The event gathered about 450 MGIMO graduates from 32 countries – members of governments and parliaments, politicians, diplomats, heads of large foreign companies, professors and teachers of the institute.

The forum was also attended by many high-ranking guests, including Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Ilyas Umakhanov, Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Vladimir Medinsky, member of the Board of Directors of the Eurasian Bank Patokh Shodiev and others.

Welcoming remarks on behalf of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev were read out by the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, and on behalf of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin – Rector of MGIMO Anatoly Torkunov.

First Deputy Director General of TASS News Agency Mikhail Gusman presented a video presentation on MGIMO development strategy.

Special attention at the forum was paid to the place of Uzbekistan on the investment map of the world. The First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Ilkhom Nematov emphasized that issues included in the forum’s program are very useful and fully correspond to the internal and foreign policies of today’s Uzbekistan, as well as the name of 2019.

During the discussions, issues of development of the stock market, capital market, including securities, financial architecture, studying the experience of foreign and neighboring countries in this area, increasing the country’s activity in the SCO, debut placement of Eurobonds of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the international market and others were discussed. Experts recognized that Uzbekistan is the main consumer market in Central Asia, there is a noticeable increase in the country’s indicators in the world’s leading ratings. At the end of the session, it is envisaged to create a regional financial center in Uzbekistan.

The UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenča addressed the session on “Strategic empathy and security”.

The rich history and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan, as well as the great ancestors of Uzbek people, who made an invaluable contribution to world civilization, were discussed at the session devoted to the international image policy.

According to experts, one of the main factors in enhancing the image of the country is tourism. Thus, at present, 10 percent of world GDP, 30 percent of international exports fall to tourism, and 40 percent of all profits in the field of tourism – to the share of cultural tourism. This is a very high figure. In turn, Uzbekistan has great potential in the field of cultural tourism. Favorable opportunities, all the amenities have been created for development of this industry, much is being implemented to simplify the visa regime in the country with such rich historical monuments.

The forum was held in a friendly atmosphere, creative spirit. Many substantive discussions were held on politics, security, economics, and culture. All guests noted the high organizational level of the forum.

The Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdujabbor Abduvakhitov addressed the event.