13.10.2023

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on an official working visit to the city of Bishkek, actively participated in the regular session of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdymukhamedov and the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Independent States Sergey Lebedev attended the Summit, held under the chairmanship of the distinguished President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov.

In accordance with the agenda, a comprehensive exchange of opinions took place regarding the current state and prospects of multifaceted relations within the framework of the CIS. The participants extensively discussed topical issues of the practical cooperation.

The Head of our state put forward a series of initiatives aimed at further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation within the CIS.

The President of Uzbekistan particularly emphasized the importance of leveraging the unique CIS platform for conducting joint assessments of potential opportunities and implementing coordinated measures. In this context, a proposal was put forward to organize a conference involving leading analytical centers and experts from CIS countries to develop a new long-term multilateral agenda.

The Leader of our country underscored the necessity of ensuring sustainable economic growth within the CIS member-states. The significance of fostering an environment conducive to economic development, promoting trade and investment, and enhancing regional cooperation to achieve shared prosperity.

The importance of establishing a fully-fledged free trade area without exemptions and restrictions in the Organization's territory at an early date was stressed. In this connection, it was suggested to revise the provisions of the relevant treaty.

The President of Uzbekistan called for the effective utilization of existing mechanisms and suggested new instruments to stimulate the growth of trade between countries. The Head of our state emphasized the need to develop a comprehensive set of additional measures to encourage mutual investments and project promotion. Furthermore, he advocated for the organization of a Forum on Industrial Cooperation and Innovation Development among the CIS countries.

Special attention was given to partnership in the energy and food sectors, the adoption of advanced technologies, and the strengthening of cooperation in relevant sectors of the economy.

A proposal was put forward to prepare an updated Cooperation Program in the field of food security and an Agreement on the key directions of cooperation in the agro-industrial complex.

The Leader of Uzbekistan initiated the development of a "roadmap" to enhance interregional cooperation, outlining specific measures to strengthen transportation connectivity and increase passenger and cargo transportation.

The importance of consolidating efforts to address the consequences of global climate change was emphasized. The readiness to organize a special plenary session dedicated to environmental challenges and threats within the CIS framework was expressed, as part of the upcoming International Climate Forum under the auspices of the United Nations, scheduled to take place in Samarkand next year.

In the humanitarian sphere, a proposal was made to hold a Week of Culture, Art, and Film of the CIS countries in the city of Samarkand, designated as the cultural capital of the Commonwealth in 2024.

Next year will also witness a series of youth events, including a football tournament in the city of Tashkent, which has been declared the Youth Capital of the CIS.

During his address, the Leader of our country also put forth significant initiatives in the field of education and the development of tourism exchange.

In conclusion, the President of Uzbekistan extended congratulations to the President of the Russian Federation on assuming the chairmanship of the Organization in 2024.

As an outcome of the Summit, a number of agreements and decisions were adopted regarding priority areas of cooperation within the CIS framework.