Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- A parliamentary delegation of Uzbekistan headed by Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis Tanzila Narbayeva is taking part in the first Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the countries of Central Asia and the Russian Federation.

During the Forum, the heads of parliamentary delegations of the respective countries of Central Asia and Russia spoke.

In her speech, the Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis Tanzila Narbayeva noted that over the past 30 years, Uzbekistan’s relations with the states of Central Asia and Russia have become stable and are developing dynamically in all areas of interaction. There is an intensive exchange of delegations at various levels.

The states of the region and Russia are not just neighbors for Uzbekistan, but very close, time-tested friends.

Our cooperation is progressively expanding based on the principles of openness, mutual trust, mutual respect and consideration of each other’s interests.

“In this vein, I want to note that today the interaction of Uzbekistan with the countries of the region and Russia has been brought to the level of strategic partnership, and with a number of countries - alliance. Without a doubt, the political will of the leaders of our states serves as the foundation for this,” the Chairperson of the Senate emphasized.

Despite the challenges of our time and difficult conditions, we manage to find new ways to expand our multifaceted cooperation.

The importance of the parliaments’ assistance in enhancing bilateral trade, economic and investment cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Russia was also emphasized. In order to ensure the practical implementation of the agreements reached at the highest level, it was proposed to create the necessary legal framework, which will serve as the basis for removing barriers and restrictions in mutual trade and help intensify economic partnership.

Attention was focused on the issues of strengthening humanitarian ties, youth contacts, expanding cooperation in the field of tourism, as well as practical interaction on sustainable post-pandemic recovery.

The interest of Uzbekistan in continuing the practice of promoting joint initiatives, as well as mutual support within the framework of international parliamentary structures, was reaffirmed.