Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – Brussels hosted a “round table” on the topic "Constitutional reform: the basis for ensuring the rule of law, security, development of a free and fair civil society."

The event was attended by deputies of the European Parliament, representatives of the European Commission, the European Council, the European External Action Service, various government bodies of the Benelux countries, expert-analytical and business circles, the media, the diplomatic corps, accredited in Belgium, as well as compatriots and citizens of Uzbekistan.

The audience was addressed by acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov, members of the Uzbek delegation - member of the Constitutional Commission, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on International Affairs and Inter-Parliamentary Relations of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis Kodir Juraev, member of the Constitutional Commission, Chairman of the Committee on Innovative Development, Information Policy and Information Technologies of the Legislative Chamber Oliy Majlis Ilkhom Abdullayev, First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Akramjon Nematov and Executive Director of the Development Strategy Center Eldor Tulyakov.

The participants of the event were informed about the essence and significance of the constitutional reform being carried out in the republic. It was emphasized that the large-scale transformations being carried out in the country, as well as ensuring efficiency and consistency in the foreign policy of Uzbekistan, require the improvement and strengthening of the constitutional framework.

In this regard, from 25 June to 1 August, a nationwide discussion on the draft Constitution was held throughout the country, during which over 150,000 proposals were received. 67 percent of them were contributed by young people under 30 years of age. Our citizens and compatriots living abroad also took an active part in the discussion of the draft Constitution, from whom hundreds of proposals were received.

Moreover, as part of the preparation of the bill, the main international standards, advanced foreign experience, in particular the constitutions of over a hundred countries of the world, including European and Asian states, the United States, were studied.

It was especially noted that the draft Constitution will be adopted through a referendum in order to ensure the direct participation of the people in the constitutional reform.

The round table participants welcomed the ongoing constitutional reform in Uzbekistan. Confidence was expressed that this process will further strengthen democracy, respect for human rights and ensure effective public administration in the country.

Vice-Chairman of the Committee on International Trade of the European Parliament Iuliu Winkler (Romania) noted that the proposals that underlie the constitutional reform will serve as the basis for further progress of Uzbekistan and improving the well-being of its citizens. The support of the European side was expressed in the implementation of the constitutional reform in Uzbekistan, which is a logical continuation of the initiated reforms.

Chairman of the EU-Uzbekistan Friendship Group in the European Parliament Richard Czarnecki (Poland) noted that the EU considers Uzbekistan as a leading country in Central Asia and is interested in further development of bilateral cooperation. He called the amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan a landmark event, which are based on the will of the people and are aimed at creating the protection of human rights. Their main goal is to create a legal democratic society, where the fundamental rights and freedoms of every citizen are guaranteed.

Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament Thierry Mariani (France) highly appreciated the large-scale reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan in all spheres of public life. He noted that the reforms being carried out in the country are carried out only for the sake of a bright and happy future for every citizen, which is the most important aspect of the republic's current policy.

Luc Devin, Deputy Managing Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia of the European External Action Service, noted the dynamic development of Uzbek-European relations, which have recently intensified and become diversified. The parties maintain close contacts at all levels, incl. at the highest. Recently, President of the European Council Charles Michel sent congratulations to the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the occasion of Independence Day. Prior to that, they had three telephone conversations in the last three years.

It was emphasized that the EU supports reforms on the rule of law, the judiciary and sustainable development through bilateral and regional programs, incl. jointly with the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe. Confidence was expressed that the reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan are irreversible.

In conclusion, the participants expressed their gratitude to the Uzbek delegation for providing detailed information on the ongoing constitutional reform in Uzbekistan, noting the timeliness and usefulness of such discussions.