Esteemed Heads of Delegations!

Distinguished Summit Participants!

First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, for the initiative to hold the informal dialogue of the Organization of Turkic States in the ancient and eternally young city of Turkistan, and for the high respect and traditional hospitality extended to all of us.

I would also like to convey my heartfelt appreciation to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, for his fruitful chairmanship, who is making great efforts to strengthen the international standing of our Organization.

It is deeply symbolic that today’s summit coincides with the eve of a blessed holiday for the Muslim Ummah - Eid al-Adha.

Indeed, we share an ancient history, a sacred religion, common cultural and spiritual roots, as well as, long-standing values and traditions.

The beautiful city of Turkistan was an important trade and cultural center on the Great Silk Road. On this land, our great ancestor, Khoja Ahmad Yassaviy, found eternal rest.

Above all, this sacred city is a vivid symbol of the unity and solidarity of our peoples.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to H.E. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his sincere remarks regarding the grand mosque, which was built as a gift of friendship from our people to the brotherly people of Kazakhstan.

The immense creative work of the leadership of Kazakhstan, aimed at fundamentally transforming the architectural appearance of Turkistan, will undoubtedly turn this picturesque site into a common spiritual center for our fraternal peoples.

Distinguished participants of the Summit!

Our meeting today is taking place at a time when tensions are escalating around the world. Trust in international relations is waning, and the role and influence of global institutions are increasingly weakening.

These challenges require us to intensify our dialogue and develop unified positions on critical issues. From this perspective, the integration of the Turkic world is a long-term strategic matter that directly affects the destiny of our peoples.

In recent years, the Organization of Turkic States has evolved into an influential structure demonstrating a stable pace of development. For instance, the economic potential of our countries exceeded $2.4 trillion by 2025 and its dynamic is twice the rate of global growth.

Last year alone, Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with Organization member countries increased by 14 percent.

The Turkic Investment Fund commenced its operational activities this year, as did the Council of Central Banks and the Turkic Council on Green Finance. All of this clearly shows growing institutional strength of our Organization.

Dear friends!

We face the urgent task of systematizing our multifaceted relations.

It is no coincidence that today's summit is dedicated to the theme of "Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development".

The great ancestors who lived and worked in our lands - Muhammad Khwarizmi, Ahmad Fergani, Abu Rayhan Biruni, and Mirzo Ulugbek – made an invaluable contribution to the development of algorithms, mathematics, astronomy, and physics, thereby laying the foundation for the development of modern artificial intelligence.

Building upon this precious heritage, we are today ushering in a new era of digital progress for the Turkic world.

I would like to put forward a number of initiatives to develop cooperation in this direction.

First, establishing a network for strategic cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence within our Organization is today’s requirement.

This effective mechanism will enable us to identify new drivers of economic growth, develop cloud and quantum computing technologies, and create a single, open, and modern digital space.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has attracted $6 billion in investments from foreign partners to establish data centers.

We propose to develop the “Digital Turkic Corridor Concept” to connect the region’s data centers via high-speed communication channels.

In order to further strengthen our practical ties in this area, we plan to hold a Technology Forum in Tashkent with the participation of member states.

Second, our common goal is to deepen cooperation in science, education, and youth issues.

The Islamic Civilization Center, which was established in Tashkent to study and promote scientific and spiritual heritage, is becoming a major regional research and educational center.

We welcome the recent opening of a TURKSOY office within the complex.

It would be beneficial for our peoples if the Center, together with TURKSOY and the Turkic Academy, brought together our historical and cultural resources to create a single "big data" platform.

At the same time, we propose jointly studying and widely promoting the ideas of tolerance and enlightenment of the Yasawiyya order.

As you are aware, the city of Khiva was granted the status of "Youth Capital of the Turkic World" this year. This decision has been a powerful source of motivation, especially for our young sons and daughters. As part of the events, we stand ready to host the Forum of Young Leaders and the International Youth Festival.

It should be noted that we are implementing the “5 Million Artificial Intelligence Leaders” program to train personnel who can meet the demands of our rapidly changing times. To date, over one million young people have acquired foundational skills through this project.

We invite all members of the Organization to join the Joint Venture Fund that we are establishing with Kazakhstan to finance promising youth start-ups, innovative developments, and various AI-based solutions.

Third, creating and integrating digital logistics platforms to improve transport connectivity is important.

In this regard, I am pleased to note the full launch of the "E-permit" electronic permit system between Uzbekistan and all member states of the Organization.

Given the strategic role of the Middle Corridor, we are paying great attention to integrate it with the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which is currently under construction.

We must implement the signed Agreement on the Simplified Customs Corridor to facilitate customs and transit at the borders, and fully digitalize data exchange.

This will enable data transmission, cargo tracking, and the streamlined organization of processes along logistics chains.

Fourth, environmental challenges and climate change demand coordinated action from our states.

To find effective solutions to such problems, it is important to establish a climate risk monitoring system for the Organization of Turkic States based on satellite data.

This system should focus on the early detection of droughts, the monitoring of soil erosion and glacier melting, as well as the introduction of artificial intelligence in the field of transboundary water resource management.

The Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies in Tashkent has allocated 50 grants to young people from Turkic states for the 2026-2027 academic year. We encourage our youth to take advantage of this opportunity.

To further strengthen the focus on environmental issues, we propose declaring 2027 as the "Year of Nature Conservation" within the framework of our Organization.

Taking this opportunity, I call upon you to actively participate in the Global Environment Facility Assembly and the World Forum on Water Conservation, which will be held this year in Samarkand.

Another important issue. We are committed to strengthening cooperation among law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism, extremism, and harmful ideologies.

To this end, it is essential to expand ties in the field of cybersecurity, train modern specialists, and facilitate the swift exchange of information.

To identify and prevent new threats, we must create a unified space of security and trust within the Turkic world.

In this regard, I propose the establishment of a common mechanism – the Turkic Alliance for Cybersecurity and Digital Infrastructure Protection.

It is also particularly important that we adhere strictly to ethical and moral standards when using artificial intelligence.

These issues should be given special attention at the joint meeting of the Organization's foreign ministers and heads of special services, to be held in Samarkand this year.

Dear friends!

The following lines from "Devoni Hikmat" by our great ancestor Ahmad Yasawi, which emphasize unity and harmony, resonate even more profoundly today:

I showed affection for the Turkic people,

I considered the path of unity to be true.

If we can unite the intellectual potential and creative power of our states in this new era, the Turkic world will undoubtedly become a space of advanced solutions and sustainable development.

Our main goal is not only to pass on our great history to our children, but also to leave an invaluable legacy that future generations can be proud of.

I am confident that the Turkistan Declaration to be adopted today will further strengthen the noble aspirations of our peoples, whose languages and hearts are intertwined, and will be another important step towards achieving the ambitious goals set out in the "Turkic World Vision 2040" concept.

On 14 May 2026, the Diplomatic Academy under the University of World Economy and Diplomacy hosted the international conference “Central Asia: A New Paradigm of Regional Development”, organized jointly with the Office of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.

The conference brought together heads of Diplomatic Academies from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, representatives of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA), members of the diplomatic corps, civil society representatives, as well as leading national and international experts.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia and Head of UNRCCA, Kaha Imnadze. Speakers at the conference included First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis and Rector of UWED Sodiq Safoyev, Deputy Adviser to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Foreign Policy and Director of the International Institute for Central Asia Javlon Vakhabov, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye Serdar Cham, and others.

The conference discussions focused on strengthening regional cooperation, transport connectivity, energy sustainability, climate and humanitarian security. Specific attention was paid to the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia as an important mechanism for building trust and coordinating joint approaches to key regional development issues.

Participants highlighted the growing role of Central Asia as an autonomous actor in international affairs as well as the significance of increasing academic mobility and humanitarian, scientific, and educational collaboration.

Following the conference, participants noted that the recommendations developed and the exchange of views would contribute to further strengthening regional cooperation and promoting Central Asia as a space of stability and sustainable development.

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On May 9, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in ceremonial events marking the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Second World War.

A Victory Parade took place on Red Square and was also attended by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, Supreme Ruler of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim, and others.

Victory in the Second World War was a great historical achievement attained through the unparalleled courage, resilience, and self-sacrifice of millions of people. The multinational people of Uzbekistan, who demonstrated true heroism both at the front and on the home front, also made a significant contribution to the common Victory.

At the beginning of the war, the republic’s population exceeded 6 million people. During the war years, nearly 2 million Uzbeks were mobilized to the front. More than 538,000 of our compatriots lost their lives on the battlefields, while over 158,000 went missing during the war.

For the bravery, courage, and military valor they displayed, more than 214,000 soldiers and officers from Uzbekistan were awarded military orders and medals. The high title of Hero of the Soviet Union was conferred upon 301 Uzbek compatriots, while another 70 became full cavaliers of the Order of Glory, forever inscribing their names in the history of that great feat.

No less significant was the labor feat of the Uzbek people on the home front. The republic became a reliable support base for the front, ensuring uninterrupted supplies of food, uniforms, medicines, armaments, and other strategically important resources. In an exceptionally short period, more than 170 evacuated enterprises were relocated to Uzbekistan, helping maintain the stable operation of the defense industry and significantly strengthening the overall capacity for Victory.

During the war years, the people of Uzbekistan demonstrated remarkable humanism and genuine compassion by welcoming more than 1.5 million evacuees from frontline regions, including over 250,000 orphaned children. Care, compassion, and the readiness to share the common suffering became a vivid testament to the spiritual strength and nobility of our people.

In Uzbekistan, large-scale efforts continue to preserve the memory of heroes, front-line soldiers and home front workers, as well as to provide decent social support for veterans. The majestic Victory Park memorial complex established in Tashkent has become a symbol of profound respect for the feat of the wartime generation.

Following the parade, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, together with President of Russia Vladimir Putin and other heads of state laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Alexander Garden.

The memorial, erected in memory of the millions of soldiers, including the sons of Uzbekistan, who displayed unparalleled courage and gave their lives for Victory, stands as a symbol of the resilience, heroism, and selfless devotion of the defenders of the Motherland.

The ceremony concluded with a minute of silence, followed by a solemn march by the honor guard company and the military orchestra.

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On May 4, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the opening ceremony of the 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank, held in Samarkand.

The forum is held under the theme “Crossroads of Progress: Advancing the Region’s Connected Future.” More than 4,000 experts from over 100 countries, including representatives of international financial institutions, leading banks, and companies, are participating in its work.

The agenda includes digital and green transformation, climate resilience, the development of production and supply chains, ensuring food security, and other areas.

The Head of State delivered a welcoming address, noting that Uzbekistan is honored to host such a prestigious forum.

The President noted that New Uzbekistan, which embodies a great history and a prosperous future, is increasingly becoming a major platform for discussing pressing issues of international significance.

The Head of State then outlined the results of the large-scale reforms being carried out in the country. In recent years, $150 billion in foreign investment has been attracted to the economy, while thousands of modern enterprises have been launched. Exports of goods and services have tripled during this period, and the size of the economy has increased from $50 billion to $147 billion.

Since 2020, Uzbekistan has consistently improved its sovereign credit ratings. In this year’s Index of Economic Freedom, the country has risen by 14 positions and, for the first time, entered the group of countries with a “moderately free” economy.

Even amid global instability, Uzbekistan’s economy recorded growth of 8.7 percent in the first quarter.

“Most importantly, our reforms have focused primarily on improving the daily lives of every single family and individual. During this period, we increased the income of 8.5 million people in need, reducing the poverty rate from almost 35 percent to 5.8 percent,” the President noted.

Over the past decade, Uzbekistan has ranked among the top five countries achieving the most significant progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

By 2030, the country aims to transition all sectors to a model of technological and innovation-driven growth, increase the size of the economy to over $240 billion, join the ranks of upper-middle-income countries, and fully eradicate poverty.

The President particularly highlighted the role of the Asian Development Bank and other international financial institutions in the large-scale transformations underway in Uzbekistan. The joint portfolio of completed and ongoing projects with the ADB has reached nearly $16 billion.

Taking the opportunity, the Head of State expressed gratitude to the President of the Asian Development Bank Masato Kanda, the Bank’s governors, as well as the leadership of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and other international financial institutions for their close cooperation.

Addressing the complex transformations in the global economy and the rapid advancement of new technologies, the President emphasized the need to jointly develop and implement new mechanisms and effective approaches with the Bank to ensure sustainable development.

The President focused particular attention on digital transformation and artificial intelligence. The establishment of an AI Hub has been initiated, and programs are underway to expand data center capacity, introduce supercomputing technologies, and train “Five Million AI Leaders” to modernize key sectors of the economy.

“The use of open AI models is also required in areas that are most essential to the population’s primary needs, including education, healthcare, water management, the environment, and food security,” the President noted.

It was proposed to develop a special program under the auspices of the Asian Development Bank to scale artificial intelligence in developing countries. The intention was expressed to join the Bank’s “Digital Highway for Asia” initiative by opening a regional coordination center in Tashkent.

The development of green energy was identified as a priority area. In cooperation with global companies, 5,600 megawatts of capacity have already been commissioned, and by 2030, it is planned to increase the share of renewable sources in energy generation to 54 percent.

The ADB’s support for the creation of the “Central Asia – Europe” green energy corridor to expand clean energy exports was noted with gratitude. It was expressed that the countries of the region, together with the Bank, will soon begin implementing this “energy artery” project.

The next pressing priority highlighted was ensuring the interconnectivity of transport systems and the stability of logistics corridors.

Given the challenges in international logistics, the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is of particular importance. The project is expected to reduce cargo delivery times by up to 10 days and significantly enhance the transit potential of the entire region.

It was proposed to establish a “Digital Customs and Logistics Alliance” within the framework of the ADB’s Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program.

The potential for cooperation in the development of critical minerals was also noted. The President emphasized that Uzbekistan’s goal is not only the extraction of mineral resources, but also the creation of high value-added industries through their deep processing.

The President of Uzbekistan called for joining the Asian Development Bank’s “From Critical Minerals to Production” program to promote high value-added projects.

In addition, combating climate change was identified as a key priority. A regional project, the “Green Belt of Central Asia,” was proposed to complement national efforts to establish protective forest plantations on the dried bed of the Aral Sea.

In the context of regional cooperation, an initiative was put forward to create a “Central Asia Tourist Ring.” The project aims to bring together the region’s unique cultural, pilgrimage, gastronomic, ethnographic, and other attractions into a unified space for travelers.

It was emphasized that, for the systematic promotion of the announced initiatives, it is necessary to fully utilize the ADB’s wide range of financing instruments, including through the mobilization of private capital. In this regard, it was proposed to establish an Innovative Platform for Financing Regional Projects.

The Head of State noted that, amid the profound transformations taking place in the global economy, the role of the Asian Development Bank in ensuring the socio-economic stability of the region is becoming increasingly important.

In conclusion, the President expressed confidence that the important proposals and initiatives put forward at the Samarkand platform will lead to significant practical results, and that each agreement reached will result in tangible and beneficial projects.

Distinguished Mr. Masato Kanda!

Esteemed governors of the bank!

Ladies and gentlemen!

It is my sincere pleasure to welcome you to the 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank. It is a great honor and privilege for us to host such a prestigious forum.

Our land, with a history spanning several millennia, located at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, has long been a center connecting East and West, North and South. The paths of world civilization, science, and trade have always converged here.

New Uzbekistan, embracing both a rich history and a bright future, is emerging as a leading platform for discussions on pressing global issues. I am confident that the Samarkand forum will serve to advance progressive ideas and new initiatives, and facilitate important decision-making.

Welcome to New Uzbekistan!

Dear guests!

Today, our country's economy is undergoing an entirely new phase of development. Since 2016, we have embarked on major reforms to liberalize the economy, create an attractive investment environment, participate proactively in global value chains, renew the social and production infrastructure in the regions fundamentally, and improve living standards.

In a historically short period of time, we have gone through a challenging path of development along with our hardworking and creative people. In recent years, our economy has attracted 150 billion dollars of foreign investment, and thousands of modern enterprises have been launched.

Through investment projects worth 35 billion dollars in the energy sector alone we have increased electricity production by 1.5 times, bringing it to 87 billion kilowatt-hours.

During this period, exports of goods and services tripled, and the volume of our economy grew from 50 billion to 147 billion dollars.

These positive results are being acknowledged by the international community. Since 2020, Uzbekistan has consistently improved its sovereign credit ratings.

In the Index of Economic Freedom, our country moved up 14 positions this year and, for the first time, joined the ranks of states with a "moderately free" economy.

Even amid global instability, our economy achieved 8.7 percent growth in the first quarter of this year.

Most importantly, our reforms have focused primarily on improving the daily lives of every single family and individual.

During this period, we increased the income of 8.5 million people in need, reducing the poverty rate from almost 35 percent to 5.8 percent today.

Over the past decade, Uzbekistan has been one of the five countries that demonstrated the most substantial progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

By 2030, we intend to transform all sectors into technologically and innovation-driven growth model, thereby increasing the size of the economy to over 240 billion dollars. As a result, we aim to join the ranks of upper-middle-income countries and eradicate poverty completely.

In the near future, 30 percent of the shares in the National Investment Fund, comprising the assets of 13 major strategic enterprises, will be placed on the international capital market.

I am confident that this significant step will further bolster the trust of our partners in the investment climate of our country.

Dear friends!

We particularly acknowledge the role of the Asian Development Bank and other international financial institutions in the large-scale reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan.

In partnership with the Bank, which has become our trusted strategic partner, we are implementing projects worth nearly 16 billion dollars.

We highly value ADB’s steadfast partnership from the outset in the areas of renewable energy, rural housing construction, and economic cooperation in Central Asia.

Taking this opportunity, I express my sincere gratitude, on behalf of myself and our entire nation, to the President of the Asian Development Bank, Mr. Masato Kanda, and to the Board of Governors of the Bank for their unwavering support.

I would also like to extend my special thanks to the leadership of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and other international financial institutions, as well as to all our foreign partners, for their close cooperation.

Distinguished participants!

We have outlined specific plans with the Asian Development Bank to further expand our close cooperation in important areas such as poverty reduction, human capital development, and modern infrastructure construction.

Indeed, the previous day we signed a new cooperation program with the Bank worth 12 billion dollars.

As you are all well aware, the global economy is experiencing complex changes and new technologies are emerging rapidly in today's turbulent times.

Given this, it is necessary for us to introduce jointly with the Bank new mechanisms and effective approaches to ensure sustainable development.

First, digital technology and artificial intelligence are currently transforming virtually all sectors into entirely new formats.

According to World Trade Organization forecasts, international trade turnover will increase by an additional 40 percent due to artificial intelligence by 2040.

We are fully committed to developing information technologies. We have initiated the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Hub in Uzbekistan, based on innovation and knowledge.

We are developing more than 200 artificial intelligence projects spanning various sectors of the economy.

We are implementing programs to expand data centers, supercomputers and AI laboratories in the regions, and to train "Five Million AI Leaders".

I would particularly like to emphasize that the Asian Development Bank and our partners in the USA, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Japan, South Korea and China are providing us with considerable support in these areas.

The use of open AI models is, of course, also required in areas that are most essential to the population's primary needs, such as education, healthcare, water management, ecology and food security.

To this end, we propose implementing a special program under the auspices of the Asian Development Bank to scale up artificial intelligence in developing countries.

We also announce our participation in the Bank's "Digital Highway for Asia" initiative and propose opening its regional coordination center in Tashkent.

Second, the development of digital technology and artificial intelligence is, in turn, sharply increasing the demand for energy resources.

According to analysis by the International Energy Agency, the demand of data centers for electricity is expected to increase two to threefold by 2030.

Against this backdrop, only countries that can offer investors cheap, reliable and "green" energy will be able to remain competitive in the global market.

We have made significant progress in this field: in collaboration with the world's leading companies, we have launched large-scale wind and solar power plants with a total capacity of 5,600 megawatts, thereby bringing the share of "green" energy in generation up to 30 percent. We plan to increase this figure to 54 percent by 2030.

Overall, our region has enormous potential for renewable energy generation. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Asian Development Bank in creating the Central Asia–Europe "green" energy corridor to expand clean energy exports. We are confident that the countries of the region, in cooperation with the Bank, will launch this "energy artery" project in the near term.

Third, ensuring the stability of interconnected transport systems and logistics corridors is becoming a most urgent issue.

In light of conflicts around the world, changes to logistics corridors are already causing freight costs for Central Asian countries to rise by up to 30 percent, and delaying delivery times by several weeks.

As you know, construction work is underway on the "China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan" railway project, connecting East and West. This new transport route will greatly enhance the transit capacity of the entire region. Delivery times will be reduced by up to 10 days, creating the capacity to transport up to 15 million tons of cargo per year.

In this regard, we propose establishing a "Digital Customs and Logistics Alliance" within the framework of the Bank's Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program.

This will create the opportunity to streamline customs procedures, digitize document flow, and facilitate cross-border cargo transportation.

Fourth, we are interested in further strengthening our cooperation with the private sector through the Bank's participation.

In particular, we acknowledge the intensifying competition for critical minerals in the current technological age. According to international experts, demand for minerals critical to industry will increase sixfold by 2040. This presents a new opportunity.

Uzbekistan holds significant reserves of copper, tungsten, molybdenum, magnesium, graphite, vanadium and titanium, among other minerals.
To harness this potential, we have set up an R&D center with our Korean partners and are building the "Future Metals Technopark" in Tashkent and Samarkand regions. We have launched over 70 projects worth 1.6 billion dollars in collaboration with major companies from the USA, China and Turkiye.

In addition to extracting minerals, we aim to stimulate economic development through deep processing. We propose joining the Asian Development Bank's "From Critical Minerals to Manufacturing" program and implementing projects with high added value within its framework.

In this context, we consider it important to introduce advanced technologies and digital solutions in geological exploration; apply environmental standards to extraction and processing operations; and create sustainable supply chains for critical minerals.

Fifth, climate change and desertification are having a serious impact on the development of Central Asian countries.

In order to mitigate the consequences of environmental problems, we have been planting 200 million seedlings annually under the national "Green Space" project for the past five years. We have created two million hectares of green protective forests on the dried bed of the Aral Sea. We have set ambitious targets to bring the level of greenery in Uzbekistan to 30 percent by 2030.

At the same time, the ADB is effectively implementing its Climate Action Plan aimed at 2030. The Bank is allocating at least 50 percent of its annual budget to financing climate projects.

I believe that undertaking such noble efforts in collaboration with the Bank and the countries of the region will yield even greater results. Therefore, we propose implementing the regional project "Central Asia Green Belt".

Sixth, due to unrest around the world, millions of tourists are looking for safe destinations.

Central Asia has great potential in the tourism sector, particularly in areas such as pilgrimage, cultural, gastronomic, ethno, extreme, and medical tourism.

We have paid special attention to this sector, implementing reforms to ensure the necessary infrastructure, services, visas and transport arrangements, and most importantly, tourist safety. As a result, over the past ten years, the number of foreign tourists visiting Uzbekistan has increased sixfold, reaching 12 million.

The recently opened Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent, recognized as the scientific and spiritual treasury of Central Asia, and the Imam Bukhari Memorial Complex in Samarkand, built in honor of the great scholar, have become new jewels of our country.

Similar complexes are also being built in neighboring countries. Therefore, we put forward the initiative to create a "Central Asia Tourism Ring", a tourist destination uniting the countries of the region.

We call on neighboring states, the Asian Development Bank, and our other partners to develop a portfolio of tourism projects and finance them jointly.

We stand ready to implement all the above-mentioned proposals and initiatives in active partnership with the Asian Development Bank, not only through sovereign lending, but also through public-private partnerships, guarantee instruments, blended finance, and private capital mobilization. In this regard, we propose the establishment of an Innovative Financing Platform for regional projects.

Distinguished governors of the Bank!

The sharp changes in today’s global economy further highlight the important role of the Asian Development Bank in ensuring the socio-economic stability of our wider region.

In this regard, we fully support the effective reforms being carried out by Mr. Masato Kanda, the Bank's President, who has extensive knowledge and experience of international finance and economic relations.

Dear participants!

Today’s forum is attended by more than 4,000 distinguished experts from over 100 countries of the world, international financial institutions, leading banks and companies.

I am confident that the important proposals and initiatives put forward at the Samarkand platform will lead to significant practical results in the future, and that each and every agreement reached will result in a tangible and beneficial project.

Taking this opportunity, I invite all of you to explore the beautiful nature, historic monuments, and the modern architecture of New Uzbekistan.

In conclusion, I wish you all sound health, new achievements and success in your future endeavors.

Negotiations were held between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babiš, in a narrow format and with the participation of the two countries’ delegations at the Kuksaroy Residence.

The sides discussed the current state and prospects for further development of practical cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic.

At the beginning of the meeting, the President emphasized that the current visit would be a breakthrough and would open a qualitatively new stage in the history of multifaceted Uzbek–Czech relations.

The dynamic development of cooperation across all areas was noted with satisfaction. Close contacts have been established at the level of governments, ministries, and agencies, while business and humanitarian exchanges have intensified.

Friendship groups have been established in the parliaments, and the Intergovernmental Commission is operating effectively.

Bilateral trade turnover has nearly doubled in recent years.

There are currently 37 joint ventures with Czech capital successfully operating in Uzbekistan, and cooperation is expanding across a broad range of new areas.

Particular attention was paid to increasing mutual trade. A target was set to raise trade turnover to $1 billion, including by expanding the range of traded goods.

To stimulate trade, the first Uzbek certification branch is being established in the Czech Republic. In cooperation with Czech partners, a modern laboratory for the certification of Euro-6 standard vehicles and quantum measurement standards is also under construction.

An agreement was reached to prepare a Technological Cooperation Program with leading Czech companies, including the implementation of projects in mechanical engineering, green energy, geology and critical raw materials, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors.

Prospects for cooperation in infrastructure development, the creation of smart cities, engineering, and digitalization were also noted.

In this context, the project initiatives presented at the Uzbek–Czech Business Forum held the previous day were supported.

The sides welcomed the intentions of the Export Credit Insurance Agency and the Export Bank of the Czech Republic to support project implementation in Uzbekistan.

To advance the economic agenda, it was proposed to establish a Business Council and to hold the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission in Tashkent this August.

In the cultural and humanitarian sphere, both sides confirmed their interest in expanding educational and academic exchanges, including through dual degree programs.

The importance of regularly holding cultural and film days, exhibitions, and concerts, as well as increasing tourist flows, was emphasized.

To this end, the resumption of direct flights between the capitals of the two countries will be explored.

The prospects for cooperation in the field of organized labor migration were also discussed separately.

The sides also exchanged views on issues on the international agenda.

In conclusion, an agreement was reached to prepare a joint roadmap for the timely implementation of the decisions adopted.

On April 21, 2026, the Diplomatic Academy under the University of World Economy and Diplomacy hosted a scientific and practical seminar on “The Contemporary Geostrategic Situation in the Middle East and Uzbekistan,” with the participation of master’s students from the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies and the Diplomatic Academy.

The main objective of the event was to conduct an in-depth study of current geopolitical processes taking place in the Middle East region, as well as their significance for the countries of Central Asia, in particular for Uzbekistan and regional cooperation.

During the seminar, participants exchanged views on pressing issues of regional security, the expansion of economic cooperation, and the integration of transport and logistics systems. In addition, scientific and analytical assessments were presented regarding the impact of geostrategic processes on global and regional development.

The event was attended by the academic staff of the Diplomatic Academy and the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, as well as PhD candidates and master’s students of UWED.

On April 21, 2026, the Diplomatic Academy under the University of World Economy and Diplomacy held a scientific and practical seminar on “The Contemporary Geostrategic Situation in the Middle East and Uzbekistan,” with the participation of master’s students from the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies and the Diplomatic Academy.

The event's primary goal was to thoroughly examine the geopolitical developments occurring in the Middle East and their implications for Central Asian countries, particularly Uzbekistan and regional cooperation.

The seminar featured discussions among participants on key regional security concerns, the enhancement of economic collaboration, and the integration of transport and logistics networks. Attendees also shared scientific and analytical insights into how geostrategic developments influence both global and regional progress.

The event was attended by the academic staff of the Diplomatic Academy and the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, as well as PhD candidates and master’s students of UWED.

On April 14, 2026, the University of World Economy and Diplomacy hosted a public speaking contest in Hindi, dedicated to the celebration of the Hindi language.

The contest was opened by the Rector of UWED, S.Safaev. The event was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to the Republic of Uzbekistan, H.E. Ms. Smita Pant, Indian diplomats, as well faculty members and students of the university.

During the event, students demonstrated their knowledge and public speaking skills in Hindi. At the conclusion of the contest, the best participants were selected and awarded by H.E. Ms. Smita Pant.

The contest reflected a strong interest among students in learning foreign languages and contributed to strengthening cultural ties between Uzbekistan and India.

On April 9, 2026, an online meeting was held at the Diplomatic Academy under the University of World Economy and Diplomacy with the leadership of the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss potential cooperative projects, exchange experiences, and foster cooperation between the two nations' diplomatic educational institutions.

The parties discussed topics pertaining to research areas, educational initiatives, and the training of diplomatic personnel.

The parties also indicated that they would be open to discussing the creation of a draft memorandum of cooperation as well as the planning of cooperative training sessions, seminars, and academic exchange programs for diplomats.

After the conference, it was decided to carry on discussions in a number of areas, such as conducting cooperative research, creating educational courses, putting experience exchange programs into place, and keeping in touch on the topics that were addressed.