In his speech in Shusha, Shavkat Mirziyoev touched upon the issue of Gaza and Afghanistan

At the unofficial summit of the Organization of Turkic States held in Shusha, Azerbaijan, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev touched on the topic of Gaza and Afghanistan, "where many millions of Turkic peoples live", among other issues such as development of trade and transport routes, joint fight against climate change.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev made a speech at the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States held in the city of Shusha, Azerbaijan, which was liberated from Armenian occupation. In his speech, the head of state touched on the topic of Gaza and Afghanistan, among other issues such as development of trade and transport routes, joint fight against climate change.

"This summit of ours is taking place in the context of increasing global risks and threats, and the crisis of mutual trust is intensifying. In such a complex situation, it is time to raise our relations, which are strengthened by the spirit of eternal brotherhood, to a new level in terms of quality, to develop common approaches. In this sense, it is very important that today's meeting is held under the slogan "Building a sustainable future through transport, interdependence and climate action", said Shavkat Mirziyoev.

The President of Uzbekistan noted that the total volume of mutual trade between the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States has increased by 27%, and such high growth rates are observed this year as well. "We are interested in keeping it alive," he said.

Emphasizing that the territory of the organization is one of the regions most affected by climate change, the leader of Uzbekistan suggested the establishment of the Turkish Ecological Council at the ministerial level and the location of the headquarters of this organization in the area most affected by the environmental disaster - the large city of the Aral Sea, Nukus.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev also touched on the Gaza issue.

"The consequences of the bloody war that has been going on in the Gaza Strip for nine months are deeply saddening and distressing to us. The fact that the clashes cost the lives of about 40,000 people, especially women and children, cannot be justified with any reason or excuse," he said.

The President of Uzbekistan called for an immediate end to the violence and to start the peace process as soon as possible.

" The establishment of an independent and free Palestinian state is the most important condition for ensuring strategic stability and peace in the Middle East," he said.

"The situation in Afghanistan, where many millions of Turkic people live, is being overlooked by the international community. Uzbekistan will continue to provide necessary assistance to the Afghan people.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that the return of the "frozen" financial assets of Afghanistan abroad will serve to alleviate the social situation in the country.

"Under the conditions of the new reality, the issues of developing common and unanimous approaches of the members of our Organization on the issue of Afghanistan should be the main topic of discussion in the dialogues of our foreign ministers," he said.