Today, the Uzbek Foreign Minister, Vladimir Norov hosted the German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbok. After the meeting, the ministers held a press briefing.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that while other countries wanted to see Uzbekistan as part of their sphere of influence, Germany wanted to see Uzbekistan as a good partner. She added that the protection of freedom and rights would be the best protection for investors entering Uzbekistan.

"It is important to have cooperation on an equal basis. Equal rights mean providing reliable, transparent, and unencumbering loans.”

By making investments, we do not expect submission in return, however we consider legal security as important, the German foreign minister underscored.

Annalena Baerbok acknowledged that Uzbekistan had achieved success in the field of social rights in recent years, and that efforts had been made against forced and child labor. She also noted that the next stage of reforms should begin, although it would be difficult.

"This will ensure confidence in the future for your citizens. With this, Uzbekistan would have started important reforms, the next step would be to ensure rule of law and civil liberties. You see this path as a difficult path, but it is a path that will lead your country to greater achievements. In this way, the main goal is to help protect the rights of citizens. We are ready to be a reliable partner on this path.”

Ensuring freedom and rights is the best protection for investors entering Uzbekistan. I would also like that what we talked about with you [Vladimir Norov] would not remain just words, but would also work in practice, said the German foreign minister.