On 15-16 September this year, the city of Samarkand hosted the 22nd summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. It is not by chance that the city which has been the centre of interethnic dialogue, cultural and spiritual cooperation as well as trade and scientific exchanges was chosen for the comprehensive and prestigious event, which attracted the attention of the entire world. This way the emphasis was placed on the Uzbek statehood and its historical potential.

The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan fixed the basic arrangements in this area, defining the principle of separation of powers as the most important condition for the exercise of the power of the people. In accordance with the Constitution, the Oliy Majlis exercises legislative power, the Cabinet of Ministers exercises executive power and the Constitutional, Supreme and Supreme Economic Courts exercise judicial power.

As citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan, public organizations and civil society institutions, we are witnessing the significant progress in ensuring human rights and legitimate interests, freedom of speech and religion, the supremacy of law in Uzbekistan, transparency and accountability of public administration, anti-corruption, protecting the rights of children and women, and promoting gender equality.