Details about the fourth plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Members of the Senate, government officials, representatives from ministries and departments, local Kengash deputies, members of the Youth Parliament under the Senate, and media workers participated in the session.

The plenary meeting, conducted via video conferencing, was chaired by Tanzila Narbaeva, the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The plenary session was streamed live through the Senate's YouTube channel.

On the third day of the plenary session, the senators began by discussing the Law “On the Ratification of the Agreement on Establishing a Bilateral Strategic Partnership between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the State of Qatar (Tashkent, April 15, 2024).”

It was noted that this Agreement outlines key priority areas aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries in mutually beneficial political, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres.

The Agreement provides for deepening cooperation in critical areas such as education and science, healthcare, culture and cultural heritage, tourism, and sports, which implies ambitious goals as well as coordination of joint efforts aimed at exchanging experiences in training and upgrading qualifications in the fields of economy, governance, diplomacy, and tourism.

Moreover, the document plans to take necessary measures in accordance with international treaties to expand mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation, attract and stimulate investments, as well as establish joint ventures in the private sector.

The document reflects specific and systematic measures aimed at coordinating and consolidating efforts to enhance the effectiveness of mechanisms for countering and preventing international terrorism and extremism, illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, weapons, organized crime, and human trafficking.

According to the senators, the Law on the Ratification of the Agreement serves to further strengthen multilateral cooperation between Uzbekistan and Qatar.

After the discussion, the senators approved the Law.

Following that, the Law “On the Accession of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making Processes, and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus, June 25, 1998)” was discussed.

This Convention is an important international document aimed at protecting human rights to a healthy environment and ensuring access for relevant state authorities, citizens, and the public to environmental information.

It was noted that the primary goal of this internationally recognized document is to regulate cooperation related to public participation in decision-making processes that may negatively impact the ecology, environment, and public health, as well as to ensure access to justice.

The Convention stipulates that state institutions and organizations must provide necessary information about environmental components such as air, atmosphere, water, and soil upon request from the general public, and ensure public participation in the development of programs and plans aimed at sectoral development.

According to the senators, Uzbekistan's accession to this Convention will ensure the protection of human rights and freedoms in the field of ecology and the environment, facilitate joint efforts with foreign partner states to achieve environmental safety, and further enhance the country’s positive image and prestige on the international stage.

After the discussion, the Law was approved by the senators.

During the Senate session, another document was considered – the Law “On the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of Malaysia on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (Tashkent, June 8, 2023).”

This Agreement establishes the grounds and conditions for providing legal assistance related to criminal investigations and conducting other procedural actions. It also clarifies issues related to the form and content of requests, ensuring their execution, grounds for refusal of legal assistance, and limitations on the use of information and evidence obtained under the Agreement.

The Agreement, which is ratified by the Law, addresses issues related to the identification of individuals or establishing their identities. It stipulates that upon request from the requesting party, the other party, under its national legislation, will take all necessary measures to locate and establish the identity of the individual mentioned in the request if there are sufficient grounds indicating that the person is located within its territory.

According to the senators, the adoption of the Law will enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in both states when investigating criminal cases and in judicial proceedings, as well as strengthen the legal basis for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters with the Government of Malaysia.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the Law was approved by the senators.

The plenary session also discussed the Law “On the Ratification of the Tenth Additional Protocol (Addis Ababa, September 7, 2018) and the Eleventh Additional Protocol (Abidjan, August 26, 2021) to the Constitution of the Universal Postal Union.”

It was noted that the protocols being ratified by the Law aim to establish partnerships with member countries of the Universal Postal Union and organize international postal exchanges, as well as ensure sustainable development of effective services.

Furthermore, it is established that the additional protocols ratified by the Law will represent and protect Uzbekistan's interests in its relations with postal operators of member states within their authority.

According to the senators, the adoption of this Law will allow Uzbekistan to effectively and actively participate in the activities of the Universal Postal Union.

After the discussion, the Law was approved by the senators.

The members of the upper chamber of parliament also considered the issue “On the Change of Boundaries of the City of Samarkand, Samarkand, and Akdaryin Districts of the Samarkand Region.”

It was noted that implementing these changes is crucial for creating favorable living conditions for the population, constructing engineering and communication systems, and social facilities (schools, kindergartens, hospitals) in these areas, as well as creating new jobs.

As is known, on July 20, 2023, a presidential decree was adopted “On Measures for the Construction of a Modern Business Center and Residential Complex ‘Shirin’ in the City of Samarkand.”

The discussed issue serves as an important factor for the full implementation of the decision made by the head of state, considering the specifics of the Samarkand region.

In particular, based on residents' proposals for housing provision, a 15 km stretch along the Zarafshan River, passing through the city of Samarkand, which is convenient for residents, is planned for the construction of a modern business center and residential complex ‘Shirin’ at a cost of 10 billion dollars.

Regarding the issue considered by the senators, it is proposed to transfer 243 hectares of land from the Akdaryin district of the Samarkand region to the city of Samarkand, including 170 hectares from the Samarkand district, totaling 413 hectares of land.

As a result, the area of the ‘Shirin’ complex, which currently stands at 252 hectares, will be expanded to a total area of 665 hectares.

It was reported that according to the approved plan during the discussions, 254 multi-storey buildings will be constructed on the territory, which will accommodate a total of 60,000 apartments and 45 social facilities designed for 180,000 people.

The timelines for implementing construction projects in the ‘Shirin’ town are clearly planned, and construction work will be carried out in three phases.

One of the most significant aspects is that upon completion of the modern business center ‘Shirin’, new jobs will be created in various sectors for nearly 50,000 people.

According to the unanimous opinion of the senators, changing the boundaries in the region will improve the architectural appearance and beautification of the city of Samarkand, enhance its attractiveness for foreign and domestic investors, effectively utilize the city's tourism potential, ensure the accelerated development of modern business, financial, and tourism infrastructure, and most importantly, improve the welfare of the population.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the