Mirziyoyev recommended Samarkand as the status of the cultural capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States

Today 13 October, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Independent States.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadir Zhaparov, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States Sergey Lebedev participated in the event.

Following the agenda, the heads of delegations exchanged views on the development of multilateral cooperation within the organization, and the results achieved in this regard, discussed the further expansion of relations in the political, trade, economic and cultural humanitarian spheres.

In his speech, Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed his views on important areas of strengthening the partnership within the Commonwealth of Independent States.

As noted, the complex situation in the world, increasing tension, and strategic distraction call for joint efforts for sustainable development and the most effective use of the space of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

The importance of achieving sustained economic growth in the Commonwealth countries was noted.

Despite the risks, it was noted with satisfaction that positive growth could be achieved in all areas within the Commonwealth of Independent States.  In particular, the trade turnover of Uzbekistan with the member countries of the organization increased by 35% compared to the end of last year, and since the beginning of this year has increased by three times.

Cooperation projects in mechanical engineering, energy, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, textile, and other fields are successfully implemented.  In recent months alone, more than 800 new enterprises with partners in the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States have been launched.

Our cultural ties are developing rapidly.  Festivals, concerts, fairs, sports, and other events are held regularly.

At the same time, the need to take effective measures to remove barriers to mutual trade as soon as possible is pointed out.

The President of Uzbekistan noted the importance of creating favorable conditions for the free delivery of foodstuffs in the territory of the Commonwealth of Independent States to prevent artificial price increases and contain inflation.

Given the serious threats to the transport system of member countries, it is essential to jointly develop new logistics corridors.  Here we are talking about the projects of construction of railways «Termez - Mazar-i-Sharif - Kabul - Peshawar» and «China - Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan» They help to make the Commonwealth of Independent States an important transcontinental transport chain.

One of the most important areas of cooperation in the Commonwealth of Independent States is the cultural and humanitarian sphere.

To expand relations in the sphere of mutual innovative cooperation and youth, President Mirziyoyev proposed holding the first congress of young scientists of the Commonwealth of Independent States, under the slogan «Youth - an advocate of innovation» in Uzbekistan next year.  

It was noted that Uzbekistan is ready to actively contribute to and participate in the implementation of joint projects and programs in the fields of education, science, health, sports, culture, and art.

The decision to declare Saint Petersburg the cultural capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States in 2023 was supported.  In 2024, Samarkand was nominated for the title of cultural capital.

In addition, the Head of State proposed to hold an annual Commonwealth Open Chess Cup.

At the end of his speech, the leader of Uzbekistan approved the extension of the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States - Responsible Secretary Sergey Lebedev for another term and wished the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadir Zhaparov success in his Chaired the organization in 2023.

At the meeting, the leaders exchanged views on the implementation of the agreements reached within the framework of the Commonwealth of the Independent States and the promotion of important cooperation projects.  It was noted that the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States plays an important role in monitoring the implementation of decisions of the Council of Heads of State.

The summit resulted in several important documents in various areas of multilateral cooperation.