The International Organization for Migration (IOM) highly appreciated Uzbekistan’s active and constructive role in regional and global migration processes. This became known following a meeting between the Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva, Eldiyor Toshmatov, and IOM Deputy Director General SungAh Lee.

The parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation, emphasizing the growth of cooperation in key areas such as supporting labor migration, protecting migrants’ rights, implementing joint educational initiatives, as well as providing expert and technical assistance in shaping migration policy.

SungAh Lee noted Uzbekistan’s efforts in implementing labor migration reforms under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership and its contribution to promoting the rights and interests of migrants abroad. Special attention was paid to Uzbekistan’s initiative to develop a National Migration Strategy 2030. The IOM representative confirmed the organization’s readiness to provide comprehensive assistance in preparing and implementing this strategic document.

In addition, the importance of integrating the migration agenda in the context of sustainable development and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in terms of adaptation to climate change, was emphasized. In this regard, IOM expressed its readiness to provide Uzbekistan with the necessary support through regional programs and initiatives.

Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their desire to strengthen the strategic partnership and expand cooperation to protect migrants’ rights in Uzbekistan and throughout the Central Asian region.

Aziza Alimova, UzA