For more than 25 years, I have served in the positions of a Deputy of the OliyMajlis (the national parliament). I can say with complete confidence that I know from the inside all benefits and problems of the parliamentary system. Now the work of our parliament has rapidly changed.

The wise words “Justice is the basis of the state and the motto of the rulers”, inscribed on the portal of the residence of our great ancestor Amir Temur (Tamerlane) – the Oqsaroy Palace in Shakhrisabz, carry a very deep meaning.

Today such fundamental democratic concepts and phenomena as “human rights and freedoms”, “rule of law”, “openness and transparency”, “freedom of speech”, “freedom of religion and belief”, “public control”, “gender equality” are becoming an integral part of our life.

Uzbek Parliament is in favor of intensifying inter-parliamentary dialogue with international structures and the National parliaments of foreign countries at various levels. It was emphasized that there is a strong political will between our sides on topical issues on the bilateral and international agenda. It is gratifying that contacts are regularly maintained between the Parliamentary Friendship Groups. Now we have established more than 50 such groups with our foreign parliaments as well as Uzbek parliamentarians are close with the IPU, European Parliament, PA OSCE, and other international parliamentary structures.

By a joint decision of the Council Chambers of the Uzbek Parliament of September 25, 2020, the Concept of Parliamentary Diplomacy was approved. It defines strategic goals and objectives, priority directions, principles, and mechanisms for the implementation of the activities of the Parliament on international cooperation. In recent years, our Parliament has become an active subject of foreign policy. The geography of parliamentary diplomacy is expanding and its effectiveness is increasing. This makes it possible to establish close ties in the socio-political, economic, and cultural spheres, contributing to the strengthening of friendly relations between our countries.

One of the positive indicators of friendly relations is that Uzbekistan and many countries on a permanent basis support each other’s candidacies for the UN institutions, OSCE, and other international structures. In this regard, the Uzbek side expressed gratitude for the support of Uzbekistan’s candidacy for membership in the UN Human Rights Council for 2021-2023, as well as the development of the UN International Convention on the Rights of Youth.

We can note that at present the role and importance of inter-parliamentary ties in the development of interstate relations are increasing markedly. It is necessary to continue harmonizing legislation, to participate in the development and expansion of the legal framework for cooperation, as well as inter-parliamentary ties in the field of science, education, culture, and tourism.

Last June the Uzbek Parliament organized the International Forum of Global Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals in Bukhara.

We had organized the Sustainable Development Week motto to “Leave no one behind!”, with the participation of the IPU Secretary General, members of national parliaments of foreign countries, and other international participants. The Forum is aimed at strengthening the inter-parliamentary cooperation in implementing the SDG, exchange of experience, and promoting new ideas and initiatives.

In addition, at the 75th session of the United Nations, General Assembly Uzbekistan Leader has proposed to adopt a special resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on enhancing the role of parliaments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring human rights.

In Uzbekistan, the implementation of gender policy and the protection of women’s rights have been elevated to the rank of fundamental priorities of state policy. The readiness of the Uzbek side was also expressed to share its experience in promoting women’s rights and gender equality with the international community and to study the best practices of other countries in this direction.

Uzbek parliament jointly with the IPU is organizing the next 14^thSummit of Women Speakers of the Parliaments of the World, which is scheduled to be held in 2022 in Samarkand.

Source: Sada ElBalad English