The head of state highly appraised the attention paid by Knut Vollebaek to the pressing issues of interethnic relations in Central Asia, and stressed the important role played by OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities in maintaining peace and stability, securing the protection of human rights and interests.

Knut Vollebaek unveiled his high appreciation of Uzbekistan’s position with regard to the tragic events in southern Kyrgyzstan last June, and pointed out emphatically that the balanced and well thought-out approach proved instrumental in preventing the conflict from exacerbation and turning into an interstate confrontation. The OSCE High Commissioner reiterated the critical necessity for an independent international inquiry into the events in Kyrgyzstan, UzA reported.

The current state and prospects of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Office of OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, along with other issues of mutual interest have been discussed at the meeting.