On September 1 in the city of Tianjin, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in a “SCO Plus” meeting on “Implementing Multilateralism, Ensuring Regional Security and Promoting Sustainable Development”.

The event was attended by the heads of delegations of the SCO member states and the leaders of its permanent bodies, as well as the leaders of observer and partner countries, honorary guests, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and the heads of other international organizations.

In his speech, the Leader of Uzbekistan stressed that the “SCO Plus” format, which fully reflects the spirit of openness and multilateralism, is becoming an increasingly sought-after platform for trust-based dialogue.

The symbolic significance of holding the current summit in the year marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War – the greatest tragedy of the 20th century – was also noted.

Expressing concern over the emerging trend toward confrontation, the Leader of Uzbekistan called for an end to conflicts, the restoration of trust, peaceful coexistence, and respect for international law. In this context, he supported the Global Governance Initiative proposed by the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping.

Noting the renewed escalation of the situation and the deterioration of the humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, the President of Uzbekistan stated that only a just settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli issue based on the principle of “two states for two peoples” can become the key to resolving the conflict in the Middle East.

Pointing to the enormous potential for partnership and practical cooperation within the SCO, the Head of State elaborated on the pressing tasks for developing multilateral collaboration.

Firstly, the importance of strengthening collective efforts to ensure the stability and prosperity of the SCO countries was emphasized, which is particularly relevant in the face of emerging new challenges and threats, such as climate change, energy and food resource shortages, migration crises, cyberattacks, and others.

The President welcomed the launch of the Universal Center for Countering Security Threats and Challenges under the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure in Tashkent, as well as the Anti-Drug Center in Dushanbe. He proposed holding the first SCO+ Dialogue on security issues in Uzbekistan next year.

“Ensuring stability in the region is impossible without taking into account the development of the situation in Afghanistan and establishing a constructive dialogue between the international community and the Afghan authorities”, the Leader of Uzbekistan stated.

In this regard, the need was noted to develop pragmatic approaches to cooperation with this country and to involve it in SCO projects.

As a priority task, the Head of State identified a radical expansion of trade, economic, and investment cooperation within the SCO.

The importance of consolidating efforts to remove barriers and harmonize standards, develop e-commerce platforms, and promote industrial cooperation and innovation was emphasized.

To establish an effective platform for business dialogue, the annual SCO Investment Forum has been initiated, with its inaugural session scheduled for next year in Uzbekistan.

In the context of regional transport integration and connectivity, the vital importance of creating efficient transport routes ensuring reliable links between Central Asia and global corridors was highlighted.

The construction of the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway and its prospective connection with the Trans-Afghan corridor will contribute to the formation of a unified transport network across the SCO space.

The Leader of Uzbekistan also advocated for the active promotion of partnerships in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.

“The SCO countries possess enormous scientific and technological potential, which can ensure breakthroughs in such advanced areas as artificial intelligence, big data, robotics, bioengineering, and alternative energy”, the President noted.

As a practical step, the creation of an SCO Network of Innovation and Technology Hubs was proposed to generate new ideas and develop advanced solutions.

To expand cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, the President of Uzbekistan proposed an initiative to establish the Great Silk Road Cultural Dialogue, aiming to promote cultural diversity and the values of the SCO family. He invited the delegations of the participating countries to take an active part in the upcoming UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand.

In conclusion, the Head of State expressed confidence that the fruitful results of the current summit in the “SCO Plus” format will contribute to ensuring further stability, expanding multifaceted partnership, and promoting sustainable development of all countries.

UzA