Skopje, 9 August 2023 (MIA) - The recent Uzbek constitutional changes represent a major step forward towards building a "New Uzbekistan" and the OSCE will continue support in the implementation of the country's reform agenda, Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairman-in-Office Bujar Osmani told a meeting with Uzbekistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov in Tashkent on Wednesday.

OSCE provides support in key areas including strengthening the role of women, fighting corruption and effectively addressing cross-border challenges on the border between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, through the OSCE Project Co-ordinator's Office in Uzbekistan, the Foreign Ministry said in a press release. 

"The OSCE, together with the Government of Uzbekistan, works to increase the capacities of border and customs services in effectively dealing with cross-border challenges on the Uzbek-Afghan border. North Macedonia and our region of Southeast Europe have many success stories to share when it comes to regional cooperation, connectivity and people-to-people contacts. There is no better way to deal with regional challenges than regional cooperation," said Osmani. 

He added that these are just a few illustrative examples of the tangible benefits for citizens that are the result of cooperation between OSCE field missions and local authorities.

Regional cooperation, adds the press release, is also of crucial importance in responding to Russia's military aggression in Ukraine, which threatens security in the entire OSCE region.

"This is yet another reason why we should engage in even closer cooperation and continue a coordinated regional response, as well as support for multilateralism. That is why today the OSCE values ​​and principles and its role as a unique platform for dialogue between different regions is more important than ever," Osmani said. 

Osmani pointed out that there is a positive trend of increasing interregional cooperation between Central Asian states, which gives hope for the transformation of relations in the region and offers new opportunities for more effective solutions to common challenges in the wider OSCE region.

He expressed gratitude to the state authorities and to Minister Saidov for the support that North Macedonia receives from Uzbekistan within the OSCE Chairmanship.

OSCE Chairman-in-Office Osmani kicked off his visit to Central Asia by meeting the Chairperson of the Senate of Uzbekistan, Tanzila Narbaeva.

"We discussed the role of the Senate in efforts to strengthen women’s role and promote their security, as well as the support from the Office of the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan for the implementation of the national strategy for achieving gender equality by 2030. Gender equality is also one of the main priorities of North Macedonia’s 2023 OSCE Chairpersonship, and we will continue providing support to Uzbekistan in terms of issues of economic empowerment of women and the rights of children and youth," Osmani posted on Facebook earlier on Wednesday.  

In Tashkent, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office will hold meetings with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, OSCE field operations staff, civil society representatives and OSCE beneficiaries.

Photo: MFA