Uzbekistan’s President Addresses 16th ECO Summit

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a compelling speech at the 16th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), highlighting the importance of unity among member states to address emerging challenges and foster economic development.

Here are the key highlights of his address:

Changing Global Landscape: He acknowledged the dynamic changes in the world's political architecture, emphasizing the significance of member states acting together to find effective solutions to challenges and threats.

Theme: Economic Stability and Development: Under the theme "Through Cooperation to Economic Stability and Development," Mirziyoyev encouraged detailed discussions on elevating multilateral relations and addressing pressing issues.

Efficiency and International Profile: He highlighted efforts to transform the ECO into a more efficient and internationally recognized organization, mentioning the importance of the Tashkent Declaration and regional initiatives.

Areas of Focus: Mirziyoyev identified key areas for cooperation:

Promotion of mutual trade.

Strengthening transport and communication connectivity.

Promotion of industrial cooperation and forming industrial hubs.

Ensuring guaranteed energy security.

Addressing climate change and environmental protection.

Enhancing cooperation in the tourism sector.

Deepening cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

Trade Facilitation Agreement: He encouraged the adoption of the ECO's Trade Facilitation Agreement, focusing on facilitating trade in goods and services, removing barriers, digitalizing customs, and developing electronic commerce to boost mutual trade by 2035.

Transport and Connectivity: Emphasizing the importance of optimizing mutual tariffs and fees and developing transcontinental transport corridors, Mirziyoyev urged members to join the "Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan-Iran–Turkiye" Transport Corridor.

Industrial Cooperation: He called for increasing the flow of mutual investments, deepening industrial cooperation, and promoting joint projects in various sectors.

Energy Security and Renewables: The president emphasized the harmonization of national energy strategies, development of interregional energy networks, and the goal of increasing renewable energy sources to 40% in Uzbekistan's energy mix by 2030.

Climate Change and Ecology: Highlighting the consequences of climate change, he proposed establishing a High-level Dialogue Platform for Ecology and urged support for the Samarkand Declaration to combat sand and dust storms.

Tourism Cooperation: Mirziyoyev proposed joint tourist routes and increased collaboration within the "Silk Road" Tourism Brand, as well as establishing a Consultative Committee on Tourism.

Cultural and Humanitarian Cooperation: He stressed the importance of cultural exchange, arts, cinema weeks, youth festivals, and scientific cooperation to deepen relations.

Concerns Over Regional Conflicts: The president expressed concern over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and called for an immediate ceasefire, peace negotiations, and recognition of the Palestinian people's right to their own state. He also emphasized the importance of engaging Afghanistan in regional integration.

Mirziyoyev concluded by expressing confidence that the summit's outcomes would elevate the ECO into an efficient and impactful organization, strengthening multilateral partnerships.