Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 4 June, during the IV Forum of think tanks “Central Asia - China” “Mutually beneficial cooperation on the path to shared prosperity and sustainable development,” a meeting was held with the director of the Center for Russia and Central Asia of the Shanghai Academy of International Studies (SHAMI) Qiang Xiaoyun.

During the conversation, views were exchanged on priority areas for strengthening partnerships, including the signing of a Cooperation Agreement between IICA and SHAMI, as well as on issues of holding joint conferences, round tables and seminars.

Dr. Qiang Xiaoyun briefly informed about the activities of SHAMI, noting that the Academy includes 6 institutes and 11 research centers.

SHAMI is one of the largest and most respected think tanks in China, conducting research on important issues of international politics, economics and security.

The interlocutor also stated that the PRC is watching with great interest reforms in the gender policy of Uzbekistan, where women and their rights are carefully protected by law.

“Thanks to the initiatives of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Laws “On the protection of women from oppression and violence”, “On strengthening the protection of children and women from violence”, the Decree “On measures to further accelerate work on systemic support for families and women”, as well as the Strategy were adopted achieving gender equality by 2030, which will eliminate gender imbalance in government agencies and prevent cases of harassment and violence against women in the workplace,” noted Qiang Xiaoyun.

At the end of the meeting, the head of the Center admitted her special sympathy for Uzbekistan and the Uzbek people, noting that she had visited our country five times in recent years, establishing close ties with Uzbek partners and other experts.