Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Aug. 30 / Trend D. Azizov /
The Uzbek Senate Oliy Majlis (upper house of the parliament) approved a law on 'Approving the concept of foreign policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan' at today's plenary session, a Trend correspondent reported from the meeting of the Senate today.
It was reported that the Legislative Chamber of the Uzbek parliament passed a law in early August this year. The bill was submitted to parliament by President Karimov as a legislative initiative.
"The adoption of the law was caused by the need to further improve the conceptual foundations of Uzbek foreign policy to ensure timely and adequate response to the threats and challenges in the region and the world as a whole, strengthening the national security of the country," Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov said while presenting the bill to the senators.
"The concept envisages a single system of views determining the fundamental principles and strategic priorities of foreign policy, goals and objectives in the international arena, the mechanisms of Uzbekistan's promoting national interests in the medium and long term prospects," he said.
According to the provisions of the Concept, the main purpose of Uzbek foreign policy based on the priority of the national interests of the Republic and equal cooperation is to strengthen state independence and sovereignty, increasing the role of the country as a full subject of international relations and creating security around Uzbekistan, stability and good neighbourliness.
According to the bill, Uzbekistan is pursuing a peaceful policy and does not participate in military and political blocs. It reserves the right to withdraw from any interstate organisation in case of its transformation into a military and political bloc.
T
he republic is taking political, economic and other measures to prevent its involvement in armed conflicts and tensions in neighbouring countries and does not allow the stationing of foreign military bases and facilities on its territory.
No integration should be imposed from the outside. It is unacceptable if it affects the freedom, independence and territorial integrity of the country or is dictated by ideological commitments
Uzbekistan reserves the right to make alliances, to enter the communities and other inter-state organisations and withdraw from them, guided by the best interests of the state, nation, its prosperity and security.
According to the constitution, law on defence and military doctrine, the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan are created exclusively for the protection of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, peace and security of the population and do not take part in peacekeeping operations abroad.
The main priority of foreign policy in Uzbekistan is the region of Central Asia, whose vital interests are associated with, the concept says. Uzbekistan remaining committed to an open, friendly and pragmatic policy with respect to its nearest neighbours.
As stated in the Concept, challenges in Central Asia should be settled by the states in the region themselves without the intervention of external forces. The major tasks in this direction are to ensure peace and stability in the region and promote the settlement of the situation in Afghanistan on the principles of mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.
Participation in influential international and regional organisations is fully consistent with the country's national interests. Uzbekistan considers the UN as being the only universal organisation in the conservation of global security and stability with the capability of solutions to urgent international problems.
According to the adopted law, the general management of the foreign political activity shall be carried out by the president of the country with the body responsible for the implementation of foreign policy as being the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.