Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 30 October 2023, at a meeting of the Senate Committee on International Relations, Foreign Economic Relations, Foreign Investment and Tourism, information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan on activities in the first half of 2023 was heard.

The meeting was attended by senators, representatives of relevant ministries and departments, experts, chairmen of the standing commissions of the Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regional and Tashkent city Kengash of people’s deputies, members of the Youth Parliament and the media.

It was noted that during the reporting period, with the direct participation of the ministry, working and official visits at the highest level to 19 foreign countries were organized, meetings and negotiations were held with 38 foreign delegations.

In the field of economic diplomacy, more than 2.5 thousand bilateral negotiations and events at various levels were held, within the framework of which practical assistance was provided in the development of investment projects and trade agreements worth more than US$58 billion.

At the initiative of the diplomatic missions of Uzbekistan, 22 grant projects were implemented for a total amount of US$114.5 million. During the reporting period, more than 600 cultural, educational, social, and sports events were held in the republic and abroad, aimed at strengthening the international image of our country.

During the discussion, the senators noted a number of problematic issues and factors, the elimination of which would help improve the efficiency of the ministry.

In particular, the need to further improve the regulatory framework governing foreign policy activities was emphasized.

The senators also noted that the system for working with requests from individuals and legal entities in the ministry needs to be radically revised based on the requirements of today.

According to the results of the study, by 1 August 2023, the number of repeated applications received through the People’s Reception Offices of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan increased by 2 times compared to the corresponding period last year. There are facts of a superficial approach to the consideration of citizens’ appeals.

Parliamentarians also drew attention to the untimely and incomplete implementation of certain tasks defined in the resolutions of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Senate of the Oliy Majlis.

Specific proposals have been put forward to eliminate these shortcomings.

Based on the results of an open and constructive discussion, a corresponding decision was made by the Committee.