On May 1 of this year, the ISRS hosted a meeting between the Deputy Director of the Institute, Shafoat Nurullayeva, and the Political Adviser to the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Anuar Ayazbekov.

During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for developing partnership between Uzbekistan and the OSCE, paying particular attention to the exchange of best practices in the field of interethnic dialogue, the implementation of joint projects, as well as other issues of mutual interest.

Anuar Ayazbekov highly praised the large-scale reforms carried out under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. "Uzbekistan has achieved significant success in strengthening interethnic harmony and the principles of religious tolerance, becoming a real example for many countries in this area," the OSCE representative emphasized.

Focusing on issues of regional cooperation, the guest particularly noted the signing of the Treaty on the point of junction of state borders between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in Khujand, as well as the opening of a symbolic stele of Friendship between the three countries in this city. "A clear definition of borders is a huge job, to which all countries participating in this treaty, including Uzbekistan, have made a huge contribution," he said.

During the conversation, the expert was thoroughly acquainted with the priorities of the state policy of Uzbekistan in the sphere of strengthening interethnic relations. It was especially emphasized that consistent and comprehensive work is being carried out in the country to ensure a high level of interethnic harmony - one of the most important conditions for stability, security and sustainable development of the state, as well as a guarantee of human rights and freedoms.

It was separately noted that a solid legal framework has been formed in Uzbekistan that reliably protects the rights and freedoms of citizens of all nationalities and contributes to strengthening interethnic harmony.

Overall, both sides expressed interest in further strengthening cooperation and confirmed their readiness to implement new initiatives aimed at developing interethnic dialogue and strengthening regional stability.