TASHKENT, March 2 (Xinhua) -- At present, China has become an important driver of progress on the planet. This was stated in an exclusive interview with Xinhua by the head of the laboratory of anthropology and conflictology of the Institute for Advanced International Studies of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy of Uzbekistan Azamat Seitov.

According to him, China is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, which throughout the history of its development has demonstrated the inner strength to achieve its goals. Xinhua's interlocutor believes that China is now comprehensively implementing the decisions of the 20th National Congress of the CPC. In foreign policy, this means the implementation of Beijing's strategy of openness in the spirit of mutual benefit and gain in the long term. Large-scale Chinese modernization, in turn, will serve as an additional opportunity for the developing countries of the world, opening up new horizons for cooperation.

A. Seitov, using the example of the countries of Central Asia, noted that over the past 30 jubilee years, the relations of the parties have reached the level of strategic partnership. The fundamental principle of interaction between the states of Central Asia and China is respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries, as well as support in matters relating to vital interests.

The Uzbek scientist emphasized that this year marks the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, which in such a short period has opened a wide road for economic progress in many countries of the world. "Uzbekistan considers this initiative of Beijing as a mechanism for strengthening interstate cooperation through the development of land and sea routes, which is turning into a global economic platform before our eyes," A. Seitov said.

In conclusion, the Uzbek scientist stressed that the Uzbek-Chinese cooperation is of a comprehensive strategic nature and covers a variety of areas. "It is based on trusting personal relations established between the heads of the two states. For its part, Uzbekistan attaches priority to further strengthening partnership with China, expanding multifaceted trade, economic, investment and financial cooperation between the two countries based on the principles of mutual benefit, taking into account the interests and equality," summed up A. Seitov. 

Since ancient times, our people have been aware of the importance and value of a peaceful and prosperous life. The crowning achievement of this is the work of Alisher Navoi, who dedicated his humanistic work to the nation and all mankind. One of the main merits of the great poet is the chanting of universal human values, the promotion of goodness, benefactors, the call to all peoples to live in peace and harmony.

It is also indicative that from the inside of the dome of the monument to Alisher Navoi one can read his lines: "People of the world, know: enmity is not a matter, love each other, all truth is in friendship." They demonstrate the highest goals of New Uzbekistan, consonant with the good ideas of the great poet. For example, in the Message of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan, it is noted that we must cherish our peaceful and calm life as an invaluable, highest asset, protect it for the sake of happiness and the future of our families, children and future generations.

Peace is a key condition for the confident movement of our country forward. This is especially important against the backdrop of the events taking place in the international community: the difficult geopolitical situation, the aggravating shortage of energy resources, and the growing need for food.

It is in the conditions of peace that our country has achieved impressive results, namely: as a result of large-scale and effective reforms, the country's gross domestic product for the first time exceeded 80 billion dollars; in 2022 alone, eight billion dollars of foreign direct investment was attracted to the economy of Uzbekistan; the country's exports reached $19 billion

Obviously, all these indicators are possible only in conditions of stability. Thus, a comparative analysis of most foreign military conflicts (interstate and civil) in the period from 1990 to 2016 indicates an obvious decrease in GDP per capita (the figure reaches 64.3 percent) after the end of the conflict.

According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, by mid-2022, more than 100 million people were forced to move to another place of residence due to persecution, conflict, unrest, and human rights violations. This figure is 15 percent higher than the result of the end of 2021. In other words, last year one in 77 people in the world was forced to leave their place of permanent residence, which is twice as many as a decade ago (one in 167 in 2012).

According to research, out of the last 3,400 years of human history, 268 years (eight percent) were peaceful. Only in the last century, 108 million people died from wars. These negative processes do not subside even in our time.

Conflicts also affect both domestic and foreign investors. Depending on the intensity of the clashes, they withdraw capital far abroad or transfer production facilities to other nearby regions.

Domestic investments are most sensitive to armed conflicts, which in turn have a negative impact immediately on both financial and real investments. This is due to the fact that the stock markets and securities in the country of conflict instantly react to it, and investment in capital construction is suspended due to high risks, especially if objects are located in a war zone. At the same time, investors refrain from investing in the development of production due to uncertainty about the future.

As a result, mass unemployment and horrendous inflation. In particular, within the framework of the relevant armed conflicts in Sierra Leone, the devaluation of the national currency in the first year alone amounted to 92.8 percent, in Algeria - 92.3, Serbia - 83.7, Rwanda - 76.9, Burundi - 77.6, Yemen - 70.

The devaluation effect of the armed conflict is due to a complex of reasons. This is the destruction of infrastructure, the reduction in exports and foreign direct investment, the outflow of capital, including banking, the deficit in the foreign exchange market, trade blockades, the rupture of trade and economic ties, and more.

The resettlement of the masses occurs as a result of both military operations and the destruction of social infrastructure, job cuts, and the destruction of businesses. In conditions of forced migration, the self-reproduction of households stops, which turns into poverty, leading to poverty. Thus, the effect of a cyclical increase in the conflict content of society arises, that is, poverty contributes to the emergence of new conflicts.

On the one hand, poverty is a motivation for many people to actively participate in hostilities and use armed conflict as a means of earning money. On the other hand, the destruction of infrastructure, casualties among the civilian population, which means the loss of a breadwinner, the emergence of refugees and the displacement of citizens within the country, together turn into an increase in poverty. Thus, there is a certain cyclicity in the impact of poverty on the occurrence of clashes and its increase as a result of conflict.

Therefore, it is important that, while maintaining a peaceful and calm life in the country, strengthening its independence, Uzbekistan continues the path of sustainable development at an accelerated pace. This is the main reason why the entire multinational people of the republic values ​​this priceless and highest asset.

However, Uzbekistan's desire for peace and stability does not mean that we are defenseless. As noted by the head of state in the Message: "We are able to ensure the security and territorial integrity of our beloved Motherland." With well-deserved respect and pride in our country, they treat the defenders of the Motherland, who reliably ensure the inviolability of borders and peaceful life. For example, in the ranking of the armies of the world Global Firepower Index 2023, Uzbekistan ranked 62nd among 145 countries.

The Address noted that in the context of ensuring peace in the country, the military-patriotic education of youth, the role of the older generation in raising children and young people, so that they grow up as harmoniously developed personalities, is of great importance.

In general, emphasis is placed on ensuring that the life of every person in our country is peaceful and happy, that he is healthy, gets a good education, and ensures the well-being of his family.