On October 24, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed the plenary session of the BRICS Plus Summit.

The event, chaired by the President of Russia Vladimir Putin, was also attended by President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, as well as heads and high-ranking representatives of several other states, international organizations and financial institutions. 

In accordance with the agenda, expanding international cooperation to ensure inclusive and sustainable development and current issues of global and regional policy were discussed.

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan emphasized the significance of gatherings in the BRICS Plus format for a broad dialogue and open discussions on pressing global development issues.

The Leader of Uzbekistan noted regrettably that the world is rapidly moving toward division, with an increasing number of wars and conflicts inflicting profound suffering, severe pain, and irreplaceable human losses.

“The fragmentation of the global economy and trade is deepening inequality, technological gap, and protectionism. New barriers are emerging among nations”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted.

Under these conditions, BRICS, acting based on principles such as equality, non-alignment, consideration of mutual interests, and respect for each nation’s sovereignty and right to pursue its developmental path, emerges as a reputable and dynamic formation for multifaceted cooperation and partnership.

The Leader of Uzbekistan expressed confidence that such a model of interaction can serve as a solid basis for shaping a new architecture for a more equitable world order while preserving the central role of the United Nations.

He supported the calls for achieving a global compromise through constructive dialogue, free from geopolitical rivalries, national egoism, and ideological prejudice.

“We believe the time has come to reform the world’s governing institutions and expand a committed dialogue in the South-South and North-South formats”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted.

The Leader of Uzbekistan also noted the country’s intention to further actively enhance its partnership with the BRICS countries, efficiently taking advantage of new opportunities that arise as part of this formation.

The President of Uzbekistan supported the BRICS countries’ commitment to developing cooperation to overcome the challenges of worsening global inequality and facilitate an inclusive economic recovery. 

He also stated that Uzbekistan intends to collaborate closely with the BRICS New Development Bank to implement priority investment and social projects. Interest was expressed in expanding practical interaction in innovation, digital economy, green development and energy, and barrier-free e-commerce.

Uzbekistan intends to participate in joint projects of the BRICS Research Group on Artificial Intelligence, join the BRICS Competence Center under the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), which is being formed, and the proposed Investment Platform.

The President of Uzbekistan noted the readiness to work closely with BRICS partners to strengthen transport connectivity, create new transcontinental corridors, form reliable logistics supply chains, and develop cabotage transportation.

The importance of interaction on ensuring food and energy security, overcoming the adverse effects of climate change, and healthcare was noted.

To support the development of business contacts and strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties within BRICS, the Leader of Uzbekistan proposed considering the possibility of including all interested countries in the BRICS Business Council.

Speaking about countering the threats and challenges of international terrorism, the Head of Uzbekistan pointed out the importance of broad international cooperation to prevent radicalization and the spread of extremist ideology, especially among young people.

Particular concern was expressed regarding the escalating conflict in the Middle East. It is increasingly evolving into a potential flashpoint of a global crisis involving neighboring countries and major world powers.

“We are heartbroken by the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and Lebanon. No political objectives can justify innocent civilian victims, especially children”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated.

It was noted that today, an immediate ceasefire and the delivery of emergency relief to all victims are of paramount urgency.

“We believe that the only solution to the Israeli-Palestinian problem is a peaceful settlement of the conflict based on the “two-state solution” principle”, the President emphasized.

Speaking about the problem of Afghanistan, the Leader of Uzbekistan noted that the common task is not to isolate, but help the Afghan people and the de facto authorities of this country to address the pressing problems of socio-economic development, peace-building and prosperity.

In conclusion, the President of Uzbekistan declared the country’s readiness to engage in close and mutually beneficial cooperation with the BRICS countries to achieve common sustainable development goals.

UzA