Uzbek and Turkmen peoples are bound with a common history, language, culture, traditions and customs. The scientific, literary and spiritual heritage of our ancestors is considered common wealth of the two peoples. The Uzbeks and the Turkmen are dear guests in one another’s wedding parties.

The relations between the two republics acquired a new impetus, qualitatively higher level during the years of their independent development. The Uzbek-Turkmen cooperation is currently developing in the spirit of Interstate Agreement on Consolidation of Friendship and Comprehensive Partnership signed in 2007. The regular summits are but a testimony to this reality.

This time’s Tashkent meeting of the heads of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan has come to be a logical extension of the highest-level practical and enthusiastic dialogue. During a tete-a-tete conversation, Islam Karimov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov exchanged views on a wide-scale of issues related to the bilateral interaction, on regional and international topics of mutual interest.

The sides noted that the current visit by Turkmenistan’s leader has confirmed the community of efforts and aspirations of the two nations in affording a new pace to the bilateral and multilateral cooperation built on principles of mutual confidence, respect, shared interest and good neighborliness.

It has been pointed out that the dynamic advancement of relations between the two countries in diverse spheres can be seen also in the effective implementation of documents signed.

The two heads of state said that Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have been cooperating effectively in the framework of the United Nations and other international institutions, and that the two countries’ views are similar in addressing regional and international issues. During the talks, Islam Karimov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also dwelled on matters concerning interaction in countering such threats as terrorism, extremism, organized crime, drugs trafficking.

Discussing the situation in Afghanistan, the two leaders agreed that it is impossible to establish peace with the use of military force alone. The Presidents noted the importance of initiatives aimed at creating new effective mechanisms of stepping up the negotiations process in addressing the conflict with the participation of nations neighboring Afghanistan.

Islam Karimov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov exchanged views on issues relating to the rational use of water and energy resources in Central Asia, to boosting regional cooperation. It is essential, the parties agreed, that problems concerning water and energy sphere be addressed building on universally accepted norms and principles of international law, with an eye to the interests of every country in the region and with international institutions involved in the process. The two leaders pointed to the necessity of adhering to provisions secured in UN conventions on protection and use of trans-boundary watercourses and international lakes, and the one on the right to use non-navigational international watercourses.

Presidents Karimov and Berdimuhamedov continued negotiations with the participation of delegation members. That officials from ministries and agencies, major companies and organizations from the two sides attended the extended talks were suggestive of the two parties’ solid willingness and enthusiasm to further expand and consolidate the cooperation in all directions. The major focus has been placed on trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian interaction.

The scale of economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan has been enhancing. Hydrocarbon industry and interaction with foreign investors in fuel energy complex have been dynamically advancing both in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Along with bilateral partnership, the two nations have been energetic also in multilateral projects in this sphere. A classic example of this is the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-China pipeline commissioned in 2009.

The sides underscored the importance of stepping up the cooperation in promoting this arterial direction as well as alternative routes that would enable to export energy resources from the region to Europe and other markets of the world. Uzbek and Turkmen officials agreed to keep with cooperation in jointly addressing the issues of diversifying the supply routes of Uzbekistan’s and Turkmenistan’s abundant natural resources to global markets, in setting up a global system of ensuring energy security in the transportation of these resources.

Transport and communications constitute another vital dimension of economic cooperation. Cargo is transported to Turkmenistan through Uzbekistan, and to Uzbekistan through Turkmenistan. The territories of the two countries and their advanced communications systems serve also as transit routes for third parties. These factors suggest that Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan wield a considerable potential in this sphere.

Expansion of interaction on this front is considered critical in promoting international trade and wide-scale investment cooperation between the two nations as much as between regions and continents. In their discussion, the two heads of state placed a particular emphasis on the topic of establishing Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman-Qatar transport corridor raised during President Islam Karimov’s official visit to Turkmenistan last October. The two countries are reliable partners in materializing this project promising to allow for colossal opportunities in reaching out to global markets. Ashgabat Agreement was signed recently to create this corridor. Along with helping bolster mutually advantageous trade and economic interaction among participating countries, the implementation of this project will serve to lift up the volumes of international transit cargo, to open up new communications networks for world markets.

Each country has attached a special prominence to augmenting the bilateral trade cooperation. It has been suggested by the growing mutual trade. The bilateral turnover has increased fourfold in the last four years, reaching 200m US dollars in 2010.

