Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - A “round table” was held in Vienna on the modern development of Central Asia, with the participation of the heads of leading Austrian think tanks, representatives of diplomatic missions, and the expert community, Dunyo news agency reported.

The event was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Austria together with the SCO secretariat and the Austrian Institute for European Studies and Security (AIEIB).

The keynote speakers at the events were the SCO Secretary General and AIEB President Werner Fasslabend.

SCO Secretary General Vladimir Norov presented detailed information on practical measures undertaken by the SCO member countries to ensure security and stability in the world, the fight against terrorism, extremism, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and transnational organized crime.

The attention of the participants was drawn to the signing in February this year in the city of Doha (Qatar) of an agreement between the Taliban and the United States. In this context, V. Norov emphasized the contribution of Uzbekistan to a peaceful solution to the Afghan problem, as well as ensuring and maintaining peace, stability and security in the Central Asian region.

In particular, it was noted that the initiative of Uzbekistan to strengthen regional security and stability, held in March 2018, the Tashkent international high-level conference on Afghanistan “Peace process, security cooperation and regional cooperation” and the declaration signed as a result of it played an important role in creating prerequisites for the signing of the Doha agreement.

Austrian expert circles praised the strategic vision of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan and the efforts made aimed at enhancing the interaction of the international community in this direction.