AKIPRESS.COM - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has delivered remarks to the General Assembly on the death of Islam Karimov, President of Uzbekistan, in New York today.

"I join with all of you in extending our condolences to the bereaved family of the late President of Uzbekistan, Mr. Islam Karimov.

As the first President of the independent Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr. Karimov undertook wide-ranging efforts to further the economic and social development of his country.

Uzbekistan made notable progress towards the Millennium Development Goals, and has supported the new Sustainable Development Goals. Uzbekistan has also contributed to stability and development in Afghanistan, and has strived to support peace and security across the region.

Among the most important initiatives of President Karimov’s tenure was the promotion of the Treaty to establish the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone, which entered into force in 2009.

I have visited Uzbekistan twice as Secretary-General, most recently in June 2015. I felt the warmth of the country’s people, and saw the good cooperation that exists between Uzbekistan and the United Nations. I also witnessed the devastation in and around the Aral Sea. I urge the international community to intensify its support for Uzbekistan’s efforts to cope with the consequences of this disaster.

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 freedoms, building democratic institutions and nurturing a climate of inclusion and dialogue.

As the Government and people of Uzbekistan embark on the next chapter in the country’s history, I reiterate the full commitment of the United Nations, including the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, to continue working closely for peace, development and human rights for all the people of Uzbekistan and beyond.

Once again, my condolences on the loss of President Karimov."