Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – A delegation of Uzbekistan headed by the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis Tanzila Narbayeva is on a working visit to Geneva, Switzerland to attend the 111th session of the International Labor Conference.

On 12 June, the Chairperson of the Senate held a number of bilateral meetings during her visit. During the dialogue with the Director General of the International Labor Organization, Gilbert Houngbo, the focus was on the current state and prospects of relations between Uzbekistan and the ILO, in particular, issues of expanding the scope of cooperation, including the systematic introduction of decent working conditions in our country.

During the conversation, it was especially noted that as a result of practical cooperation between Uzbekistan and this organization, the system of labor relations has strengthened in recent years, 10 high indicators have been achieved in the field.

A thorough exchange of views also took place on the creation of the Coalition for Social Justice of the International Labor Organization and the inclusion of Uzbekistan as one of its first members from Europe and Central Asia.

Speaking about the cooperation of our country with the ILO, the Chairperson of the Senate emphasized that Uzbekistan is strictly following the path of compliance with international labor standards, these issues are a priority of state policy, and it is important for Uzbekistan to systematically strengthen cooperation with the International Labor Organization through the implementation of new joint projects and programs in the field of labor relations.

In turn, Gilbert Houngbo noted that he was well aware of the large-scale reforms in Uzbekistan, which primarily pursue the interests of the individual. Commenting on the ongoing constitutional reforms in our country, the head of the ILO highly appreciated the determination and will of Uzbekistan to build a socially oriented state. He also touched upon the level of relations reached, and in this regard noted that he considers Uzbekistan an exemplary country for the states of the world both in the direction of cooperation and in the implementation of socio-economic reforms that fully meet the highest ILO standards.

At the end of the meeting, an agreement was reached on the further strengthening of cooperation in the implementation of long-term plans in the field of labor relations, the activation of joint projects.

During the meeting with the Secretary General of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Marcelo Abi-Ramia Cayetano, issues of bringing bilateral cooperation to a new level were discussed. In particular, attention is focused on the continuation of joint projects for a more active participation of Uzbekistan in the organization.

During the conversation, Tanzila Narbayeva noted that the Association is developing and implementing the main measures for the development of the social sphere, and all over the world, based on their effective results, important proposals are being prepared for the development of social protection mechanisms. It was noted that this, in turn, testifies to the growing global role of the Association as an influential international mechanism in the field of social security.

Marcelo Abi-Ramia Cayetano noted that the reforms carried out by Uzbekistan in the social sphere are worthy of respect, raising the issue of social protection of the population to the level of a priority task of state policy. Referring to the ongoing institutional reforms in the country, in particular the establishment of the National Agency for Social Protection, the Secretary-General noted the importance of such a specialized institution in addressing issues of increasing global importance.

As a result of the dialogue, an agreement was reached on the implementation of promising projects and programs for the active and comprehensive development of social protection of the population with the International Social Security Association.

In addition, Tanzila Narbaeva held a dialogue with the Director of the Bureau for Workers' Activities of the International Labor Organization Maria Helena Andre.

During the conversation, attention was focused on the implementation of the principles of decent work and social protection, the fight against informal employment, the provision of basic income to the population in need of social protection, the implementation of international standards in the field of labor and social protection of the population.

Tanzila Narbayeva noted that today the Bureau is actively assisting in solving urgent institutional problems in the field of labor relations in various states, including Uzbekistan, thanks to which regional and global cooperation between Uzbekistan and trade unions and other structures is developing.

“We are interested in the joint implementation of systemic measures aimed at improving employment, reducing the informal economy and social protection, and we look forward to the active participation of the ILO in increasing the potential of the Federation of Trade Unions, especially the Academy of Labor and Social Relations,” said the Chairperson of the Senate.

The head of the ILO bureau emphasized that in any modernization process, economic and social development based on the fundamental principles of guaranteeing workers' rights, freedom of federation and the right to decent work should be a priority.

– In Uzbekistan, together with the ILO, a lot of work has been done to strengthen the legal and institutional framework. Now it's time to ensure the stability of the results achieved, said Maria Helena André.