President of Uzbekistan receives Director of OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

On 30 April, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a delegation from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, headed by its director Matteo Mecacci, which is paying a visit to Uzbekistan.

The meeting discussed topical issues of developing a constructive dialogue and effective partnership between Uzbekistan and the ODIHR.

The head of our state noted with satisfaction the serious progress in bilateral cooperation in recent years. For the first time, the full-scale mission of the bureau took part in observing the presidential and parliamentary elections in the republic.

The successful interaction in the implementation of the ODIHR recommendations, including within the framework of the adoption and improvement of the Electoral Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, was emphasized.

The bureau’s experts were involved in the development of the National Human Rights Strategy and the draft law on freedom of conscience and religious organizations.

An interest was expressed in continuing a long-term and fruitful partnership with the ODIHR, primarily in the field of human rights, freedom of speech, religion and belief, gender equality, support for youth, development of civil society institutions, strengthening the legal framework of ongoing democratic transformations based on international best practices.

In addition, an assessment mission of the bureau will arrive in our country in May to carry out joint work on preparation for the upcoming important events in Uzbekistan.

Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Matteo Mecacci expressed his sincere gratitude to the head of our state for the warm welcome, as well as for an open and substantive conversation.

He expressed strong support for the large-scale reforms being implemented in the country, covering all spheres and directions, and also declared the bureau’s readiness to provide all possible assistance in their successful implementation.