On October 25, 2019, Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Ambassador Sherzod Asadov met with OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, during which prospects for further strengthening bilateral cooperation were discussed.

At the meeting, close and effective cooperation established between OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and relevant state bodies, in particular, the Agency for Information and Mass Communications under the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan, as well as measures taken by the Government to ensure freedom of speech and press in the country, was praised.

In this context, the international roundtable discussion devoted to issues of ensuring freedom of the media organized by AIMC in Samarkand on October 11 was emphasized. The event was attended by 20 ambassadors from Vienna – Permanent Representatives of the OSCE participating States.

The parties also exchanged views on current issues related to the protection and promotion of the principles of freedom of speech and expression, assistance from the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media in the study of foreign best practices in lawmaking in the media.

Following the meeting, in order to strengthen effective dialogue, a number of joint and regional events in the media freedom in Uzbekistan are scheduled for 2020.