Uzbek-Turkmen intergovernmental commission on trade and economic, scientific and technological, cultural cooperation convenes on a regular basis. Under consistent discussion has been the elaboration of measures aimed at invigorating untouched opportunities, exploring and utilizing new dimensions of interaction. In addition, organization of national expositions of Turkmenistan in Tashkent and of Uzbekistan in Ashgabat has turned into a good tradition.

It is imperative, the two sides stressed, that the mutual trade assortment be expanded by goods and services originating in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. That would serve to boost mutually beneficial economic ties among the companies and enterprises of the two nations.
Cultural and humanitarian issues have also been deliberated in the course of negotiations. The critical role of spiritual proximity, traditional friendship bonds between the two peoples in developing the interaction on this front is worth noting in particular.

Culture and arts representatives of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have regularly attended festivals, exhibitions and forums in the two countries. For instance, Turkmen artists are constant and active participants of Sharq Taronalari (Melodies of the East) international music festival organized every year in Samarqand.

Worth noting that as part of meeting at the highest level, friendship festivals of the two countries’ artists have become a good custom. The ancient and eternally young Bukhoro is serving these days as a venue for regular Uzbek-Turkmen festival of friendship.
A 2011-2013 cultural-humanitarian cooperation program comprises a few cultural events and programs.

It has been underscored that the two nations should further advance interaction in culture, arts, tourism and sports.
Following the negotiations, Islam Karimov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov penned Uzbek-Turkmen Joint Statement.

The governments of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan signed agreement on setting up trade representations on a reciprocal basis. This will facilitate the establishment of a new scheme in expanding the bilateral cooperation in this sphere, and grant an opportunity for economic entities from the two countries to interact with each other directly on online regime. That is, the scheme is to afford new convenience for customers and consumers in the two countries to conduct business dialogue, to reach mutual deals.

The intergovernmental agreement on scientific and technological cooperation stipulates to build up relations in such spheres as energy, agriculture and water resources, healthcare and environmental protection.

In addition, a memorandum of understanding has been inked between Alisher Navoi Uzbek National Library and the National Library of Turkmen National Cultural Center. This document envisions intensifying the ties in international book exchange, study and implementation of contemporary library technologies, mutual exchange of experience, joint revision of scientific achievements.

During a meeting with representatives of mass media, Presidents Islam Karimov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the talks passed in the spirit of openness, mutual confidence and respect, in a working mood, and that the reached agreements would serve to further elevate the Uzbek-Turkmen relations, to raise the wellbeing of the two peoples.
According to President Karimov, the constructive and practical negotiations have demonstrated the similarity and proximity of views concerning a broad range of issues relating to Uzbek-Turkmen cooperation as well as regional and international affairs.

Uzbekistan is Turkmenistan’s reliable friend, important and enthusiastic partner, President Berdimuhamedov said. Turkmenistan attaches a high value to its relations with Uzbekistan built on friendship, fraternity, spiritual closeness, according to the Turkmen leader.

These talks have time and again confirmed the community of aspirations of the two sides towards fostering the mutual cooperation.
In the afternoon, Presidents Islam Karimov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov traveled to Independence Square. The high-ranking guest laid wrath to the Monument of Independence and Humanism that is the symbol of the Uzbek people’s freedom, bright future and heartfelt aspirations. President Berdimuhamedov highly evaluated the creative and beautifying efforts at Uzbekistan’s central square.

Presidents of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan visited also the capital’s ‘Uzbekiston’ palace of international forums erected at the initiative of President Islam Karimov in 2009. The venue meets the international standards for holding major international conferences, cultural and enlightenment events, concerts. The head of Turkmenistan expressed his high consideration to the architectural solution and design that has taken in national architectural traditions and modern dimensions. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov implied in particular that the magnificent palace is a testimony to Uzbekistan’s standing as a country with high potential in all domains.

The Turkmen President’s official visit to Uzbekistan continues. (Source: UzA News Agency)

On the Uzbek-Mongolian Foreign Ministerial Political Consultations

On May 4 this year the Third round of political consultations between the foreign ministries of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Mongolia was held in the city of Ulaanbaatar. The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Mongolia Bayarbaatar Bolor has led the Mongolian delegation.

The sides discussed concrete directions of joint activity in combating terrorism and drug trafficking, other modern challenges at regional and international levels, the situation in Afghanistan, ensuring peace and stability in Central Asia and Mongolia, as well as the issues of environmental protection and rational use of water resources.

