Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Uzbekistan, as a party to the Convention on the Prohibition of Bacteriological and Toxin Weapons, prohibits the production and accumulation of biological weapons. This was stated in the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan.

“The Republic of Uzbekistan notes the recent increase in cases of unfounded statements to Uzbekistan regarding cooperation with Western countries in the field of biosafety, which allegedly poses a threat to neighboring countries,” the Foreign Ministry said.

“We draw your attention to the fact that the information disseminated in a number of media about the alleged purpose of the laboratories available in Uzbekistan for the production of biological weapons is absolutely untrue,” the statement said.

The Foreign Ministry noted that these laboratories are intended only for diagnostic research and operation exclusively for peaceful purposes.

“Moreover, Uzbekistan, as a party to the Convention on the Prohibition of Bacteriological and Toxin Weapons, ensures the prohibition of the production and accumulation of biological weapons,” the Uzbek Foreign Ministry emphasizes.

The Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan believes that any unfounded statements addressed to the Uzbek side create a certain tension in bilateral relations and, most importantly, damage the interstate trusting dialogue.