Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The reforms being carried out today in the country require further enhancement of the role of the parliament, strengthening the existing potential of the Oliy Majlis, and improving such areas as lawmaking and parliamentary control.

The Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026 also defines the tasks for introducing the best world experience in the field of parliamentarism.

In this process, international cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy are of great importance. From this point of view, a cooperation project is being implemented between the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the global program of the European Union "Inter Pares".

For information, it should be noted that Inter Pares is a global program of the European Union to strengthen parliamentarism, which is implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) with the expert support of the parliaments of the EU partner countries.

On 22 May, a round table dedicated to the official launch of this project began its work in the capital. It was attended by senators, representatives of the global program "Inter Pares", the head of the delegation of the European Union in Uzbekistan, representatives of the national parliaments of countries such as Hungary, Slovakia, France, Germany, Cyprus, the Czech Republic and Lithuania, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps of a number of countries. EU members.

Among the legislative bodies of 17 states participating in the project, the Oliy Majlis became the only parliament from the countries of the Central Asian region and the entire CIS space.

During the event, Chairwoman of the Senate Tanzila Narbayeva noted that the international cooperation of the Oliy Majlis, in particular, relations with the parliaments of the member states of the European Union, is developing in a constructive manner, and it is important to enrich relations with practical projects.

- Uzbekistan considers the European Union as a key international partner. We are ready to continue to work together to consistently build up efforts in the field of parliamentary diplomacy. Based on the results of today’s summit, useful recommendations will be developed for further capacity development and strengthening the role of the parliament, and we will also be able to exchange experience and best practices,” said the Chairperson of the Senate.

In turn, the head of the European Union delegation to Uzbekistan, Charlotte Adrian, noted that the Inter Pares project is being implemented with the Parliament of Uzbekistan as the only partner among the countries of Central Asia, emphasizing that such a choice is explained by irreversible, decisive reforms in Uzbekistan and their results in the field of democratization society, and in particular in the field of ensuring human rights, the abolition of forced labor and achievements in other areas.

At the same time, Charlotte. Adrian paid special attention to the fact that the experience of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis is a recognized leader in the ranking of gender-oriented parliaments of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, as well as an example of widespread promotion of gender equality in society.

The forum continued its work, divided into sessions. Based on the scope of activity of the parliaments of Uzbekistan and the European Union, practical approaches to the functions of the parliament and the experience of the parliaments of the partner countries were studied.

In addition, international partners focused on the activities of the Senate and recognized that there are unique approaches to remote work in the upper house of parliament. As a chamber of regions, senators spend most of their time in the field, in the districts from which they are elected. This experience is unparalleled in most parliaments of the world.

On the second day of the forum, the participants exchanged views on such topics as control over the execution of local budgets, the introduction of an "electronic parliament" system, ensuring gender equality, and work with youth.