The Minister of Digital Technologies, Sherzod Shermatov, held a meeting with Hamadoun Toure, former Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

During the discussion, Mr. Toure praised Uzbekistan’s recent achievements in the field of digital technology and commended the country's adoption of advanced technologies on a global scale. He described the reforms undertaken in recent years as a historic milestone, emphasizing that Uzbekistan’s digital transformation reflects the efficiency of its governance.

Mr. Toure further highlighted Uzbekistan’s growing role within international organizations, particularly the ITU. He noted that 11 representatives from Uzbekistan have recently been appointed to key positions within the ITU, underscoring the country's growing influence in the global arena.

The meeting explored potential avenues for cooperation in the telecommunications sector. The participants stressed the importance of further developing Uzbekistan’s telecommunications infrastructure, improving the quality of services, and promoting international cooperation through the exchange of expertise under the ITU framework.

The discussion also focused on the regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Both parties agreed on the need to harness AI’s potential responsibly while addressing the risks associated with its misuse, acknowledging that AI governance has emerged as one of the most critical global challenges.

Minister Shermatov emphasized the strategic value of Uzbekistan's partnership with ITU and the importance of adopting international best practices to further develop the country's digital technologies and information and communications sectors.

The meeting concluded with discussions on future cooperation opportunities. The participants explored ways for Uzbekistan to share its digital expertise through ITU platforms and enhance its IT capabilities. In addition, they considered how Uzbekistan’s growing presence within the ITU could strengthen partnerships with other nations.