A plenary meeting of the United Nations General Assembly started with a tribute to the First President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov. The participants of this authoritative forum- UN representatives, delegates from 193 countries, Heads of State, politicians and others have paid a tribute to the memory of President Islam Karimov.

As UN news centre reported, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the chairman of the 71st session of the General Assembly Peter Thomson and others spoke about great works of Islam Karimov on ensuring prosperity of Uzbekistan, peace and stability of our region. 

In his speech, Ban Ki-moon, expressing sincere condolences to the family of late and the people of Uzbekistan, emphasized: 

- Islam Karimov has undertaken extensive efforts to promote socio-economic development of Uzbekistan. During the years of independence, the country has made significant progress in implementation of the Millennium Development Goals and supported the new objectives of sustainable development. Under the leadership of the President Uzbekistan has made great efforts to maintain peace and security in the region. One of the most important initiatives of Islam Karimov was the promotion of the Treaty on the zone free from nuclear weapons in Central Asia, which entered into force in 2009. 

UN Secretary General noted that he has visited Uzbekistan twice as Secretary-General. “Today, 25 years after Uzbekistan achieved its independence, and as President Karimov himself once said, the “interests, rights and freedoms” of the people should be at the centre of all development efforts.” 

The United Nations remains committed to assist Uzbekistan in advancing fundamental reforms. 

During the meeting, representatives of the five UN regional groups (Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Western Europe) made statements. Expressing deepest condolences to the Government and the people of Uzbekistan, delegates noted that Islam Karimov was a true leader of his nation. According to them, a huge success in the history of modern Uzbek state is inextricably linked with his name. Under the guidance of Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan conducted a foreign policy that will ensure security and stability in Central Asia.