Sadyk Safaev calls regional policy of Uzbekistan as proactive

Uzbek Senator noted that proactive regional policy is new and fresh approach in foreign policy of Uzbekistan. He said that priority character of the relations with neighbors is alphabet of diplomacy. He expressed regret that this rule was not always followed.

Safaev underlined that in recent months this rule is followed. He said that priority number one is relations with neighbors and readiness to dialogue on the most acute issue. There are always conflicts in relations between neighbors, it is natural he said. Main difference of policy of new leadership of Uzbekistan in foreign affairs is not to run away from discussions, but to find sensible compromises.

Second novalty is “open roads”, he said. “I do not mean just roads, but also eliminating barriers for communication, trade and mutual visits of people. For example, trade volume with Kazakhstan in value terms rose by 30% in last three months and in physical terms – by 40%,” he said. This was achieved only due to elimination of artificial and subjective barriers, Senator said.

“We talked a lot about the need for de-ideologization, overcoming some politicization of economic relations. But in fact this slogan began to be implemented only now. For years, grain was bought at the far end of the earth, at a time when all this could be done in Kazakhstan. And today these artificial obstacles are being removed. Especially what is being done to strengthen ties between the regions is absolutely new in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy, from which we used to distance ourselves. Today, this is justified as the main lever for solving the issues that people are waiting for. Today, our relations with the regions of Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan are becoming increasingly institutional,” he added.