Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – On 30 October 2020, an Uzbek-Singaporean "round table" was held on the topic "Combating terrorism and religious extremism - the approaches of Uzbekistan and Singapore" in the "Chatham House" format.

During the online dialogue, organized by the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan in conjunction with the Singapore School of International Studies. S. Rajaratnam, with the support of the diplomatic mission of Uzbekistan in Singapore, a comprehensive exchange of views and experience on the prevention of terrorism and religious radicalization took place.

It was noted at the event that both countries have a unique approach and achievements in this area, make a significant contribution to strengthening stability and security in their regions. It was emphasized that Uzbekistan and Singapore are among the ten safest countries according to the rating of the Gallup International Research Institute. At the same time, Singapore leads this rating, and Uzbekistan occupies a high ninth position.

However, according to the participants in the dialogue, the transformation of terrorism, which is acquiring a transnational and global character, forces countries to stay ahead of the curve and promote broad international cooperation in the field of security. In this regard, the urgency of improving the mechanisms of multilateral cooperation was noted, mutual interest was expressed in studying the experience of interaction between the countries of Central Asia and the ASEAN member states in the framework of the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

Issues of deradicalization, reintegration, resocialization of persons committed to extremist ideology were discussed separately. It was emphasized that on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan, responding to the appeal of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, consistently fulfills the UN Security Council resolution on the repatriation of women and children from conflict zones. In this context, the information presented on the efforts of Uzbekistan to provide comprehensive legal, material and social assistance to this category of persons who, by mistake, turned out to be part of international terrorist organizations, aroused great interest.

Particular attention during the discussion was paid to the issues of strengthening preventive measures and the creation of institutional mechanisms for the consolidation of state and public institutions in preventing the spread of extremist and terrorist ideas. It also pointed to the need to ensure universal respect for human rights and the rule of law as the fundamental basis for an effective fight against terrorism in full compliance with the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

In general, the experts of Uzbekistan and Singapore emphasized the commitment of their states to international obligations in the field of countering extremism and terrorism, their readiness for mutually beneficial cooperation in the fight against terrorism both at the global and regional levels.

It was noted that the event demonstrated that Uzbek and Singaporean experts share a common opinion - today terrorism has become one of the most dangerous global problems of our time, a serious threat to the security of the entire world community.

Taking into account the foregoing, summing up the results, the participants of the virtual meeting stated that the dialogue held between the leading think tanks of Uzbekistan and Singapore will give a new impetus to the multifaceted Uzbek-Singaporean cooperation in the fight against terrorism and religious extremism.

An agreement was reached to conduct joint research, scientific internships, search for new topical areas of research aimed at deepening practical interaction and cooperation between the two countries.

Singaporean colleagues expressed interest in taking part in an international conference dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the joint implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia, which is scheduled to be held in Tashkent in 2021 at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, put forward at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly.