthening cooperation between Uzbekistan and the UN.
Presenting the award, the President of Uzbekistan emphasized the personal contribution of António Guterres to achieving the current unprecedented high level of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the UN.
The Secretary-General emphasized the full support of the large-scale reforms and initiatives of Uzbekistan carried out in the country that have global and regional significance, as well as the expansion of the activities of UN institutions in the country.
The long-term efforts of the UN head to strengthen international security and stability, reform global governance institutions, promote the Sustainable Development Goals, combat climate change, ensure green and digital development, food and energy security were noted.
Later the UN Secretary-General visited the Dilbuloq mahalla in Yakkasaray district, and the Senate of the Oliy Majlis.
The Mahalla is considered the abode of national values. In agreement with residents, many good deeds and noble initiatives are carried out in mahallas. The high-ranking guest was told that this system was gradually developing, and now the mahallas responsible persons have even more opportunities and powers.
It was noted that a tax inspector and a social service worker joined the system, which also included the chairman of the mahalla, the assistant to the hokim, a womens activist, a youth leader, and a prevention inspector, forming the mahalla of seven. They jointly resolve issues such as developing entrepreneurship, providing employment, and supporting segments of the population needing social and legal assistance.
Mr. Guterres talked with residents and elders of the mahalla and inspected small service and production facilities operating in the territory.
More than 6,700 people live in this mahalla. There is a kindergarten, a family clinic, and a sports school here. The mahalla building was recently built, the entrances of apartment buildings and internal roads were repaired, and a beautiful park was created. Vineyards, fruit, and ornamental trees enhance the mahallas beauty. The UN Secretary-General emphasized that the mahalla is a unique institution that plays a vital role in the countrys development and helps improve the living conditions of the population of Uzbekistan.
At the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the main discussion centered around enhancing Uzbekistans multifaceted cooperation with the UN and its institutions, global politics, and regional problems.
At the meeting, issues related to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals were discussed. It was noted that in recent years, systematic work has been carried out in Uzbekistan to achieve gender equality and ensure the rights and interests of women, and UN recommendations play an essential role in this. Particular attention was paid to inter-parliamentary relations, womens rights to education, and tasks that should be implemented in the context of global climate change.
Views were exchanged on constructive cooperation with the UN in promoting Uzbekistans initiatives in the international arena and enhancing regional ties. Particular attention was paid to such facts as the adoption by the UN of 10 resolutions put forward by Uzbekistan since 2017, the entry of the country into members of UN committees and other governing bodies (Human Rights Council, ECOSOC, International Labour Organization, etc.).
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed satisfaction with the meeting in the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and noted that Central Asia is considered the center of civilization, and Uzbekistan is the center of this region.
António Guterres noted that Uzbekistan is one of the leading countries in many areas of the UNs activities, in particular in implementing the SDGs. Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the UN is of particular importance. When he first visited Central Asia, the region was fragmented. Now, thanks to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the region has united. As a result of the wise policy of the Head of Uzbekistan, many problems in Central Asia have been resolved.
At the meeting, it was noted that this visit would be necessary to develop multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and the UN.
The UN Secretary-General left a message in the book of Honorary Guests of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