The sides noted that the countries share common positions on the outstanding problems of international and regional nature, which create firm basis to intensify partnership on other directions.

The Mongolian side underlined the importance of the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov on normalization the situation in Afghanistan in the format “6+3”, as well as agreed with importance of rational use of water-energy resources of trans-boundary rivers, taking into account the growing ecological problems in the region and importance of holding independent international expertise taking into consideration the interests of all countries.

The sides discussed prospects of further extending the political interaction, including in the framework of the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and other international organizations. The sides exchanged views on the issues of mutual interest on trade-economic cooperation, especially in the automobile, mining, agriculture, irrigation, environment protection, transport communication, tourism spheres, as well as expanding legal basis of the relations between the two states.

Uzbekistan supports Mongolia’s efforts to develop cooperation within the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC) to address the transit problems on the territory of neighboring states and receive preferences in connection with remoteness of sea.

On the outcomes of talks, the sides agreed to continue the dialogue between foreign ministries, hold bilateral business forums with participation of business community representatives, boost cooperation between academic circles and scientific-research institutions to study historic heritage.

The sides agreed to hold the next round of consultations in Tashkent in 2012.

In the framework of political consultations the delegation of Uzbekistan was received by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Mongolia Gombojav Zandanshatar. (Source: mfa.uz)

Soul glorious, memory sacred in this august land

Pronounced on President Islam Karimov’s initiative, 9 May – Day of Memory and Glory is widely celebrated in Uzbekistan as a nation-wide holiday.

Everything on this sacred land and every endeavor serves the people, their interests and aspirations. This earnest goal has rested decisively in Uzbek people’s life during the nation’s independent development years.

It has found its solid expression in our compatriots’ spirit as the principal thread of steadfast reforms and the country’s development path in general. Since Uzbekistan has today become a great independent nation where human life, human freedoms, dignity, and esteem are attached a high regard.

Commemoration and glorification of those who lived and served this blessed soil is one of the ages-old traditions and splendid virtues of the Uzbek people. Those who fought for the peace, harmony, freedom and liberty of this nation have always been at the forefront of honoring by the living generations. Venerating and immortalizing the memory of forefathers who displayed exemplary courage and heroism, who sacrificed their lives on battlegrounds, as much as the saintly mothers who endured tough times with incredible perseverance – affording them care and consideration has enriched this tradition with new sense and significance during independence years.

This new meaning and essence has been more clearly evident in organizing ceremonial events devoted to the Day of Memory and Glory, in tribute and respect paid for the selfless compatriots who protected our nation’s free and prosperous life with valor and audacity.

Notably, President Islam Karimov’s April 22, 2011, Decree ordering to support World War II veterans has come to be another bright reflection of reverence shown toward participants of war. The directive established to ceremonially honor the veterans in every other town and district, village and neighborhood with cash reward.

Official commemorative events timed to the Day of Memory and Glory with President Karimov attending the occasion took place in the morning of May 9, in Tashkent. Veterans of war and work, members of government, deputies and senators, military service people, public figures gathered at the Memory Square in the heart of Uzbekistan’s capital from very early hours of this day, with tender music on air at the square.
The head of state laid wrath to the Monument of Mourning Mother under the sounds of military orchestra. Islam Karimov paid tribute to the memory of thousands of fellow countrymen and women who perished in the Second World War.

“Today, the entire nation marks the 66th anniversary of the great victory over Nazism”, President of Uzbekistan declared. “First and foremost, I express my heartfelt greetings to war veterans who live beside us safe and sound, to our dear honored ones, and all our compatriots on this sacred date.

“Starting from the year 1999, we celebrate the 9th of May as the Day of Memory and Glory. Notions of commemoration and glorification have long been an integral part of our nation’s consciousness and cultural verve, so long as one can hardly imagine a human being oblivious and insensible to the history of their own people, and of oneself in the end.”

President Islam Karimov pointed out that the Uzbek people refer to commemoration as a sacred feeling inherent deep in their “very veins and bones”. Undeniable as it is, paying tribute to those in the kingdom of heaven has been a solemn practice for our people from times immemorial.

According to the head of state, historical commemoration implies primarily the meaning of life, the sense of succession between generations. It means learning the lessons and making appropriate conclusions from events of bygone days for the ones to come. It means delivering the feeling of respect and reverence for the ancestors to one’s children and their state of mind.

