Uzbek Radio
November 2
n Uzbek-Austrian agreement on security and cooperation in fighting
organized crime was signed in Tashkent during Austrian Foreign Minister
Benita Ferrero-Waldner's visit. The sides also discussed the fight against international terrorism.
Uzbek-Austrian relations are organized not only on the level of bilateral contacts but via international organizations as well. Exchanges of views are held regularly on regional and world issues. Of course, bilateral political consultations are also held. Trade turnover was 19.3m dollars in the first half of the current year.
Official contacts within the itinerary started in the first half of the day. The first meeting was held at the Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan. Talks were held this between Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Komilov. It was noted at the meeting that there were certain issues concerning bilateral cooperation, issues of regional and world importance, needed to be discussed. Ferrero-Waldner expressed satisfaction with her fourth visit to Uzbekistan and said that not only Austria but also a number of international organizations now wanted to review their relations with the Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan. Austria understands Uzbekistan's leading role in Central Asia and values it highly. Therefore it is in favour of not only holding political consultations but also developing cooperation in all fields.
The sides also discussed the fight against international terrorism, which is a pressing issue of the world. After the meeting an agreement between the federal government of the Republic of Austria and the government of the Republic of Uzbekistan on security and cooperation in fighting organized crime was signed at the Reception House of the republic's Foreign Ministry.
A news conference was held for local and foreign media representatives on the results of the meeting.
First Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Komilov and Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner made brief statements. As noted in both statements, the newly signed document was of great importance for bilateral relations and was an important step towards further developing not only bilateral but also international cooperation. It was also noted that during the meeting the sides exchanged views on a planned visit to Austria by Uzbek president Islam Karimov, which will be held soon.
Answering questions, the foreign ministers of both countries also expressed their countries' positions on the current US operation to fight international terrorism.
Benita Ferrero-Waldner also visited Oqsaroy residence to meet President Karimov, who gave a warm welcome to the Austrian foreign minister on Uzbek soil, and expressed gratitude to official Vienna for understanding the postponement of an official Uzbek delegation's visit to Austria. The visit was initially scheduled for early October.
Other meetings are also planned with Austrian Foreign Minister Ms Benita Ferrero-Waldner. She will attend a meeting on Austrian humanitarian aid to the Karakalpakstan branch of the Soghlom Avlod Uchun [For a Healthy Generation] foundation. Apart from that the Austrian foreign minister is expected to have meetings at the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education of Uzbekistan.