On 6 March 2025, during an official visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Nurlan Yermekbayev visited the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Tashkent at the invitation of the host country.
The Secretary-General attended a roundtable discussion involving ambassadors of SCO member states accredited in the country, experts from a number of authoritative analytical centres and the University’s faculty members.
In his speech on The SCO and Uzbekistan: Promoting Regional Cooperation, Mr Yermekbayev spoke about the Organisation’s history and its varied activities, stressing that cooperation between its member states is a striking example of neighbourly relations and partnership, which make it possible to reach agreement in addressing regional and global challenges.
The Secretary-General praised the indispensable role of Uzbekistan in strengthening peace and security in Eurasia. He highlighted the ideas and initiatives put forward by Uzbekistan, which are aimed at developing cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect and consideration of the interests of all participants, and expressed his readiness to make every effort to practically implement these proposals.
Speaking about the SCO’s development prospects in various spheres, the Secretary-General noted the slogan of China’s presidency: Promoting the Shanghai Spirit: The SCO in Action, and called on all parties to work together to elevate cooperation to a new level, expanding the SCO’s participation in regional and international affairs.
The determination of all member states to enhance the practical impact of numerous meetings and events, as well as to achieve specific tangible results, was emphasised.
Ahead of the roundtable discussion, Nurlan Yermekbayev had a brief conversation with Sodiq Safoyev, Rector of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy and First Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan’s Senate. The parties expressed their readiness to promote comprehensive cooperation within the SCO, including in the economy, education, science and analytics.