President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 24 October addressed the BRICS Plus summit in Kazan, Russia. BRICS is an intergovernmental organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.
“Unfortunately, today the world is rapidly moving towards division. The number of wars and conflicts is increasing, bringing immense suffering, deep pain and irreparable losses to people. The fragmentation of the global economy and trade is exacerbating inequality, technological divide and protectionism. New barriers are emerging between countries,” the president emphasized in his speech.
Under these circumstances, he noted, BRICS, acting on principles of equality, non-alignment, consideration of mutual interests, respect for sovereignty and the right to one’s own path of development, stands as an authoritative and dynamic alliance of multilateral cooperation and partnership.
“We believe that such a model of interaction can become a strong foundation for forming a new architecture of a more just world order while maintaining the central role of the United Nations,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated.
“I support the calls for achieving a global compromise through constructive dialogue, free from geopolitical rivalry, national egoism and ideological bias,” he said.
He stressed that the time had come to reform global governance institutions and expand responsible dialogue in the South-South and North-South formats.
President of Uzbekistan reminded that during Russia’s chairmanship in BRICS, Uzbekistan participated in the BRICS Youth summit and Sports games, legal and parliamentary forums, a high-level security meeting and other events.
“We intend to continue actively deepening our partnerships with BRICS states. We will effectively utilize the new opportunities within this alliance,” the president said.
He added that Uzbekistan shares BRICS countries' commitment to developing cooperation to address the issues of worsening global inequality and inclusive economic recovery.
“This primarily concerns supporting the national programs of developing countries aimed at overcoming acute social and environmental challenges, reducing poverty, bridging the technological gap and modernizing infrastructure,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.
“Multilateral financial institutions can and must play an important role in this. Uzbekistan intends to establish close cooperation with the BRICS New Development Bank for the implementation of priority investment and social projects,” the president stated.
He noted that Uzbekistan was interested in expanding cooperation in areas such as innovation, digital economy, green development, energy and barrier-free elctronic commerce.
“We look forward to participating in joint projects of the BRICS Research group on artificial intelligence to anticipate possible risks and develop unified governance standards in this field,” the president added.
He expressed Uzbekistan’s readiness to join the BRICS Competence center being created under the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), as well as the Investment platform proposed at the summit.
“Together with BRICS partners, we plan to work closely on enhancing transport connectivity, creating new transcontinental corridors, establishing reliable supply chain logistics and developing the cabotage transport system. Our focus will also be on ensuring food and energy security, overcoming the negative effects of climate change and protecting health,” president of Uzbekistan said.
He also supported the development of business contacts within the BRICS framework and proposed considering the inclusion of all interested countries in the BRICS Business council.
In conclusion, the president focused on the priority area of partnership within the BRICS space, and countering the threats and challenges of international terrorism.
“Special attention should be given to preventing radicalization and the spread of extremist ideologies, especially among youth,” the president emphasized.
He expressed his concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East. “It is increasingly transforming into a potential focal point of a global crisis, involving neighboring countries and major powers,” the president noted.
“We are deeply saddened by the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and Lebanon. No political goals can justify innocent civilian casualties, especially among children. Today, the immediate tasks are to cease fire without delay and provide urgent aid to those affected,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.
He added that Uzbekistan considered the peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the “two states for two peoples” principle as the only viable solution.
“When speaking of global and regional security, we cannot overlook the issue of Afghanistan. Our common task is not to isolate, but to help the Afghan people and the current authorities of the country in addressing urgent socio-economic development issues, building peace and progressing,” president of Uzbekistan underscored.
