A candidate for the Uzbek presidency, Asliddin Rustamov, has urged joining efforts with other countries in the fight against international terrorism, extremism and drugs. Rustamov is nominated from the People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan (PDPU - former Uzbek Communist Party).

In his speech dedicated to his nomination as a presidential contender, which was published in the party newspaper Ozbekiston Ovozi on 6 November, he detailed the priority areas of his election platform. In particular, regarding foreign policy issues, he said that the party needed to consider "joining efforts with other members of the world community in the fight against the threats of international terrorism, extremism and drugs".

The priority areas of Rustamov’s election platform also included developing the economy and creating new jobs; stepping up social security; ensuring environmental balance; building a democratic state and civil society; and renovating society morally.

Rustamov said that the election campaign for the 23 December presidential poll was "a big test" for the party and called on the party members "to actively participate" in the forthcoming election.

He also praised the activities of the PDPU parliamentary faction, which announced itself parliamentary opposition in February 2005.