On June 20th, 2024, the Institute of Strategic and Regional Studies (ISRS) under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan held a meeting with the Ambassador Antti Karttunen, Project Co-ordinator of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Uzbekistan.

During the conversation, the participants discussed a range of issues of common interest. Particular focus was paid to the potential collaboration areas between the ISRS and the OSCE.

The counterparts expressed satisfaction that interactions with the OSCE Project Co-ordinator's Office in Tashkent are getting more productive year after year. Close interactions and constructive dialogue help to facilitate this process.

For example, on March 3-4, 2022, a high-level meeting on the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia was held jointly. Additionally, on May 14 in Tashkent the first meeting of the Regional Expert Council on Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Returnees from Conflict Zones in Central Asia was organized, which facilitated the consolidation of regional collaborative efforts and the institutionalization of work in this regard.

Besides, Mr. Antti Karttunen emphasized the importance of continuing effective interaction across all three OSCE security dimensions – politico-military, economic-environmental and human. The Ambassador also estimated the expert capabilities of ISRS and outlined further prospects for bilateral co-operation.

At the end, both sides expressed mutual interest in future joint practical initiatives aimed at enhancing regional cooperation, such as the promotion of green energy initiatives, the development of transportation connectivity, the growth of industrial cooperation, and adaptation to the effects of climate change.