Uzbekistan condemns Middle East escalation, backs regional diplomatic efforts

Uzbekistan has renewed its call for de-escalation in the Middle East, backing diplomatic efforts across the region, including those led by Qatar, as tensions continue to threaten regional security and stability.In a statement issued on Saturday, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “deep concern” over the further deterioration of the situation in the Middle East, including recent missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia.The ministry strongly condemned the use of force against civilians, civilian facilities and energy infrastructure, warning that such attacks also threaten the security of regional states and international navigation.Tashkent also stressed the need for “strict compliance with international law and respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states”, calling for disputes to be resolved exclusively through political and diplomatic means. As part of the statement, Uzbekistan also voiced support for efforts by the United Nations and countries across the region to de-escalate tensions, prevent the conflict from spreading further, and establish lasting peace in the Middle East.The statement follows months of high-level coordination between Qatar and Uzbekistan over the regional situation.Qatar has been among the countries engaged in regional diplomatic efforts, with Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussing Middle East developments and regional peace and stability during a phone call in July.In July, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a phone call with Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during which the two leaders discussed regional developments and efforts towards achieving peace and stability in the Middle East.The two leaders had also spoken in March as the conflict peaked across the region, stressing the importance of de-escalation, restraint and diplomatic solutions. Uzbekistan said at the time that actions threatening state sovereignty, peace and stability should immediately cease.More recently, on September 3, the Amir received a verbal message from President Mirziyoyev concerning bilateral relations and regional and international developments. The message was delivered in Doha by Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of Uzbekistan’s Presidential Administration.