Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- During the sixth plenary meeting of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, held today, on 7 August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan presented information on activities in the first half of this year.

It was noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs carried out certain activities to implement the foreign policy of our country, protect the state interests of Uzbekistan and the rights of citizens of the country in relations with foreign states, as well as in international and regional organizations. At the same time, special attention was paid to the regulation of the activities of ministries, departments, institutions for the development of international relations.

During the reporting period, official visits at the highest level to Turkey and the Russian Federation, receptions of foreign guests on behalf of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, over 20 online dialogues at the highest level were organized.

Certain work has also been done in the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation and relations with international and regional organizations. In particular, during the reporting period, 58 visits and meetings, online dialogues were organized at the level of foreign parliamentary and international organizations.

In the context of the coronavirus infection pandemic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, within the framework of its functional duties, contributes to the implementation of measures to provide material assistance to more than 11 thousand citizens who have found themselves in a difficult situation abroad, the return of over 95 thousand citizens to Uzbekistan, as well as sending over 7 thousand foreign citizens to their homeland.

It is of particular importance to attract, with the assistance of the diplomatic missions of Uzbekistan, from the beginning of 2020 over 3 billion US dollars of foreign investment and loans to our country.

Along with this, in the process of the study carried out by the Senate, as well as its discussion in local Kengashes of people’s deputies, it was noted that there were a number of problems and shortcomings in the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Particular attention was paid to the tasks of increasing the effectiveness of cooperation with prestigious international organizations, including the UN and widespread promotion in the international arena of large-scale political and social reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan in the name of the interests of the people.

Activities on practical assistance to the regions of the republic in the field of export promotion, attracting foreign investment and tourism development, improving the knowledge and qualifications of local entrepreneurs on the development of foreign economic cooperation, as well as solving the problems of labor migration still do not give the desired result.

In particular, the system of studies and trainings for representatives of the regions of the republic has not yet been established in order to increase the effectiveness of regional cooperation with foreign states. Some projects and investment proposals from the regions remain unanswered.

The current procedure for protecting the rights of our citizens abroad, providing appropriate assistance and high-quality consular services is being severely criticized. This is confirmed by many posts on social networks.

Following a comprehensive and open discussion at the plenary session of the Senate, local Kengashes of people’s deputies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, the Chamber of Commerce and other relevant departments were given specific instructions and recommendations.

The relevant resolution of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis was adopted on the considered issue.