Reforms significantly enhanced international community’s confidence in Uzbekistan – OTS Secretary General
AKIPRESS.COM – Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliev commented on Uzbekistan’s role in the OTS activities in an interview with Dunyo news agency.
He believes that under the leadership of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the country has undergone sweeping reforms across virtually every sphere of public administration and social life over the past ten years. Their results are now evident in the socio-economic development, the improvement of living standards, the country’s growing international standing, and the modernization of its system of governance.
The Secretary General cited the country’s openness, economic reforms, and social development as the most significant achievements of this period.
Uzbekistan became a full OTS member in 2019 and chaired the organization for the first time in 2022–2023.
“During this period, Uzbekistan successfully led the organization and made a significant contribution to its further institutional development. For the first time in the history of the OTS, Uzbekistan developed a Chairmanship Concept outlining a comprehensive set of priorities and initiatives… Notably, the practice initiated by Uzbekistan of adopting a Chairmanship Concept has since become an established tradition within the organization,” Omuraliev said.
In his opinion, the economic potential of the OTS region is becoming increasingly evident. The Secretary-General emphasized that within the framework of the OTS, Uzbekistan has emerged not only as an active participant but also as an initiator of practical projects.
He believes that changes in Uzbekistan’s international policy have significantly enhanced the international community’s confidence in Uzbekistan, and its open foreign policy has enabled it to move beyond its previous isolation, establish constructive dialogue with neighbouring states, international organizations, and leading global partners.
Omuraliev identified regular Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia, the development of transport and logistics connectivity, the promotion of peace, stability, and humanitarian cooperation in Afghanistan, and initiatives in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development among the most important initiatives in Uzbekistan’s regional projects.
When asked which elements of the New Uzbekistan reforms are of particular interest to other countries, the Secretary General responded that the experience of New Uzbekistan is particularly noteworthy because the reforms were implemented in a comprehensive manner, encompassing the political, economic, social, legal, and foreign policy spheres simultaneously.
“The ‘state serving the people’ principle is of particular interest. The reforms have focused on improving the quality of life, expanding access to education, healthcare, and public services, and strengthening support for young people, women, and socially vulnerable groups. This people-centered approach could serve as a valuable model for many developing countries,” Omuraliev said.
Digitalization and greater transparency in public administration are equally important. The digitalization of public services, the reduction of bureaucratic procedures, and the development of effective public feedback mechanisms are creating a more efficient and modern system of governance, the OTS Secretary General added.
Uzbekistan’s ability to pursue ambitious reforms while preserving stability is of particular interest. It demonstrates that large-scale transformation can be carried out in an evolutionary, consistent, and nationally tailored manner, Omuraliev noted.
“Overall, the experience of New Uzbekistan offers an important example for other countries of how political will, openness, a people-centered approach, and a pragmatic foreign policy can serve as the foundation for profound and sustainable transformation,” he said.
In conclusion, the Secretary-General added that he has high hopes and expectations for Uzbekistan’s further development.