“Our people are going to keep the memory of the Second World War, its victims and injuries, forever. The long-suffering Uzbek nation got deprived of its ablest and greatest sons at the war,” Islam Karimov suggested.

Uzbekistan had approximately 6.5 million inhabitants at the dawn of War. One and a half million subsequently left for combat. Except for babies and children, women and the elderly, in excess of 40 percent of Uzbekistan’s population took up arms and fought battles. Significantly, that nearly 500,000 of our fellow countrymen – or 30% of all war participants from this land – fell in the brutal bloodbath is indicative of how important the Victory has been to the Uzbeks, of how enormous the contribution of Uzbekistan’s people was to the effort to overwhelm Nazism.

President Islam Karimov said he would like – or even demand – that no one forget this truth.

“I am confident that those courageous and daring compatriots went to fight and die to protect their Motherland, their people, their parents, loved ones and dearest kids, friends.

“That is the reason why the heavy blow, the incurable wound caused by that horrible war is never going to wipe away from our memory. There is scarcely any family, any household in this country who had no one of them to go to that war, who did not suffer incredible grief and pain. That disastrous slaughter left myriads of soldiers disabled, wives widowed, and kids as orphans.”

As the head of state put it, this day has all of us standing with our heads down, bowing to the sweet memory of those who perished in the War with dignity, and those heroes who labored strenuously day and night behind the front.

“In a word, the true meaning of memory is that it shall always remind us of the ever taxing days and inconceivable difficulties that we and our ancestors have had to go through to reach today’s peaceful and harmonious and free life, these bright days.

“Today’s commemorative holiday is critical also in making us exhibit due reverence to each other, and above all to the war veterans living with us.”

More than 8,600 participants of war currently live in Uzbekistan. All of us, and leaders first and foremost, “should not forget that it is our duty to do our best to make life for the dear veterans longer, more meaningful, to demonstrate warm care and compassion to them, not merely on this day, but also every other time,” President Karimov insisted.
Crucially, the Day of Memory and Glory ought to remind us time and again to be constantly vigilant and cautious in these turbulent times, to value our peaceful life, clear skies, the leader of Uzbekistan suggested. “In this respect, we should bear in mind the ongoing conflicts and confrontations taking place in some countries. For instance, the neighboring Afghanistan has suffered war for more than thirty years.

“We ought to draw lessons from these kinds of conflicts, all of us must find our sacred duty to further consolidate the peace and inter-ethnic harmony reigning in this country. Tolerance, sympathy and compassion are the greatest wealth of our people, ones that we should always cherish.

“As we talk of goals and objectives we set out to achieve, of gaining a well-deserved place among the world’s most advanced democratic nations, it is imperative that we nurture our youth in the spirit of national idea, as a generation second to no one.

“During my recent trip to Surkhandarya region, I had a chat with young people and felt the imposing sense of pride and delight at the sight of our juvenile boys and girls with their flaring eyes, their spirits full of energy, vigor and inspiration. The same feelings occurred to me when subsequently watching the Barkamol Avlod (Comprehensively Advanced Generation) sports games on TV, along with every one else.”

President Islam Karimov added, “We all take pleasure in seeing the latest knowledge and modern worldview, solid sense of self-esteem, resolute aspiration to live with highest possible inspirations embed into our growing generation’s inner world.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate again all war veterans, our dearest elderly, and our entire people on this blessed holiday. I wish all compatriots peace and wellbeing, the best of luck and happiness,” Islam Karimov said.

A symbol of our people’s courage and heroism, selflessness and endurance, the Monument of Mourning Mother has come to be flooded with fine-looking flowers on this day. Toward the end of day, the sanctified square got crowded with pilgrims keen to pay due tribute to the memory of compatriots who sacrificed themselves for Motherland’s peace and liberty, for the bright future of their posterity.

* * *

On the same day, President Islam Karimov traveled to Alisher Navoi Uzbekistan National Library’s new building being erected in the center of the country’s capital to review the ongoing construction works.
Built on the initiative and idea of the head of state, the edifice is unique in its architectural engineering solution.
“This structure must be robust and luxurious enough to the extent it can serve the current generation and posterity”, President of Uzbekistan persisted. (Source: mfa.uz)

President of Turkmenistan ends visit to Uzbekistan

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov and President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited Bukhara on May 6.
Bukhara is one of the sacred cities of Uzbekistan, one that has injected a remarkable input into the development of world civilization. With its grand thinkers, peerless historical shrines and architectural masterpieces, Bukhara has helped fame Uzbekistan to the entire globe.
Islam Karimov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov traveled to the memorial complex of splendid scholar Bahouddin Naqshband. Wide-scale efforts in the wake of independence were designed to reinstate the national cultural and spiritual values, to revamp historic monuments – with what tourists have said a startling outcome.

