Uzbekistan, Tashkent, August 1 /Trend D.Azizov/
The Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis (lower house of the parliament) adopted the law On Approval of the Concept of foreign policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan at the next plenary session, the parliament told Trend on Wednesday.
The MPs adopted the law On Approval of the Concept of foreign policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan after the discussions at the plenary session on Tuesday.
As it was reported earlier the bill was submitted to the MPs by President Islam Karimov as a legislative initiative. Representatives of all factions of political parties and the parliamentary group of the Environmental Movement of Uzbekistan were participating in the discussions.
The preparation of the document was due to the need to further improve the conceptual foundations of Uzbekistan's foreign policy to provide timely and adequate response to threats and challenges in the region and the world as a whole, strengthening the national security of the country.
The concept of foreign policy of Uzbekistan is a separate legal document setting forth the integrity of the views system, defining the fundamental principles and strategic priorities for foreign policy, goals and objectives in the international arena, the mechanisms of progress in the medium and long-term national interests, as well as raising the legal basis for a new level of activity in the country in foreign policy.
The bill provides openness for cooperation, regardless of ideological views, maintain peace and security, equality, respect for territorial integrity, inviolability of borders and non-interference in internal affairs of States, non-use of force or threat of force, the priority of generally recognized norms of international law over internal law of the state.
At the same time Uzbekistan "reserves the right to make alliances, to enter the communities and other inter-state organizations and withdraw from them, guided by the best interests of the state, nation, its prosperity and security."
The concept focuses on the issues of diversification of trade, economic, technological, transport and other relations of Uzbekistan, increasing the process of attracting foreign direct investment and advanced technologies in the priority sectors of national economy, which are crucial for the growth potential, the country's power and competitiveness of the economy.
No integration should be imposed from the outside; it is unacceptable if affects the freedom, independence and territorial integrity of the country or dictated by ideological commitments.
According to some experts, the adoption of this law will serve to strengthen the state independence and sovereignty and to further strengthen the role of Uzbekistan as a full subject of international relations, the creation of a zone around the Uzbek security, stability and good neighborliness.
It is expected that the Senate will consider the bill On approval of the Concept of foreign policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan at the end of August this year.