GEORGIAN AMBASSADOR: UZBEKISTAN OCCUPIES A WORTHY PLACE IN THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

On the eve of 25th anniversary of our country’s state independence Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Uzbekistan Konstantin Jgenti in an interview with Jahon I.A. shared his opinion about the achievements of our country over the past period and expressed his sincere wishes to the Uzbek people on the occasion of the anniversary.

— The success of Uzbekistan in the sphere of state and social construction is obvious. Proof of this is the holding of such important events as election. According to its results, it is clear that the people of Uzbekistan fully supports the country’s leadership’s strategy, aimed at building a democratic state.

It is very important that the country has set course for diversification of economy with the transition from monoculture of cotton production to the development of other industries, including high tech, industrial production, development of infrastructure and services. Investment in the social sector has been increased.

It is impossible not to note the progress in the reform of agriculture. The policy of country’s leadership, aimed at the promotion of the national agricultural industry, food self-sufficiency, was very effective.

In the years of independence gross domestic product continues to grow steadily. Since the mid-2000s, the economy began to gain momentum. Thus, according to the World Bank in the period of 2007-2014 years, its growth rate averaged 8.4%.

In September 2015, the International Monetary Fund reported "steady growth" of Uzbek economy in recent years and praised the prudent economic policy of government, which provided "a sufficient level of foreign exchange reserves, a margin of safety in public sector and low rate of public debt."

The business climate in Uzbekistan has become favorable due to the measures aimed at creating necessary conditions for the development of private enterprise and foreign investment.

Considerate attitude for the family, parents and children in Uzbekistan are traditionally hold a special place. Therefore, the State program "Year of a healthy mother and child", which was initiated this year by President Islam Karimov, is a reflection of these traditions. I am confident that its implementation will not only strengthen the family institution, but also contribute to fostering of healthy and harmoniously developed, strong generation.

The Georgians, like the Uzbek people have always been proud of tradition of tolerance and humanity. In a short period of my tenure as Ambassador of Georgia in Uzbekistan every day I am convinced that your society can be an example of such good traditions.

Thanks to a wise and far-sighted policy of the government of Uzbekistan the country since the first years of independence takes its rightful place in international relations. The important initiatives of international importance put forward by the head of state and supported by the international community can be proof of this.

It should be noted that Uzbekistan is geopolitical center of gravity of the whole Central Asia. No significant problem in the region can be solved without participation of a strategic location and political weight of the country as Uzbekistan.

Georgia and Georgian people have established friendly relations with Uzbekistan. There are no key points in the foreign policy of our country, on which the two sides would have dissensions. The principles embodied in the UN Charter are the main basis of our cooperation.

From the first years of independence, the bilateral relations have been developing very stable, and I am pleased to emphasize that the last two years have been particularly successful. This is evidenced by the fact that transit of goods from Uzbekistan to Europe and other countries through our railways and the port of Poti has increased 7 times.

At the same time, during this period our countries conducted a meeting of the Uzbek-Georgian intergovernmental commission, in the course of which the parties have developed a plan for the further development of economic and trade relations.

Together with Uzbek colleagues conducted the days of Georgian cinema in the country, which was attended by well-known actors of our country. This year, the first steps have been taken to maintain cooperation between Georgia and Uzbekistan orientalists to study ancient Eastern manuscripts.

Taking this opportunity, on behalf of the Government and people of Georgia I wish friendly Uzbekistan and its people further success, peace and prosperity!

Jahon Information Agency