As early as in 1993, President Islam Karimov initiated the reconstruction of this celebrated monument timed to the 675th birthday anniversary of Bahouddin Naqshband. As a result, the original appearance of tombs, mosques, madrassahs was re-established, and the complex became a shrine for worship.

The two Presidents journeyed to Samanids mausoleum. This premier sample of the Eastern art of building has an exceptional architectural solution: the catacomb is erected on extraordinarily accurate geometrical calculation.

Then the two heads of state visited Poyi Kalon complex. The ensemble comprising Masjidi Kalon, Minorayi Kalon and Mir Arab madrassah, has impressed the leader of Turkmenistan to the end, he declared.

Once at Labi Hovuz complex, Islam Karimov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov toured the Nodir Devonbegi madrassah, where they appraised the goods of national crafts masters, namely, embroidered skullcaps and golden-embellished robes, carpets and apparels, elegant products of ceramics and metals, national miniatures, music instruments, and much other merchandise. The Presidents had a talk with local craftspeople who noted that small business and private entrepreneurship, including national handiworks, have been afforded titanic impetus in Uzbekistan.

The chief of Turkmen state mentioned in particular that Bukhara has attained a modern image along with restored historic monuments in the wake of independence, stimulating tourism to thrive a great deal.
Uzbek-Turkmen summits have had their own traditions established.

For instance, during his visit to Turkmenistan in 2010, President Islam Karimov was presented gift – a pedigree racer horse. This time around, the head of Uzbek state has presented Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with a Captiva off-roader manufactured at Asaka automotive factory.

The two leaders traveled to Bukhoro Madaniy Markazi (Bukhara Cultural Center) constructed at President Karimov’s initiative, on a 107-hectare land. Unique trees as much as the assortment of flowers growing here amuse the eye. A magnificent monument ‘Ancient and Eternal Bukhara’, a symbol of the marvelous past and the current prosperity of the city, dominates the complex in its center. The memorial has names of glorious thinkers inscribed on it, ones who the Uzbek people have taken pride in.

The commemorative has also the renowned monuments drawn on its walls. Moreover, the complex boasts an amphitheater and regional music drama theater. Obvious are the vast preparations for the festival with arts masters from the two nations – also an integral part of bilateral meeting at the highest level.

All in the theater welcomed the two heads of state with applause. Uzbek and Turkmen arts foremen and women superbly performed folk songs, melodies and dances unique to the two peoples. Toward the end of concert, singers from the two countries together intoned a song about Motherland, testifying to the cultural and spiritual community of Uzbek and Turkmen peoples.

That occasion wound up President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Turkmenistan’s leader suggested the visit has proved fruitful, and expressed gratitude to President Islam Karimov for “a heartfelt and affable welcome”. The head of Turkmen state requested that his Uzbek counterpart visit Turkmenistan in time comfortable for him.

The two Presidents articulated that the deals reached and documents inked during the visit would ultimately serve advancement of the two countries, elevation of wellbeing of the two peoples and the further enrichment of the Uzbek-Turkmen cooperation. (Source: mfa.uz)

ECONOMY

Competitive Challenges of Industrial Production

Competitive Challenges of Industrial Production
Olmaliq Mining and Metal Plant aims to save energy
The main trend of modern industrial production is introduction of energy-saving technologies and high-efficiency equipment. One of the leading industrial giants in Uzbekistan, Olmaliq Mining and Metal Plant, following global trends implements a number of investment projects.

By the end of the year the plant expects to complete the modernization of energy facilities with the introduction of systems of automatic control of energy accounting and manufacturing processes, totaling more than $16 million. The project will be will financed from the plants own funds of $5.9 million and a $10.57 million credit package of the Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan. Experts estimate the introduction of new equipment will reduce energy consumption by 118.7 million kwh per year.

