10.04.2020

On April 10, while starting the videoconference meeting designed to discuss pressing issues in the efficiency and productivity of the cluster system in cotton and grain cultivation, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expounded on the measures taken in Uzbekistan to combat the coronavirus pandemic. The head of state noted in particular:

“First of all, I would like to note that the current situation with the rapid spread of coronavirus in many countries of the world proves that we in Uzbekistan introduced quarantine and restrictive measures quite in time.

I express my deep gratitude to our citizens who properly understand and share this view, patiently observe the rules of home self-isolation and lockdown, as well as to doctors who have proved courageous and steadfast in their duty performance.

It should be recognized candidly: had the quarantine and restrictive measures not been introduced in time, infected individuals and human losses could have been much greater taking into account the mentality and lifestyle of our people, including the rather extensive social bonds, trips to work, attendance of classes, participation in various ceremonies, going to the market, frequent visits to relatives, neighbors, friends and especially the sick.

For almost a month, we slowed down the spread of infection and effectively took advantage of this time to increase the number of treatment places, to study and introduce the medical experience of foreign countries.

We procured 500 mechanical ventilation devices from Russia. The first batch will be delivered in the coming days. We have also purchased test systems – 200 thousand from China and 50 thousand from Germany.

In tackling the pandemic, we work closely with the international community.

I have taken part in the extraordinary summit meeting of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States organized today in a videoconference format to discuss this issue.

The event was attended by the heads of state and government of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Hungary, Director General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

We agreed on the formation, within the framework of the Turkic Council, of a joint system of epidemiological surveillance, the exchange of information and experience in the field of diagnostics, treatment, and suggested that these endeavors be widely applied.

I would like to emphasize that all the heads of delegations stressed the need for new mechanisms and formats for the development of cooperation amid the pandemic, especially in the trade, economic, investment, financial and transport sectors.

We agreed to maintain the volume of trade among the states of the Turkic Council at the pre-crisis level, to provide mutual assistance in stimulating investments and spearheading priority projects, to effectively use the transport infrastructure and reduce freight tariffs, and in general to ensure unhindered movement of goods with priority products for our countries.

We will use all our strengths and capabilities, whether inside the country or outside its borders, to combat this challenge.

Not a single person, not a single family in our country should be left without the attention and care of the state and society.

Therefore, the leaders of six sectors in the field, all responsible officials and ministers assigned for major industries and enterprises must work tirelessly!

The danger has yet to pass. Great challenges are ahead.

Work should continue around the clock, with iron discipline and a sense of responsibility!

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