Toast Speech by President Halimah Yacob at The State Banquet Hosted in Honour of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of The Republic of Uzbekistan

Your Excellency, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev,

Excellencies,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to host tonight’s State Banquet in honour of President Mirziyoyev and distinguished members of the Uzbek delegation. This is President Mirziyoyev’s first State Visit to Singapore and the second by an Uzbek President.

Singapore and Uzbekistan enjoy close and friendly ties. We commemorated the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year. While there are obvious differences between our two countries in terms of size and geography, we share common interests. First, we have leveraged our strategic locations to make ourselves relevant to the world. One cannot talk about the Silk Road without mentioning famous cities along the ancient trade routes, such as Samarkand, Khiva, and Bukhara. In the contemporary age, Uzbekistan remains at the heart of Central Asia, providing a land-bridge between Asia and Europe. Similarly, Singapore serves as a key maritime node with its port becoming the second largest container port in the world. On the aviation front, Singapore’s Changi Airport remains among the top global airports despite challenges during the pandemic. There is scope for Singapore and Uzbekistan to strengthen our linkages and work together to enhance supply chain connectivity and resilience.

Second, Singapore and Uzbekistan have diverse multi-ethnic and multi-religious societies. We share a mutual goal to promote inter-faith dialogue and harmony among different races. There is much we can learn from each other in this area. In December 2018, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly unanimously adopted Resolution 73/128 on “Enlightenment and Religious Tolerance” which was initiated by President Mirziyoyev. Singapore was happy to co-sponsor this important resolution. I personally share President Mirziyoyev’s desire to promote greater tolerance and mutual respect amongst people of different faiths. This was why Singapore initiated and hosted the International Conference on Cohesive Societies in 2019 and 2022. We certainly welcome closer collaboration with Uzbekistan in this important area.

Third, Singapore and Uzbekistan share a common interest to promote peace and stability in Asia. We face a complex and troubling geopolitical environment. As a small state, Singapore is a consistent and staunch supporter of international law and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. We believe the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of all countries, big or small, must be respected. Singapore and Uzbekistan can work together to promote a rules-based global order and to strengthen multilateralism to tackle the serious challenges facing the world today. Singapore strongly supports Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organisation and looks forward to its membership in due course.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, as we look forward to a post-pandemic world, a key lesson from the last three years is the importance of forging trust and cooperation among partners. It is in this spirit that Singapore looks forward to deepening its ties with Uzbekistan in the years ahead. We welcome Uzbekistan’s interest in Singapore’s experience in areas such as education, transport, public administration, and civil service training. I hope that Singapore can play a small part in Uzbekistan’s development as it strives to achieve its “Development Strategy of the New Uzbekistan” under President Mirziyoyev’s leadership.

Your Excellency, President Mirziyoyev,

Excellencies, Distinguished guests,

I understand that Uzbekistan is currently experiencing a wave of cold weather which is abnormal. President Mirziyoyev has had to therefore shorten his visit to Singapore. Nonetheless, I hope that President Mirziyoyev’s time in Singapore was still a fruitful and productive one.

May I now invite you to join me in a toast to:

• The good health and success of President Mirziyoyev;

• The progress and prosperity of the people of Uzbekistan; and

• The continued friendship between our countries.