Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 8 August 2020, a video conference was held with the participation of members of the Government, heads of ministries, departments and diplomatic missions of the Republic of Uzbekistan abroad, as well as leaders and representatives of more than 70 Uzbek diaspora organizations (communities) and compatriots from the Russian Federation.

It should be noted that such a format of dialogue between the government of Uzbekistan and compatriots in Russia is being held for the first time. The main goal is an open discussion of existing issues and problems, a constructive exchange of views and the development of promising cooperation in the implementation of proposals.

During the conference, topics related to the current situation with the pandemic, issues and proposals of the Uzbek diaspora in Russia were discussed. On issues requiring urgent solutions, measures have been identified and responsible executors have been appointed. In addition, they discussed long-term areas of support and development of cooperation with compatriots. Representatives of the Uzbek diaspora voiced specific ideas and proposals aimed at improving the conditions of stay and work in the Russian Federation, enhancing cultural exchange between countries and strengthening the legal protection system.

The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Russian Federation in August last year initiated the creation of the Public Council of Compatriots. Its work is aimed at identifying and solving the problems of immigrants from Uzbekistan, effective use of the potential of compatriots in the development of trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two states, as well as comprehensive support, protection and promotion of the rights and interests of citizens of Uzbekistan.

The participants in the videoconference noted that in accordance with the adopted Concept of state policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the field of cooperation with compatriots living abroad, a more detailed program is being developed that provides mechanisms for assisting compatriots in employment, social, financial and legal support and other aspects.

As a result of the dialogue, a number of agreements were reached, including:

- increasing the efficiency of processes in the field of labor migration, finding solutions to ensure the employment of migrants and their stay in Russia in a pandemic;

- linguistic and vocational training of labor migrants for work abroad before departure;

- strengthening legal mechanisms to protect the interests of labor migrants from Uzbekistan abroad;

- creation of mechanisms of insurance protection of citizens leaving for labor migration;

- cooperation with compatriots in investment and business projects, exchange of experience in education, science, culture, social initiatives;

- creation of favorable conditions for compatriots from abroad to carry out entrepreneurial, scientific, educational and cultural activities in Uzbekistan;

- development of a program to promote Uzbek culture and language, art, traditions and gastronomy, as well as tourism potential for joint implementation with compatriots abroad.

The practice of holding such events with compatriots will become regular with the involvement of the heads of the relevant ministries, departments and diplomatic missions of the Republic, both in the format of videoconferences and subsequently in the format of "Open Days" at embassies and consulates abroad. It is also planned to use the capabilities of messengers, social networks, and other methods of virtual communication to establish a prompt and unhindered exchange of views and information between government departments, diplomatic missions of the Republic and associations of compatriots abroad.