In particular, Catherine Pujol has noted that “in a short historical period of its independence, the country has achieved tangible results in all spheres of activity.

Uzbekistan, choosing its own path of development, revised and upgraded the main sectors of the economy, improved social protection systems, taken steps to attract foreign investment, as well as forming their own positions in international relations.

It is particularly important that all the innovations carried out in accordance with national traditions and with expectation for a long-term.

Today Uzbekistan combines modernity, ancient history and culture of the Silk Road.

Regarding the initiatives of Uzbekistan on the settlement of the Afghan problem, in particular, the establishment under the auspices of the United Nations a 6+3 Contact Group on Afghanistan, the expert stressed: “In spite of the inadequate and difficult situation in neighboring countries, particularly, in Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, in Uzbekistan to preserve peace and stability. This is because of the leadership of the country, which was from the very beginning paid much attention to issues of stability and security both at home and in the region. President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, long before the events of September 11, 2001 “sounded the alarm” about the terrorist threat emanating from Afghanistan.

By building its foreign policy, especially taking into account national interests, Uzbekistan was able to install and continues to maintain equal and balanced relations with partners such as Russia, China and the United States”.

Furthermore, Catherine Pujol noted that in the recent years the Uzbek authorities have been showing a reasonable concern about the difficult ecological situation in the region, particularly, dangerous environmental policies of the neighboring countries - Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. In her view, building a huge dam in Rogun seismically unstable zone, as it intends to do in Dushanbe, it seems unthinkable. “These plans represent a real threat to people and ecology of the region. Imperative that the international community finally drew attention to the difficult situation in the region and to assist in resolving the existing problems there”, the expert said.