Esteemed heads of delegations! I would like to echo the words of gratitude towards the President of the Russian Federation, the esteemed Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, for the traditionally warm welcome and excellent organization of our event in ancient Kazan – a city with a millennia-long history, where the cultures of the East and West harmoniously blend.
The speeches of my esteemed colleagues confirm the importance of meetings in the "BRICS plus" format for broad dialogue and open discussion of pressing issues in global development.
Unfortunately, the world is rapidly heading towards a split. The number of wars and conflicts is increasing, causing immense suffering, deep pain, and irreparable losses to people.
The fragmentation of the global economy and trade exacerbates inequality, technological gaps, and protectionism. New barriers are emerging between countries.
In these circumstances, BRICS, acting on principles such as equality, non-alignment, consideration of each other's interests, respect for sovereignty, and the right to choose one's own development path, serves as an authoritative and dynamic association for multilateral cooperation and partnership.
We are convinced that such a model of interaction can become a solid foundation for forming a new architecture of a more just world order while maintaining the central role of the United Nations.
I support the calls for achieving a global compromise through constructive dialogue, free from geopolitical rivalry, national selfishness, and ideological bias.
We believe it is time to reform global governance institutions and expand responsible dialogue in "South-South" and "North-South" formats.
Esteemed summit participants!
During the productive Russian presidency, Uzbekistan actively participated in the Youth Summit and BRICS Sports Games, legal and parliamentary forums, a high-level security meeting, and other events.
We intend to continue deepening our partnerships with BRICS countries. We will effectively utilize the new opportunities that arise within this Association.
We share the fundamental commitment of BRICS countries to developing cooperation aimed at addressing the problems of worsening global inequality and inclusive economic recovery.
This primarily involves supporting the national programs of developing countries aimed at overcoming acute social and environmental challenges, reducing poverty levels, bridging technological gaps, and modernizing infrastructure.
Multilateral financial institutions can and should play an important role in this. Uzbekistan intends to establish close cooperation with the New Development Bank of BRICS to implement priority investment and social projects.
We are also interested in expanding practical cooperation in areas such as innovation, the digital economy, green development, energy, and barrier-free electronic trade.
We expect to participate in joint projects of the BRICS Research Group on artificial intelligence to anticipate potential risks and develop unified management standards in this field.
We are ready to engage with the BRICS Competence Center being established at UNIDO – the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, as well as the proposed Investment Platform.
Together with our BRICS partners, we aim to work closely on enhancing transport connectivity, creating new transcontinental corridors, forming reliable supply chains, and developing a cabotage transport system. We will also focus on ensuring food and energy security, overcoming the negative consequences of climate change, and protecting health.
We support the development of business contacts within the Association. We propose considering the possibility of including all interested countries in the BRICS Business Council.
Esteemed colleagues!
The priority direction of partnership in the BRICS space undoubtedly remains the issues of countering threats and challenges of international terrorism.
Special attention should be paid to the problem of preventing radicalization and the spread of extremist ideology, especially among youth.
I share the concern regarding the escalating conflict in the Middle East. It is increasingly transforming into a potential focal point of a global crisis involving neighboring countries and major powers.
We feel profound sorrow regarding the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and Lebanon. No political goals can justify innocent casualties among civilians, especially children.
Today, the urgent tasks are the immediate cessation of hostilities and the provision of emergency assistance to those affected.
We believe that the only solution to the Israeli-Palestinian issue remains a peaceful resolution of the conflict based on the principle of "two states for two peoples."
When discussing global and regional security, we cannot overlook the issue of Afghanistan. Our common task is not to isolate but to assist the Afghan people and the current authorities of this country in addressing pressing socio-economic development, peacebuilding, and progress issues.
Esteemed summit participants!
Uzbekistan is ready for close and mutually beneficial cooperation with BRICS countries to achieve common sustainable development goals.
Thank you for your attention.