President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a speech at the event.

“Issues of international and regional connectivity have always been pressing for Central Asia, including our country that has no direct access to seaports. Uzbekistan supported the Belt and Road Initiative from the start, the implementation of which is an important factor in sustainable development of our countries”, – Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

The President of Uzbekistan welcomed the adoption of the Joint Communiqué of the roundtable discussion and expressed confidence that promoting regional cooperation will actively contribute to the achievement of common goals, will open up new sources of economic growth, and ultimately boost the living standards of peoples of the region’s countries.

The President forwarded a number of initiatives to uplift the transport and logistics potential of Central Asia, provide for food security through green economy, shore up tourism, jointly address environmental problems and other pressing issues.

The significance of disclosure of the transit potential of the Central Asian region and development of an economic corridor China – Central Asia – West Asia was noted. Great prospects here open up with the launch of the motor passageway Tashkent – Andijan – Osh – Irkeshtam – Kashgar. Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan – China and Mazar-i-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar railway projects are of strategic importance. It also seems economically feasible to establish a through tariff for rail transportation along the route Ports of the Yellow Sea – Central Asia – Europe.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev drew attention to the development of green economy and introduction of cutting-edge technologies and advanced solutions aimed at achieving food security in agriculture.

Noting that overcoming the adverse environmental consequences of the desiccation of the Aral Sea is a common task, Shavkat Mirziyoyev invited parties to join in the activities of the Multi-Partner Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region under the auspices of the United Nations, as well as in creating a zone of environmental innovation and technology in the Aral region.

Distinct proposals for promoting tourist exchange and contemplating joint programs and products under the brand “Silk Road” were voiced.

Uzbekistan’s President also expounded on Afghanistan. Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted in particular that the establishment of peace in that country would contribute not only to its economic recovery, but also help generate new sources of growth in Central and South Asian region. The Head of the state pointed out that these and other related issues will be discussed at the next Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA) this fall in Tashkent.

“Our historical and cultural heritage, similarity of objectives and challenges we face, as well as the unity of our aspirations allow us to look to the future with optimism. Ultimately, our peoples should truly feel the positive effects of our joint efforts”, – Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted.

The Uzbek President’s vision and initiatives received remarkable attention and interest among the audience.

The second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation is due to end today.

This has been reported by the Press Service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.