Tashkent, 23 August 2023 (TDI): Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Gayrat Fozilov met with the Regional Director of the United Nations (UN) Development Cooperation Office for Europe and Central Asia, Gwi Yeop Son.

During the meeting, the parties discussed topical issues of Uzbekistan’s interaction with the UN and its institutions in areas of mutual interest.

Minister Gayrat Fozilov, informed the representative of the UN about the main directions of the large-scale reforms carried out in Uzbekistan.

Particularly the New Uzbekistan Development Strategy for 2022-2026 which fully resonates with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, was highlighted.

The parties paid special attention to further strengthening ties within the framework of the National Strategy of Uzbekistan to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Gwi Yeop Son noted the successful implementation of the strategy.

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Furthermore, the sides exchanged views on expanding cooperation in mitigating the consequences of the ecological catastrophe of the Aral Sea.

The parties also considered certain aspects of the international and regional agenda.

Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund

The mitigation of the consequences of the Aral Sea ecological catastrophe includes the United Nations Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region.

The Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea region is an innovative-pooled as well as financing mechanism developed for the solution of multifaceted, complex social, economic, environmental, humanitarian, and other problems in a holistic approach.

It is anticipated that the established Aral Sea Fund will significantly improve the effectiveness of efforts undertaken to improve the livelihoods of local people and improve infrastructure.

Also, it is expected that the Fund will create favourable conditions for the development of entrepreneurship and the private sector, and contribute to the socio-economic and environmental development of the Aral Sea region.