Another project associated with the industrial future of the enterprise is the reconstruction and expansion of Kalmakir Mine. Olmaliq Mining and Metal Plant is currently finishing, ahead of schedule, the first stage of reconstruction and modernization of the mine pit. In the second half of the year will enter the next stage: broadening of the mine pit, which will increase annual ore extraction capacity of the plant by 4 million tons, to a total of 30 million tons.

The significance of this project cannot be overestimated. Kalmakir Mine is one of the main raw material bases of Olmaliq Mining and Metal Plant, and hence determines the future of its development. In future, the enterprise plans to increase copper exports by 9,000 tons.

The modern market claims new requirements to industry giants. Tough competitive environment, where the main factors of success are the efficiency of production, its cost, low power consumption, create a new map of the industrialized world. The leaders of the domestic industry – Olmaliq Mining and Metal Plant, Navoi Mining and Metal Plant, Uzmetkombinat – even amid the global economic crisis and falling demand for their products abroad, continue programs of development of production based on the launch of the modern equipment and implementation of new technologies. Any crisis is the time of spurring internal reserves for a new leap forward. Uzbek industry keeps on boosting production and exports, becoming a prominent manufacturing center of the region.

Trends / industrial development

Over the next 5 years Uzbekistan aims to bring the share of industry in GDP to 28%, the share of industrial export in total industrial output up to 63.2%, draw $25.6 billion of investments. (Source: UT News Agency)

Society:

European Union parliamentarians see improving maternal and child health in Uzbekistan

European Union parliamentarians see improving maternal and child health in Uzbekistan

Sixteen members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Union (EU) visited Uzbekistan last week, where they heard feedback from beneficiaries of the Mother and Child Health (MCH) project.

The project is being implemented by the government’s Ministry of Health in partnership with UNICEF and the European Commission in eight regions across the country. It aims to improve the quality of maternal and child healthcare. A proposed nationwide scale up of the project was one of the key discussion points on the EU mission agenda.

Client-oriented approach

Central to the project is the training and mentoring of health providers in low-cost, high-impact techniques. The parliamentary delegation visited the Hakikat Primary Health Care Centre (PHC) where two out of every three doctors and almost half the nurses were trained as part of the MCH project. Nurses have received skills in integrated management of childhood illnesses, breast feeding and child growth and development monitoring.

The health centre serves a local population of 7,500, including 1,600 women of reproductive ages and 500 children. “In the last few years the quality of mother and child healthcare services and counselling provided in the health centre has significantly increased. The satisfaction of caregivers with the services has also been going up due to a more client-oriented approach,” said Bashorat Mullaeva, Community Advisor for Hakikat.

She added that ties with the community had been strengthened, with local leaders now also focused, “to further improve the situation related to health, hygiene and nutrition in our community through regular household visits and town hall meetings.\"

Diarrhoea, anaemia and acute respiratory infection cases among children under the age of five have fallen, and more local mothers exclusively breast feed their babies during the first six months of life.

Skills and equipment

Improving health services for children and mothers is vital if Uzbekistan is to achieve its Millennium Development Goal targets by 2015 on reducing child mortality and improving maternal health.
The MCH project has also established two province-wide health resource centres, one at a children’s hospital and the other at a pre-natal centre. Training programmes, materials and equipment have been made available and already 1,600 doctors and nurses from throughout the province have been trained.

“We also managed to create a pool of trainers and 14 persons from that pool perform as trainers at a national level,” said Farruh Sharipov, Head of the Syrdarya Province Health Department. “Our monitoring data shows correct application of skills and knowledge by over 65 per cent of trainees in their everyday work, which significantly contributes in the overall success of the project.”

The EU parliamentarians were pleased to learn about that an effective use of resources was making strides in improving healthcare in Uzbekistan. UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan Jean-Michel Delmott said the success of the project to date was testament to commitment of the Ministry of Health and the collaborative approach taken by the project partners in ensuring a transparent, coherent and coordinated implementation.

Effective initiatives

It was a view echoed by Member of the European Parliament Ana Gomes, who called for the EU and the people of Uzbekistan to continue to work together.

“Our mission is to further strengthen this cooperation in various spheres, including the crucially important area of healthcare,” said Ms. Gomes. “Today’s field visit provided us with the first-hand evidence on how population of Uzbekistan benefits from the EU-supported MCH Project and we are very pleased with the results achieved so far.”
She added: “We are looking forward to supporting more of such human rights-based effective initiatives in the future.” (Source: UzDaily.com)