Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 11 May 2022, in Tashkent, within the framework of the chairmanship of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the SCO People’s Diplomacy Forum on the theme "People’s diplomacy - mutual understanding for the sake of development" began its work with the participation of leaders and representatives parliaments of the SCO member states, international organizations, non-state structures and scientific and analytical centers.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event, acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov noted that in modern society, public diplomacy, the hallmarks of which are openness and impartiality, is of key importance. In this regard, the Uzbek side, within the framework of its chairmanship, gives priority to the development of this mechanism to strengthen mutual understanding, respect and trust between the member countries of the Organization through the intensification of cultural and humanitarian relations.

Vladimir Norov also focused the audience’s attention on the success of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy to strengthen trusting relations and open dialogue with the countries of Central Asia, which, being the core of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, plays an extremely important role in the prosperity and development of the SCO space.

Separately, the activities of the SCO Public Diplomacy Center, established in 2017 in Tashkent on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, were noted, which in a short time took a worthy place in the Organization’s system and established close ties with similar structures in China, Tajikistan and a number of other countries.

The Forum participants highly appreciated the chairmanship of Uzbekistan in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the initiatives of our republic. In particular, the delegations supported the proposals of the Uzbek side on the effective realization of the potential of the young generation of the SCO member countries, the introduction of the practice of annually granting the status of the cultural and tourist capital of the SCO, the establishment of the institution of the "SCO Goodwill Ambassador" and others.

It was emphasized that at the present stage the SCO actively contributes to the development of intercivilizational dialogue, builds bridges between peoples with different cultures and traditions. The mechanisms of interaction in the field of culture, education, tourism, youth and gender policy, the SCO international marathons and the exhibition "Eight wonders of the SCO" effectively contribute to the disclosure and promotion of the historical and cultural values of our countries.

The participants of the meeting were unanimous in their opinion that the results of the Tashkent SCO People’s Diplomacy Forum, the ideas and projects born within its framework will be another important step towards further rapprochement between our countries.

Within the framework of the forum, a briefing was also held. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov for representatives of national and foreign media.