Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In his speech at the European Union-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov focused on the importance of strengthening interregional cooperation in the field of environmental protection.

Information is provided on the work carried out in the country to preserve the environment and biodiversity, including within the framework of the National Project "Yashil Makon", the Strategy for the transition to a "green" economy for the period up to 2030. and the Program for the Development of Renewable and Hydrogen Energy until 2030.

The attention of the participants of the event was also drawn to the ongoing efforts to mitigate the consequences of the drying up of the Aral Sea. Overcoming the consequences of an environmental catastrophe and mitigating the negative effects of climate change in Central Asia require the consolidation of joint efforts. In this context, the head of the Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan noted the contribution of the European Union to the activities of the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Human Security for the Aral Sea region.

Norov called on the EU to actively join the implementation of the Green Agenda for Central Asia program, adopted at the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia in July this year. In particular, the wide introduction of eco-innovations, energy-efficient and resource-saving technologies, digitalization of economic sectors, development of “smart” agriculture with the help of the European Smart-ACIS network, and capacity building of renewable energy sources are indicated as promising areas for interaction.

Delegations are invited to the first Aral Sea International Forum, held jointly with the United Nations next year in Nukus to implement a special resolution of the UN General Assembly "On declaring the Aral Sea region a zone of environmental innovation and technology."