Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — As part of his official visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Nurlan Yermekbayev visited the SCO Public Diplomacy Center. The visit, made at the invitation of the host country, marked an important step in strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation among the Organization’s member states.

During his meeting with the Center’s Director, Kabuljon Sabirov, both sides discussed pressing issues of interaction within the SCO, placing particular emphasis on enhancing cooperation in the cultural, educational, and informational spheres.

The agenda also included discussions on the activities of the SCO Goodwill Ambassadors Institute, which plays a key role in promoting the values of peace and mutual understanding among nations.

Nurlan Yermekbayev acknowledged the significant contribution of the SCO Public Diplomacy Center in fostering friendly relations among the Organization’s member states. He highlighted the importance of the Center’s work in shaping a positive image of the SCO both in Uzbekistan and beyond. The Secretary-General also expressed the Secretariat’s commitment to maintaining active engagement with the Center and other relevant institutions in member countries.

For his part, Kabuljon Sabirov expressed gratitude to Nurlan Yermekbayev for his attention to the development of public diplomacy and conveyed interest in organizing joint projects with the SCO Secretariat. Culture, science, technology, and education were identified as key areas of cooperation.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to maintain close contact, exchange initiatives, and put forward proposals aimed at enhancing joint efforts. The visit of the SCO Secretary-General to Uzbekistan represented another step toward strengthening multilateral partnerships within the Organization and advancing its humanitarian mission.