Shavkat Mirziyoyev Calls for Enhanced Cooperation and Global Dialogue at BRICS Plus Summit
Kazan, The Gulf Observer: In his address at the BRICS Plus Summit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan highlighted the significance of the BRICS format in fostering global dialogue and cooperation. Speaking to a distinguished assembly of heads of delegations, the President expressed his gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for hosting the summit in the historic city of Kazan, a symbol of harmonious coexistence between Eastern and Western cultures.
President Mirziyoyev underscored the growing divisions in the world, marked by an increasing number of conflicts and deepening economic fragmentation. He lamented the rise in human suffering caused by these challenges, stating, “The fragmentation of the global economy and trade is deepening inequality, the technological gap, and protectionism, with new barriers emerging among nations.”
In this context, he emphasized the role of BRICS as a platform for multifaceted cooperation, founded on principles of equality, non-alignment, mutual respect, and sovereignty. President Mirziyoyev reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s belief that BRICS can serve as a model for shaping a more equitable global order, while preserving the central role of the United Nations.
“We join the calls for achieving global compromise through constructive dialogue, free from geopolitical rivalries, national egoism, and ideological prejudice,” he added. The Uzbek leader stressed the need to reform international governing institutions and expand dialogue in South-South and North-South formats.
During Russia’s BRICS presidency, Uzbekistan actively participated in various events, including the BRICS Youth Summit, Sports Games, legal and parliamentary forums, and high-level security meetings. President Mirziyoyev reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with BRICS nations and seizing new opportunities for partnership.
He emphasized Uzbekistan’s shared commitment with BRICS countries to tackle pressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The President called for enhanced cooperation through multilateral financial institutions and highlighted the potential of the BRICS New Development Bank in supporting priority investment and social projects in Uzbekistan.
Expanding practical collaboration in innovation, digital economy, green development, and e-commerce was another key point of the President’s address. He announced Uzbekistan’s intention to participate in joint projects of the BRICS Research Group on Artificial Intelligence and the BRICS Competence Center under the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), as well as the proposed BRICS Investment Platform.
President Mirziyoyev also outlined Uzbekistan’s priorities in strengthening transport connectivity, creating transcontinental corridors, and developing reliable logistics supply chains. He stressed the need for cooperation in ensuring food and energy security, healthcare, and overcoming the adverse effects of climate change.
The President welcomed the development of business contacts within BRICS and proposed the inclusion of all interested countries in the BRICS Business Council. He reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to countering the threats of international terrorism, particularly through the prevention of youth radicalization and the spread of extremist ideology.
On global security issues, President Mirziyoyev voiced concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which he described as a potential flashpoint for global crisis. He called for an immediate ceasefire and urgent humanitarian relief for victims in Gaza and Lebanon, particularly children, stressing that no political objective justifies the loss of innocent lives. He reiterated Uzbekistan’s support for a peaceful settlement based on the “two-state solution” principle for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Addressing the situation in Afghanistan, President Mirziyoyev called for constructive engagement with the Afghan people and authorities to support socio-economic development and peace-building efforts. “Our common task is not to isolate Afghanistan but to help its people achieve peace and prosperity,” he noted.
In closing, President Mirziyoyev reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s readiness to work closely with BRICS nations to achieve shared sustainable development goals and contribute to a more just and equitable global order.
