Legislative Chamber and Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan are holding first joint session in Tashkent on Friday.

The parliament is considering two issues ? internal and external policies and socioeconomic development of Uzbekistan, and appointment of the new prime minister.

In his speech on internal and external policies of Uzbekistan, President Islam Karimov touched upon the country?s relations with international organizations. While developing the policy for 2005, Uzbekistan should take into account the difficult situation in the world and in the region, as well as own national interests and security.

The main task of external policy of Uzbekistan is to protect national interests of the country, the head of the state stressed.

Uzbekistan is not only ?ready to pursue cooperation with countries meeting the country?s national interests?, but also ?to continue dialogue with countries that have a different view than Uzbekistan?, Islam Karimov added.

Speaking about economic targets for 2005, the President said the most important ones were further introduction of market principles and liberalization of the economy.

A lot of work was done in this direction, but more needs to be done, he said.