Joint Communiqué of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates

March 18, 2008

On March 17-18, 2008 on the invitation of the President of the United Arab Emirates His Highness Sheik Khalifa ibn Zaid Al Nahayan the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan His Excellency Mr. Islam Karimov paid an official visit to the United Arab Emirates.

On March 17, 2008 at the meetings between President of the Republic of Uzbekistan His Excellency Mr. Islam Karimov and the President of the United Arab Emirates His Highness Sheik Khalifa ibn Zaid Al Nahayan the opportunities of extending the relations of mutual cooperation that meet the interests of two friendly countries and nations were discussed, as well as the views on international and regional problems of mutual interest for both Sides were exchanged.

During the official negotiations between the heads of two states the satisfaction was expressed on the development of mutual relations in various directions, and particularly, in political, economic and social spheres. It was underscored that it would be of a big importance to accelerate the realization of such agreements signed between our states, particularly, on avoiding the double taxation and promoting the attraction of investments as well as develop the trade and economic cooperation through attracting the private sector to exploit the available investment opportunities.

Proceeding from the friendly relations between the two states based on historical and cultural community the Sides have agreed to expand the relations of mutual cooperation in the sphere of culture, particularly, in the spheres of education and tourism. In this context, the Sides have acknowledged the firm role of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates played among the Muslim countries, the contribution made to the development of Islamic civilization, as well as the efforts in preserving the cultural and historical heritage.

It was underscored that this visit was a new stage of cooperation of two countries in all spheres and several bilateral documents were signed between the governments of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates.
The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan supported the efforts of the President of the United Arab Emirates aimed at providing for security and prosperity in the country, as well as his foreign policy directed at resolving the regional and international problems.

In his turn, the President of the United Arab Emirates has acknowledged the successes achieved by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan along the way of prosperity of his people and his special role in maintaining the stability and security in Central Asia.

During the discussion of outstanding problems in international sphere the heads of two states have paid a special attention to strengthening the regional security and stability and had expressed support to the principles of good neighborliness based on mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs and resolution of conflicts by peaceful means, as well as non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. On condemning the terrorism in all of its manifestations, the heads of two states have underscored their support to the struggle led by the international community against terrorism.

The Sides have exchanged views on the efforts directed at establishing peace in the Middle East. They acknowledge the right of the Palestinian people to establish their own independent state and support the resolutions adopted by the United Nations in this direction.

On acknowledging the status of the United Nations in resolving the problems of security, the heads of two countries shall mutually cooperate along the way of maintaining security and stability based on the international documents adopted in the framework of this organization.

At the end of meeting the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan has expressed gratitude to the President of the United Arab Emirates for the hospitality. The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan has invited the President of the United Arab Emirates to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan. The invitation was received with pleasure. The date of visit shall be agreed through diplomatic channels.