UZBEKISTAN - UN: COOPERATION FOR PEACE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

As was previously reported, the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Ban Ki-moon arrived in Tashkent on an official visit.

Today, the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received the UN chief at Kuksaroy. During the meeting the sides discussed the state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, issues of regional and international character.
The head of our state, having welcomed the high guest, praised the contribution of the United Nations under the leadership of Ban Ki-moon to ensure peace and stability in the world.
Islam Karimov stressed that the United Nations today is unique and is the only organization in the world that is engaged in solving problems at the global level, and expressed the hope that the organization will not only preserve but also strengthen its role on the world stage.
Issues of strengthening peace in Central Asia, cooperation between countries in the region in the fight against international terrorism, extremism and radicalism were also discussed at the meeting.
In turn, the UN Secretary-General thanked the head of our state for the warm welcome and hospitality, and praised the leadership of Islam Karimov in solving regional problems and promoting peace and stability, as well as the initiatives taken at the international level.
In our country, representations of a number of UN agencies such as the World Health Organization, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization, UNICEF, UNFPA, Development Programme, the Office on Drugs and Crime, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV / AIDS are functioning. Together with these organizations implemented more than 440 projects. At present there are more than 70 projects.

 In Uzbekistan, you know very well as a prominent politician, who for many years has consistently implements active and fruitful activity on international security, promotion of the ideas of a nuclear-free world, solving urgent for all humanity of sustainable development, as well as the many pressing global problems, environmental, social or humanitarian character than earned well-deserved prestige and recognition of the international community - Islam Karimov noted.

An important place in the UN takes to achieve high Millennium Development Goals, which were comprehensive guideline for all States in the last fifteen years, as well as upcoming new agenda for the future - sustainable development.

 Your current visit to Central Asia and, in particular, to the Republic of Uzbekistan, as the head of the UN will provide an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the prevailing situation in the region and exchanged views on issues of concern us all topical issues, - the President of our country said. - First and foremost, is a cause of serious concern for the growth of radicalization of conflict and violence, strengthening political and economic confrontation, the ongoing global financial crisis globally. In an increasingly difficult global environment, we consider the United Nations as the only universal international organization for the maintenance of global security and stability, a unique structure to address the many complex inter-state and international issues.

 Uzbekistan has made significant progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, the rule of law and protection of human rights, protection of motherhood and childhood, improving the education system - Ban Ki-moon said. - All these achievements are the result of sustainable and people-oriented socio-economic reforms.

The Secretary-General emphasized the interest of the United Nations to further strengthen cooperation with Uzbekistan.

The sides discussed a wide range of issues of regional and international issues, identified priorities of further development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United Nations and its specialized institutions and agencies.

The distinguished guest welcomed the active participation of Uzbekistan in the multilateral discussions within the United Nations and its contribution to the solution of regional and global issues. In particular, the UN Secretary-General praised Uzbekistan’s contribution to the achievement of stability and development in Afghanistan.

Ban Ki-moon emphasized the efforts of Uzbekistan, which, as a friendly neighbor of Afghanistan, has extensive assistance to achieve these objectives. Our country, with the support of international financial institutions, in particular, the ADB is implementing projects for the construction of transport communications, provides electricity to the population of Afghanistan and implement the delivery of humanitarian aid.

The parties noted that the only solution to the Afghan problem - it is the political negotiations and the achievement of internal consensus and agreement, the creation of an enabling international environment, the continuation of financial and humanitarian support and active participation of the United Nations.

Islam Karimov said that Uzbekistan, attaching great importance to have close partnership with the UN and its institutions, is ready for the progressive development of effective cooperation. Including the Millennium Development Goals by the end of the year and the goals of sustainable development, which will be adopted at the forthcoming General Assembly.

Ban Ki-moon expressed confidence that interaction between the UN and Uzbekistan will become even more productive. The signing of the framework of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework for 2016-2020 years is an important milestone.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon on the same day visited Bukhara and familiarized with historical monuments and modern buildings of the city.