I extend my heartfelt greetings to all participants of the international conference dedicated to the relevant issues of peaceful use of atomic energy and its development.

I would like to express special gratitude to Mr. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, for the strong support of the initiative to host such an important and prestigious forum in our country and for his personal participation.

We are particularly delighted that this event is taking place in the ancient city of Samarkand, which has historically bridged East and West, and today is emerging as an effective center of global dialogue on the most urgent issues of international cooperation.

Dear participants of the conference!

Under current conditions, when the negative impacts of climate change and the scarcity of traditional energy sources are becoming ever more evident, peaceful nuclear energy becomes an essential alternative solution for improving the quality of life and achieving national development strategies.

In this regard, it is not by chance that at the COP28 Climate Summit held last year in Dubai many national leaders reached significant agreements to triple nuclear power generation by 2050 in order to drastically reduce the negative environmental impact of hydrocarbon energy sources.

Ensuring reliable, safe, cost-effective and ecologically friendly energy sources for our country is one of the top priorities in the large-scale reforms carried out in New Uzbekistan.

We have established a National Agency to strengthen the regulatory and legal framework in this sector, adopted a Law on the Peaceful Use of Atomic Energy, a long-term Concept of Nuclear Power Development, and a strategy aimed at strengthening human resources in the field. We have introduced a system of training highly skilled specialists for the industry.

Our country was one of the first in the world to begin the construction of small nuclear power plants in accordance with international requirements and standards. We consider the IAEA as our major partner in the successful implementation of these projects, as well as a number of healthcare and scientific programs.

There is no doubt that the introduction of advanced nuclear power technologies will give a powerful impetus to the development of our country, create opportunities for new scientific and technical developments, and transitioning to an innovative economy.

Ladies and gentlemen!

I would like to underscore that this conference will serve as an important platform for the exchange of vast knowledge and experience accumulated in this field, establishment of comprehensive cooperation and development of specific recommendations and practical proposals for the effective use of peaceful nuclear energy in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The agenda of the Conference includes highly pressing issues as the construction of nuclear power plants, ensuring their safety, and environmental aspects of nuclear technology development in coordination with the IAEA. I believe that the event will also focus on innovations, nuclear medicine, promotion of education in this area and training of skilled personnel.

I am confident that all the insights and initiatives discussed during the conference will promote dialogue and international cooperation in this vital field, strengthen energy security and ensure the sustainable development of countries.

Uzbekistan is always ready to cooperate closely with all foreign partners in this priority area.

I wish you all sound health, great achievements in your noble endeavors and success in the conference.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan