Shavkat Mirziyoyev calls for end to violence in Gaza, urges recognition of Palestinian state

The president noted that the summit was taking place during a period of acute global crisis.

“The events that have occurred in South Asia and the Middle East in recent months have caused deep concern for all of us. The erosion of international law and global security institutions is further weakening the room for dialogue and cooperation, paving the way for the use of force and violence. In particular, the military actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, a member of our Organization, created the danger of dragging the entire region into war and triggering a large-scale environmental catastrophe. We therefore support the ceasefire agreement reached between Iran and Israel. We consider this decision as an important step towards reducing the tension in the region and restoring the stability,” Mirziyoyev stated.

He emphasized that this agreement lays a solid foundation for resolving all issues through diplomatic and constructive negotiations.

The President of Uzbekistan also reiterated the urgent global importance of non-proliferation and the need to abstain from the use of weapons of mass destruction. He once again called on the international community to expand the geography of nuclear-weapon-free zones.

He stressed that without a fair resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East is impossible.

“We call for the end of military actions in the Gaza Strip, the removal of all obstacles to providing humanitarian assistance to those suffering from hunger and inhumane conditions, and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine in accordance with the UN resolutions,” Mirziyoyev declared.

The Uzbek leader highlighted that partnership within the organization now holds not only natural, but also strategic importance, and drew attention to several key issues.

“First of all, we need to clearly define the medium and long-term development priorities of our Organization. To this end, it is necessary to adopt the concept of ‘Strategic Goals of Economic Cooperation – 2035’. Along with the traditional areas, such as trade, investment, transport, energy, industry, agriculture, ecology, tourism and education, we should also pay a special attention to strengthening cooperation in innovation, artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

“Simplifying trade in goods and services, gradually eliminating technical and non-tariff barriers, and developing e-commerce are particularly relevant,” the president said.

He highlighted that the current volume of mutual trade remains low. In 2024, intra-regional trade reached $95 billion, accounting for only 10% of the countries’ total trade turnover.

“To address strategic issues and coordinate trade facilitation, we propose holding a meeting of our Ministers of Trade in Tashkent later this year. In addition, the creation of a ‘green corridor’ system for real-time exchange of information and barrier-free delivery of agricultural products is urgently needed,” Mirziyoyev said.

He also proposed adopting a long-term "Eco-Invest" program to elevate investment cooperation to a new level and make the investment climate more transparent and attractive. The program aims to attract private investors, banks, and international financial institutions to promising projects across the region.

“There is another priority area. The recent geopolitical events have once again demonstrated the risks of disruption of the supply chains, highlighting the strategic importance of establishing alternative transport corridors. The launch of the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway project last year was a significant event. In the future, this railway will be connected with the Trans-Afghan corridor, effectively integrating transit networks across our vast region.

“We believe that it is time to implement the initiative to create a Digital Transport and Customs Office in order to systematically organize the digitalization of the transport and logistics sector, and we support intensifying negotiations at the expert level.

“Our important tasks also include launching new air routes in the region, implementing innovative cooperation between airlines, and developing integrated marketing strategies between the tourism and aviation sectors. To facilitate discussions on these issues, we propose holding a National Airlines Forum in Samarkand,” Mirziyoyev stated.

The president emphasized that Uzbekistan has the capacity to double the tourist flow and that developing a “Roadmap for Expanding Tourism Services” within the organization would serve this goal.

Mirziyoyev also stressed the importance of aligning states’ efforts and ambitions regarding the global climate agenda.

“We firmly support the full implementation of commitments and agreements reached at the successfully held COP-29 Global Climate Summit in Baku. We propose developing a Transboundary ‘Green Initiative’ within the Organization aimed at planting forests in desert areas and establishing recreational zones,” he added.

In conclusion, Shavkat Mirziyoyev praised the work of the High-Level Committee established to improve the organization's activities.

“I believe you will support the idea of assigning the Committee to develop by the next summit proposals and recommendations to reform and boost the Organization’s functions. These reforms will undoubtedly elevate our collaboration to a new level, strengthen the Organization’s international prestige and influence, and improve its work to meet modern requirements.

“I am convinced that today’s summit will give a new impetus to achieve our commitments and plans in elevating multifaceted and practical cooperation to a new level,” the President of Uzbekistan concluded.