Belgium Parliamentary Delegation in Uzbekistan

Дата публикации: Mar 02, 2012 9:57:12 AM

Belgian parliamentary officials headed by member of parliamentary committee on environment and climate change Philippe Blanchard took part in the international conference “Fostering a well educated and intellectually advanced generation – critical prerequisite for sustainable development and modernization of country” held in Tashkent on 16-17 February.

Philippe Blanchard noted that in the course of the eminent international forum, his delegation had an opportunity to explore Uzbekistan’s educational institutions first hand.

The Belgian lawmaker underscored that he got added evidence of the remarkable effects from wide-ranging reforms undertaken in Uzbekistan’s development process, and of the tremendous importance being attached to education sphere.

Belgian parliament members met with Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber (lower house) of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis, chairman of the Committee on Environment Boriy Alikhonov.

The parties to talks expressed appreciation of the steadfast advancement of interaction between Uzbekistan and Belgium in many areas. As it was stressed, Uzbekistan places great emphasis on boosting international cooperation in environment protection and rational use of natural resources.

The event participants discussed Uzbekistan’s extensive efforts in nature preservation, human healthcare and sound employment of natural resources.

As it was said, a due normative basis in line with international standards has been created in the country for management of natural resources and protection of public health, while target government programs and action plans on this front have been underway with success.

In the meanwhile, Uzbekistan has been consistent in fulfilling all its commitments deriving from its ratification of UN Convention and other international instruments that address environmental issues and sustainable development.

Uzbekistan Environmental Movement’s parliamentary group in the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis has been active in consolidating the normative framework and securing the effectiveness of practical strides in this direction.

“Environment protection is important in ensuring national development,” Philippe Blanchard suggested. “During our visit we’ve been introduced to the current environmental issues in Central Asia and the Aral Sea. We’ve also enquired into the efforts aimed at ensuring rational use of trans-border rivers. While on trip to Surkhandarya region, we traveled to the area exposed to harmful emissions by the Tajik Aluminum Company into the atmosphere, and witnessed the grave deterioration in the environmental situation, first and foremost caused by the work of that enterprise. In sought of economic profit, one should not endanger human health and damage the environment,” the Belgian legislator insisted.

The sides exchanged views on bolstering relations between our two countries in addressing environmental issues.

Belgian parliament members also held talks at the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources of Uzbekistan, as well as State Committee for Nature Protection.

UzA