BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 30. Uzbekistan and China
pledged to strengthen scientific cooperation on climate change and
environmental protection during meetings in Urumqi.
This was reflected in the statement published by the National
Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of Uzbekistan following the
first Dialogue Mechanism of Heads of State Scientific Research
Institutions of China and Central Asian countries in Urumqi.
According to the National Committee, in the course of the
meeting, Aziz Abdukhakimov, Uzbekistan's presidential adviser on
environmental issues and chairman of the National Committee on
Ecology and Climate Change, met with He Huping, vice president of
the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Zhang Yuanming, director
general of the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography.
The discussions focused on expanding joint research and
implementing practical environmental initiatives, including the
establishment of a regional early warning center for sand and dust
storms, the development of botanical and halophyte gardens using
Chinese technologies, and the introduction of environmentally
friendly technologies in the extraction of natural resources.
Furthermore, Abdukhakimov highlighted Uzbekistan's growing focus
on environmental policy under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev,
pointing to a series of nationwide initiatives aimed at addressing
climate and ecological challenges.
"Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the
environmental agenda has become one of the key priorities of
Uzbekistan's state policy," Abdukhakimov said. "National programs
such as Yashil Makon (Green Nation), Clean Air, Waste-Free
Territory, Bioheritage and Ecoculture, along with the initiative to
transform Samarkand into the green capital of investment and
innovation in Central Asia, reflect our commitment to sustainable
development."
The Chinese side expressed support for expanding long-term
scientific collaboration between the Chinese Academy of Sciences,
the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, and Uzbekistan's
environmental institutions.
"The partnership between our scientific institutions creates new
opportunities to develop innovative solutions for combating
desertification, mitigating the effects of climate change, and
promoting sustainable ecosystem management across the region," the
participants said, according to the Uzbek side.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of honors recognizing
contributions to bilateral scientific cooperation. Zhang Yuanming
was awarded Uzbekistan's "Protector of Nature" badge for his role
in advancing cooperation on land restoration, combating
desertification, and preventing sand and dust storms. In return,
the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography conferred the title
of Honorary Professor on Abdukhakimov in recognition of his efforts
to strengthen Uzbek-Chinese scientific cooperation.
