The role of political parties in state governance is the focus of a two-day international meeting that starts today in Bukhara. The event is jointly organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan and the Uzbek Foundation for Regional Politics.

"We hope that this event, which gathers experts from the entire OSCE region, will encourage further democratic transformation in Uzbekistan and improve the participation of political parties," said OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, Ambassador Miroslav Jenca.

"This meeting will help raise awareness on the mechanisms and advantages of participatory democracy, as well as on the important role political parties can play."

The agenda includes discussions on the formation of political parties and how to strengthen their role in promoting civil society and democratization. Participants will also examine the role of political parties in shaping the legislative and executive powers, increasing citizens’ participation in political life and ensuring stability.

Saifuddin Juraev, Director of the Uzbek Foundation for Regional Politics, said this meeting provides an opportunity to gain from the experience existing in the OSCE region.

The meeting brings together international and local political experts, from the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, Russia, Slovakia, Czech Republic and the Netherlands.