Результаты конференции 19-sentabr | Page 39

Another important area for cooperation is the study of the German language in educational institutions of Uzbekistan. In this regard, we should also continue the activities aimed at promoting the study of the German language. The German language is highly valued in Uzbekistan. Currently, there are more than 450 thousand German language learners in our country. This figure shows that we need to create the necessary conditions for learning German. Security issues are also one of the Central areas of bilateral cooperation. Uzbekistan considers cooperation and interaction with Germany in particular and with the European Union as a whole in the field of the fight against terrorism, religious extremism, organized crime and drug trafficking as an essential component of the measures aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region. Our country not only declares its intentions, but also purposefully takes concrete steps in the fight against international terrorism, religious extremism, drug trafficking, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Uzbekistan believes that stability in Central Asia is an important component of the overall security system. We believe that the further intensification of contacts between law enforcement agencies of the EU and Central Asia is an important factor in ensuring overall security. Uzbekistan is interested in such cooperation. I would like to emphasize that the strengthening of borders and the fight against the drug threat are equally in the interests of the Central Asian countries on the one hand, and the EU on the other. European and German investments in strengthening border security and creating effective barriers to drugs are investments in the security not only of Central Asian countries, but also of European States. It is better to deal with this threat on the approaches than to experience its negative consequences on its territory. Therefore, the expansion of assistance in the material and technical equipment of the relevant structures of Uzbekistan, training of specialists of customs, border and anti-drug services is very important, for both Uzbekistan and Germany. To sum up, I would like to note that Uzbekistan is open to further cooperation with Germany based on the principles of equality and mutual respect. We believe that this cooperation should be based on the principle of bilateral counter-movement, meet the interests of both sides and focus on achieving real results. Thank you for attention! 39