Speech by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States

Dear colleagues!

I join in the words of gratitude addressed to the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, respected Emomali Sharipovich Rakhmon for the traditionally warm welcome and excellent organization of today's summit.

I would like to especially note the fruitful chairmanship of the Tajik side in the CIS, during which the multilateral partnership of our countries received new dynamics.

I would like to emphasize that in the context of complex, unpredictable processes in global politics and economics, against the background of the weakening role of international institutions, the CIS continues to demonstrate its stability, efficiency and relevance. Thanks to the mechanisms and contacts established over decades, close joint work is being carried out on the entire range of economic, social and humanitarian issues.

We are interested in further strengthening cooperation within the CIS, as well as increasing the effectiveness of practical interaction with countries that are our natural partners.

In this regard, Uzbekistan supports the assessments and proposals for deepening multilateral relations.

The absolute priority for us is to build up the economic partnership of our countries. This is of particular importance given the deteriorating situation in the global economy, increasing protectionism, and the emergence of new challenges to sustainable development.

It should be noted that the volume of trade turnover between Uzbekistan and its CIS partners increased by 11 percent last year. Mutual trade indicators are also growing this year.

Such indicators are directly related to the deepening of cross-industry cooperation and increasing investment flows between our countries.

We consider the key task to be a more complete use of available resources in order to maintain the momentum and dynamics of our cooperation.

We propose to concentrate joint efforts in the following priority areas.

Firstly,this is the further creation of favorable conditions for increasing trade turnover.

We are talking about simplifying procedures and requirements for the supply of certain goods, primarily agricultural products, and access to national markets, including government procurement.

It is important to expand mutual markets in our countries.

In this regard, it is advisable to launch, within the framework of the CIS Economic Council, mechanisms for rapid response to changes in external conditions and reorientation of trade flows.

We believe it is also necessary to intensify work on agreeing on draft agreements on technical barriers and the recognition of conformity assessment documents.

Secondly, I would like to draw special attention to the issues of deepening cooperation in the field of transport.

Unfortunately, there are still bottlenecks in the transport network in the CIS, which reduce the efficiency of existing corridors.

We consider the creation of information and logistics centers integrated with all modes of transport to be in demand.

In addition In addition, it is important to stimulate the attraction of private investment to modernize the cargo transportation infrastructure. In this regard, we intend to hold a Conference of CIS countries on public-private partnerships in transport in Uzbekistan.

Thirdly, this is stimulating the growth of mutual investments and supporting cooperation projects.

Taking into account the positive experience of partnership, we propose to prepare a “road map” for supporting and developing special economic and industrial zones in our countries.

Deepening cooperation and promoting innovative start-ups with involvement business will be served by the creation of the CIS Venture Platform.

Next year, as part of the INNOPROM exhibition in Tashkent, we are ready to hold the CIS Innovation Industry Forum with wide participation of regions and leading companies of our countries.

If my colleagues support, I propose to instruct the CIS Economic Council to develop measures to implement initiatives aimed at supporting joint projects.

Fifthly, cooperation in the field of digitalization deserves special attention.

The International Forum “Development of Artificial Intelligence Technologies in the CIS”, held in Samarkand in August, showed growing mutual interest and opportunities for cooperation.

We support the active efforts of our partners in the CIS in this area and propose to develop a multilateral Action Plan to deepen practical cooperation.

Dear colleagues!

We are interested in expanding joint programs in the field of science, education, culture and art.

Taking into account the dynamic development of the educational sector and labor market in our countries, we advocate the preparation of a new Interstate Agreement on the mutual recognition of diplomas, qualifications and academic programs, the introduction of the Mechanism harmonization of professional standards and qualification requirements.

We are also ready to host the CIS Youth Forum in Khiva with the inclusion on its agenda of the issue of creating a Youth Laboratory to form an innovative ecosystem, support the creative and intellectual potential of the younger generation.

Dear summit participants!

Today a lot has been said about the common challenges and threats to the security and stability of our countries.

It is important to continue systematic, close contacts between foreign policy departments and special services. We are talking about coordinating interaction, exchanging information and conducting joint events.

When we talk about the southern borders of the Commonwealth, we must not forget about the ongoing difficult situation in Afghanistan. Risks and challenges emanating from its territory remain, given the worsening economic and social crisis in this country.

I would like to emphasize: Uzbekistan is strongly committed to ensuring long-term peace, stability and sustainable development of Afghanistan.

In this regard, we propose to consider the possibility of joint participation in the implementation of large investment and infrastructure projects in this country.

Dear colleagues!

We fully support the reappointment of the respected Sergei Nikolaevich Lebedev to the post of Secretary General of the Commonwealth.

In conclusion, I would like to wish the President of Turkmenistan the respected Serdar Gurbangulyevich Berdimuhamedov wishes success in connection with accepting the chairmanship in the CIS.

I am confident that the current meeting and the decisions taken will contribute to the further expansion of mutually beneficial multilateral cooperation, will serve to achieve common goals and objectives for the sake of the well-being and prosperity of our countries and peoples.

Official website of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan