At the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan was held a regular meeting. After approval of the agenda proposed by the Kengash of the Legislative Chamber, deputies reviewed the draft law “On approval of the Concept of foreign policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan”.

The concept was developed under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov and submitted to the Parliament in order of legislative initiative of the Head of the state.

The paper assesses the transformation of modern system of international relations in the context of interests of the Republic of Uzbekistan. It identifies the main purpose, principles, objectives and priorities of foreign policy. The process of formation and mechanisms of implementation of Uzbekistan\'s foreign policy is revealed.

Provisions of the Concept are based on the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Law “On international treaties of the Republic of Uzbekistan” and other normative-legal acts of the state, as well as the Concept of further deepening democratic reforms and establishing civil society in the country and meet generally accepted standards and principles of international law, including the UN Charter, the Universal declaration of human rights, the Declaration on principles of international law and the Helsinki Final act of the Conference on security and cooperation in Europe.

Taking into account the situation in the world and the region, and in accordance with the principled stand of the Republic of Uzbekistan on actual issues of international and regional development, following key provisions are formulated in the Concept:

The Republic of Uzbekistan reserves the right to make alliances, to enter the community and other inter-state formations, as well as withdraw from them, guided by the best interests of the state, nation, its prosperity and security, priority directions of modernization of the country, applicable national legislation and accepted international obligations;

Uzbekistan holds a peaceful policy and not involved in military-political blocs, reserves the right to withdraw from any of interstate formation in case of its transformation into a military-political bloc;

The Republic of Uzbekistan takes political, economic and other measures to prevent its involvement in armed conflicts and tensions in neighboring states, and does not allow on its territory the placement of foreign military bases and facilities;

In accordance with the Constitution, the law “On Defense”, Military doctrine, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan are created solely for the protection of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, peace and security of its population and do not take part in peacekeeping operations abroad.

The draft law is widely and thoroughly discussed at meetings of committees and factions of political parties and the deputy group of the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis.

Deputies from the faction UzLiDeP noted that in 20 years of independent development of Uzbekistan fully weighted, based on national interests foreign policy, widely regarded in the world and strengthened the authority of the country in the world community has been formed. Based on constructive experience of the past two decades, the foreign policy of Uzbekistan is constructed taking into account the rapidly changing international political realities of the 21st century, requiring the implementation of an active, consequent and balanced foreign policy range.

As it was emphasized by representatives of the SDP faction “Adolat”, special attention in the Concept is given commitment of Uzbekistan of such fundamental principles of international law such as equality and mutual benefit, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, inviolability of borders and non-interference in internal affairs of other states, peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as not using force or threat by force.

During the discussion, deputies from PDP faction emphasized that the main priority of foreign policy of Uzbekistan in the Concept is defined the Central Asian region, which is associated with its vital interests.

Uzbekistan has always remained committed to conducting an open, friendly and pragmatic policy towards its neighbors, acts for the resolution of pressing political, economic and environmental problems of the region based on mutual interests, norms and principles of international law. The document clearly states the position of the Republic of Uzbekistan that problems of Central Asia should be settled by the states in the region without interference of external forces.

As it was emphasized by members of the faction of DP “Milliy Tiklanish”, one of Uzbekistan\'s foreign policy objectives at present stage, as envisaged in the Concept is to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan. It is noted in the document that Uzbekistan conducts traditionally good-neighborly and friendly policy towards Afghanistan, taking into account the historical experience and strong commitment of long-term stability and peace in this country. The Republic of Uzbekistan supports the principle of noninterference in internal affairs of Afghanistan and will build a relationship with it on a bilateral basis, taking into account the national interests of both countries and on the basis of generally accepted norms of international law, respecting the choice that will make the Afghan people.

According to deputies of the Ecological Movement, in the Concept main attention is drawn to unsolved vital problems of rational use of Transboundary Rivers due to the lack of common position of Central Asian countries on the issue and ignoring by individual states of norms of international law governing inter-state relations in the sphere of joint use of water.

Uzbekistan, as it is noted in the Concept, acts for the resolution of all ecological problems of the region based on mutual interests, constructive dialogue and international law.

After extensive discussion, the Legislative Chamber adopted the law “On approval of the Concept of foreign policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan”, which will be sent to the Senate of the Oliy Majlis for further consideration. (Source: The Information Service of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan)