A delegation from the Republic of Uzbekistan visited Latvia to study the best practices of European countries in organizing public administration and local self-governance systems.

The visit was organized with the financial support of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.

The delegation, which included representatives of the Development Strategy Center, as well as members of regional and city councils from Fergana region and Tashkent, held a series of meetings and discussions with the leadership of the Latvian Parliament, municipal and district administrations, and associations of local authorities.

During the meeting with Gints Kaminskis, Chairman of the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments, the parties discussed ways to improve the system of local self-governance and ensure effective coordination between local councils and executive authorities.

At a meeting held in the Riga City Council, discussions with Executive Director Jānis Lange focused on the modern model of urban governance, methods for ensuring transparency and accountability in the provision of public services, and Latvia’s experience in the clear distribution of powers and responsibilities among local self-government bodies.

The Uzbek delegation presented information on the reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan, including measures aimed at strengthening the role of local councils, enhancing the efficiency of executive authorities, and improving accountability to the population.

During the meetings held in Jurmala, at the Latvian Parliament (Saeima), and with the Deputy Mayor and members of Parliament, the parties broadly discussed topics such as cooperation between local councils and executive authorities, division of responsibilities, systems of oversight and accountability, open dialogue with the public, the role of Parliament in managing local executive power, and the development of local self-government through legislation.

Abdulaziz Rustamov, UzA