President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed the plenary session of the “BRICS Plus” summit on October 24.
The event, chaired by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, was also attended by President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdulfattah al-Sisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and high representatives of a number of other states, international organizations and financial institutions.
In accordance with the agenda, issues of expanding international cooperation to ensure inclusive and sustainable development, as well as topical issues of global and regional politics were discussed.
The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan emphasized the importance of meetings in the “BRICS Plus” format for a broad dialogue and open discussion of topical issues of global development.
The Head of our State noted with regret that today the world is rapidly moving towards division, the number of wars and conflicts is growing, which bring great suffering, deep pain and irreplaceable losses to people.
– The fragmentation of the world economy and trade is increasing inequality, technological gaps and protectionism. New barriers between countries are emerging, – emphasized Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
In these conditions, BRICS, acting on the basis of such principles as equality, non-alignment, consideration of each other’s interests, respect for sovereignty and the right to their own path of development, acts as a credible and dynamic association of multilateral cooperation and partnership.
The Leader of Uzbekistan expressed confidence that this model of interaction can become a solid foundation for the formation of a new architecture of a fairer world order while preserving the central role of the United Nations.
He supported the calls for reaching a global compromise through constructive dialogue, free from geopolitical rivalry, national egoism and ideological bias.
– We believe that the time has come to reform the world’s institutions of governance and expand a responsible dialogue in South-South and North-South formats, – noted Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The Leader of our country also noted Uzbekistan’s intention to further actively deepen partnership ties with the BRICS states, to effectively utilize new opportunities within the framework of this Association.
The Head of State supported the BRICS countries’ commitment to developing cooperation to address global inequality and inclusive economic recovery.
He also noted that Uzbekistan intends to establish close cooperation with BRICS New Development Bank for implementing priority investment and social projects. Interest was expresssed in expanding practical cooperation in areas like innovation, digital economy, “green” growth, energy and e-commerce without barriers.
Uzbekistan also counts on active participation in joint projects of BRICS Research group on artificial intelligence, connecting to the Center of BRICS competences under UNIDO and proposed Investment platform.
President of our country also pointed out readiness on close work with BRICS partners on strengthening transport connectivity, creating new transcontinental corridors, establishing reliable logistic supply chains and developing a system cabotage transportation.
Importance of interaction on issues like ensuring food and energy security, combating negative impacts of climate change and healthcare protection was stressed.
Having supported the development of business contacts and strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties in the framework of the Organization, the Head of State proposed to consider joining the BRICS Business Council.
Speaking about countering the threats and challenges of international terrorism, the Head of Uzbekistan pointed out the importance of broad international cooperation in order to prevent radicalization and the spread of extremist ideology, especially among young people.
He expressed particular concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which is increasingly transforming into a potential hotbed of global crisis with the involvement of neighboring countries. involving neighboring countries and major powers.
– We are heartbroken by the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and Lebanon. No political goals can justify innocent civilian casualties, especially among children, – said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
It was noted that an immediate ceasefire and emergency assistance to the victims are now urgent tasks.
– The only solution to the Israeli-Palestinian problem remains a peaceful settlement of the conflict on the principle of “two states for two peoples”, – emphasized the President.
Speaking about the problem of Afghanistan, the Head of State noted that the common task is not isolation, but assistance to the Afghan people and the current authorities of that country in addressing the pressing issues of socio-economic development, peace building and progress.
In conclusion, the Uzbek Leader reiterated our country’s readiness for close and mutually beneficial cooperation with the BRICS countries to achieve common goals of sustainable development.