Ažubalis met President Islam Karimov, Foreign Minister Elyor Ganiev and Speaker of the Parliament Dilorom Tashmukhamedova, as well as representatives of political parties, civil society and media.

Ažubalis noted the significant role Uzbekistan plays in Central Asia in creating security and stability in Central Asia. He noted that Central Asian countries are facing similar challenges, such as terrorism and extremism, as well as drug trafficking, and joint regional efforts are needed to address them.

“The OSCE with its field presence and network of institutions is well placed to contribute to regional co-operation. Through the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, we stand ready to work together with Uzbekistan in the politico-military, economic and environmental, as well as human dimensions, depending on the needs identified by the country,” he said following his meetings.

The Minister noted that a year has passed since tragic events in the south of Kyrgyzstan. “We appreciate the constructive approach of the Government of Uzbekistan during the tragic events in Osh last year, and stress the importance of the dialogue between communities and between the countries on addressing inter-ethnic issues,” he said.

“In March, during my visit to Kyrgyzstan, I reiterated to my interlocutors the imperative of addressing the underlying reasons of the crisis and doing all possible to restore trust between communities, and in the law enforcement agencies. The OSCE’s Community Security Initiative is instrumental in this regard,” Ažubalis said. He also stressed it was necessary that the recommendations outlined in the report of the Independent International Inquiry Commission be used constructively.

Addressing the OSCE’s engagement with Afghanistan, a key priority of the Lithuanian Chairmanship, Ažubalis said: “Uzbekistan’s bilateral and multilateral efforts to solve the crisis in Afghanistan constitute a significant contribution to peace and stability. I am convinced that by joining efforts within the OSCE framework we could effectively complement these activities to help make the country a more stable and secure place”.

Ažubalis also stressed the need for a constructive dialogue on water and energy issues in Central Asia: “The Aral Sea tragedy and problems related to water resource sharing and management can be successfully addressed only through a combination of national and regional measures, recognizing the tremendous challenge they pose to us and to generations to come,” he said.

Underlining the need to continue democratic reforms, Ažubalis said: “Strengthening reforms aimed at further democratization, notably through greater inclusion of civil society and media in the democratization process, is an area where Uzbekistan could benefit from the OSCE’s expertise.” He said that the amendments to the national criminal legislation, as well as to the Constitution to increase the role of political parties are “important steps”.