Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – On 28 June, a commemorative meeting and international conference were held in Beijing to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the proclamation of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

More than 600 participants attended the events, including former leaders from Vietnam, Myanmar, Brazil, France, and other countries, representatives of international and regional organizations, members of diplomatic corps from over 100 states, Chinese and foreign experts and scholars, as well as media and business figures.

During his address at the commemorative meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have become open, inclusive, and universal norms of international relations and fundamental principles of international law. The Chinese leader highlighted that these principles fully reflect the goals and principles of the UN Charter. They were incorporated into the "Declaration on Principles of International Law" and the "Declaration on the Establishment of a New International Economic Order," adopted at the UN General Assembly sessions in 1970 and 1974, respectively. Their inclusion in important international documents indicates widespread recognition of the principles of peaceful coexistence worldwide and their observance as a criterion for international relations, noted President Xi.

Director of the International Institute for Central Asia (MICA) Javlon Vakhobov underscored during his speech at the thematic session of the conference, "Mutual Benefit: Chinese Practices Creating New Opportunities for Peace," that China’s achievements in reform and development can be applied on a global scale, including in the context of Uzbekistan.

It was noted that China’s transformation enabled lifting approximately 850 million people out of poverty, eradicating extreme poverty, and becoming a global economic powerhouse. This transformation was facilitated by agricultural, industrial reforms, economic diversification, infrastructure development, and targeted poverty reduction programs. In foreign policy, guided by the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, China has created a stable external environment for economic growth and development, highlighted Director Vakhobov.

Javlon Vakhobov emphasized that under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev since 2016, Uzbekistan has embarked on a path of reforms and regional cooperation. Positive changes since then, including a 40% increase in the total GDP of Central Asian countries and nearly tripling of mutual trade, reflect our commitment to growth and development.

As highlighted at the forum by MICA representative, considering China’s experience and best practices from around the world, our country continues efforts towards economic diversification, increasing investments in infrastructure, agricultural modernization through reforms, engaging the private sector in job creation programs, and stimulating economic growth, enhancing investments in education and vocational training.

Director Vakhobov particularly noted that "Chinese methods and strategies for poverty alleviation have helped achieve significant success in Uzbekistan, reducing the poverty rate from 17% in 2021 to 11% in 2023." "By adopting more targeted approaches like those of China, such as vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and allocation of land plots, we can further reduce poverty," stated the head of our country’s analytical center.

In conclusion, Javlon Vakhobov emphasized that integrating Chinese lessons of modernization, as well as successful experiences from other countries, into Uzbekistan’s development strategy "can help us achieve sustainable economic growth, reduce poverty, and overall improve the quality of life for our citizens."