Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 28 June, an international conference dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence” was held in Beijing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke at the opening of the conference.

The key speakers will include Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Qiang, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, former Prime Ministers of Japan Yukio Hatoyama, France De Villepin, South Korea Lee He Chang and other political figures. In total, about 600 people from more than 100 countries attended.

The five principles of peaceful coexistence formed the basis of the final document of the 1955 Bandung Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement and include: 1) mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty; 2) non-aggression;
3) non-interference in internal affairs; 4) equality and mutual benefit; 5) peaceful coexistence.

During his speech, Xi Jinping noted that after 70 years, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence demonstrate great vitality. They paved a completely new path for the peaceful settlement of problems and international conflicts left over from history, and took precedence over outdated, narrowly selfish ideas about “bloc politics” and “sphere of influence”, over the thinking of opposition and confrontation.

Xi Jinping emphasized that today they should be valued, continued and developed as a common asset of the international community.

It is important to strictly observe the “golden rule” - non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, oppose imposing one’s will on other countries, oppose bloc confrontation and the creation of “clubs of the elite,” as well as attempts to force other countries to choose sides.

At the session dedicated to maintaining independence and jointly building a fair and equitable international governance system, Eldor Aripov, director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISMI), spoke.

He said that unfortunately, 70 years after the adoption of the Five Principles, the world has not become more stable and just.

“Today we are again witnessing the strengthening of geopolitical confrontation, the emergence of new conflicts, a decrease in the level of trust, the revival of stereotypes of bloc thinking, and the growth of trade and sanctions wars. It is obvious that in these conditions, the deep meaning of the “five principles” not only remains in demand, but increases significantly,” said the ISRS representative.

Eldor Aripov emphasized that, realizing the need to take quick and decisive measures to build good neighborly relations with the countries of the region, the President of Uzbekistan back in 2016 actually based his foreign policy on the concept of peaceful coexistence. He stated that the regional policy of Uzbekistan will strictly adhere to the principle of “not avoiding pressing issues, but looking for reasonable compromises.”

As a result, unprecedented results were achieved in resolving border issues, jointly reconciling mutual contradictions,

Thanks to the wisdom and political will of all heads of state, Central Asia today is becoming an increasingly consolidated and stable region. The states of Central Asia are increasingly aware of their regional identity and strive to build a common peaceful and prosperous future.

In this context, Eldor Aripov emphasized that China fully supports the strengthening of regional cooperation in Central Asia.

The China Central Asia format at the level of heads of state is developing fruitfully. Multilateral projects in the field of transport connectivity, trade and investment cooperation are being implemented in practice.

In conclusion, the director of ISMI noted that the world today, more than ever, needs to unite, find compromises, and restore trust based on the principles of peaceful coexistence. “Responsibility for this lies with each of us, not only those who make decisions, but also researchers and media representatives,” he emphasized.

The director of ISMI stated with regret that the world has never been so divided and polarized.

At the same time, global interdependence has become the predetermining logic of development of the 21st century. He urged people to understand that this is not so much a challenge as an opportunity. “Only consolidation, unification in solving common problems will guarantee general well-being and prosperity,” Eldor Aripov emphasized.