SCO Public Diplomacy Forum kicks off in Tashkent

TASHKENT, May 12. /“Dunyo” IA/. Within the framework of Uzbekistan’s chairmanship in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the SCO Public Diplomacy Forum on “Public diplomacy – mutual understanding for development” has kicked off in Tashkent, reports “Dunyo” IA correspondent.

The high-level conference is attended by representatives of international organizations, parliaments of the SCO member states, heads of non-governmental structures and scientific-analytical centers.

The SCO actively promotes the development of intercultural dialogue, the construction of “bridges” between peoples with different cultures and traditions. The mechanism of cooperation in culture, education, tourism, youth and gender policy, such events as the SCO International Marathon, the Eight Wonders of the SCO exhibition, effectively serve to reveal and popularize the historical and cultural values of the two countries.

Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbayeva noted that public diplomacy is needed today more than ever.

Within the framework of its SCO chairmanship, Uzbekistan attaches great importance to strengthening mutual understanding, respect and trust between the member states by activating cultural-humanitarian ties.

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Norov noted that Asia plays an invaluable role in ensuring prosperity in the SCO space, informed about Uzbekistan's achievements in strengthening trusting relations. The expansion of intercultural relations is facilitated by holding tourism, women’s forums, meetings of the Youth Council, a startup project competition and sports competitions.

Special emphasis was placed on the activities of the SCO Public Diplomacy Center, established in 2017 in Tashkent on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. In a short period, this structure has taken a worthy place in the organization's system and established close ties with specialized institutions in China, Tajikistan, and other countries.

The forum participants highly appreciated the initiatives forwarded by Uzbekistan, supported Uzbekistan's proposals for the effective realization of the potential of the younger generation in the SCO member states, the introduction of the practice of annually awarding the status of the cultural and tourist capital of the SCO, the creation of SCO Goodwill Ambassador institute.

“The organization was formed on the Great Silk Road, which has been the main economic and spiritual artery of the region for centuries, contributes to the well-being and rapprochement of our peoples, the restoration and further development of ties”, says Vladimir Norov. – The forum participants unanimously recognize that the projects being developed within the framework of the forum will be an important step toward the further rapprochement of our countries.

Following the forum, the Tashkent Communiqué of the SCO Public Diplomacy adopted.