Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, delivered a keynote speech at the 150th anniversary session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly, being held for the first time in Central Asia.

The head of state emphasized the historic importance of hosting such an esteemed forum in Tashkent and outlined the key challenges facing the modern world, the role of parliaments in addressing these issues, and the reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan.

Opening his speech, Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed gratitude to the parliamentary delegations from over 140 countries for their participation in the Assembly, calling it a confirmation of trust in Uzbekistan and recognition of its democratic reforms.

"We are very proud that this forum is taking place in our beautiful capital, Tashkent," said the president, emphasizing that it is both an honor and a high responsibility for Uzbekistan.

He reminded the audience that he himself had been a parliamentarian for 15 years and fully understands the important and noble mission of parliamentarians. "You are like a bridge, connecting peoples with strong friendship. You are a powerful force capable of raising the concerns and problems of people from the lowest level of the system," said the president.

Mirziyoyev highlighted that the current global situation requires parliaments to play a more active role in ensuring peace and justice. "Armed conflicts, environmental and technological disasters, economic crises, trade wars, threats of terrorism, and extremism are intensifying," he enumerated. In this regard, the president specifically noted the significance of the Assembly's slogan: "Parliamentary movement for social progress and justice."

Quoting data showing that the world GDP has grown 4.5 times in the last 30 years, Mirziyoyev pointed out the persistent social inequality. "If this trend continues, by 2030, 575 million people will live in poverty, and 84 million children will be deprived of education," he warned. According to him, finding the causes and combating the consequences of such inequality should be a priority for all countries.

In his speech, Shavkat Mirziyoyev focused on Uzbekistan's progress in developing parliamentarism. He noted that the "Uzbekistan – 2030" Strategy identifies the development of the parliament as one of the key objectives, and the new Constitution, adopted in 2023 through a referendum, significantly expanded the powers of the legislative branch.

"The number of exclusive powers of the Legislative Chamber has increased from 5 to 12, and of the Senate – from 14 to 18," the president reminded. He also mentioned that some of the president's prerogatives had been transferred to the parliament, including participation in the formation of judicial, anti-corruption, and anti-monopoly bodies, as well as strengthening parliamentary control over law enforcement agencies.

Mirziyoyev also highlighted successes in ensuring gender equality: "Today, the share of women in the national parliament has reached 38 percent. This figure is recognized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union as the highest growth in the Asian region over the last 30 years."

The president drew attention to Uzbekistan's active international parliamentary engagement. "Our parliament has established close ties with around 100 foreign partners. 80 friendship groups and joint commissions are working effectively," he stated. Among Uzbekistan's achievements, he pointed out the adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution on strengthening the role of parliaments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and hosting joint forums on this agenda.

Touching on foreign policy issues, Mirziyoyev reaffirmed Uzbekistan's commitment to peaceful conflict resolution. "We firmly support the resolution of any contradictions exclusively through diplomacy and peaceful negotiations," he emphasized. Regarding the Middle East situation, the president stated: "The only just solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the realization of the principle of 'two states for two peoples.'"

The president also dedicated attention to the situation in Afghanistan. "It is important not to allow the isolation of this country on the international stage, to establish a constructive dialogue with the current authorities, and to consider it an integral part of the Central Asian region," he stressed, expressing hope for support from other countries' parliaments on this position.

In conclusion, Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted the need for the consolidation of parliamentary efforts in addressing global challenges and expressed confidence that cooperation within the framework of the Inter-Parliamentary Union would contribute to building a fair and sustainable world: "I hope that parliaments, by joining efforts and mobilizing all their intellectual potential, will engage the best traditions and advanced practices."