Home / Documents / Speeches / French Ambassador

Your Excellency Mr. Nazirov, Your Excellency Mr Shareef, Ambassadors, Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you all for coming - and thank you, Mr Nazirov, for your gracious hosting - and your kind words of introduction.

Today I represent the Presidency of the European Union – and the Union is proud to be a partner in this Mother and Child Healthcare Programme. The training for healthcare professionals getting underway today marks the onset of real, practical developments that will touch the lives of hundreds of thousands of families across Uzbekistan.

It is only through our tripartite partnership that this is possible. The Government of Uzbekistan, the European Union and UNICEF each bring unique expertise - and add unique value to the programme. Our unity of purpose and ongoing coordination are the keys to success.

The EU has a strong commitment to our Eastern neighbours. Through our neighborhood policy, our engagement is bringing Europe and Central Asia closer together. We face similar challenges, challenges we can never fully tackle alone.

The EU’s Strategy for Central Asia provides the overall framework for our relations. It strengthens our dialogue, strengthens regional cooperation and illustrates the importance of Central Asia to Europe.

Across the region the EU is a leading donor; with assistance of over € 1 billion already committed. Within the 2007-2013 budget the Union will double the financial assistance to Central Asian States.

For the EU and Uzbekistan, the launch today is illustrative of a strengthening and forward looking partnership.

The Union’s top decision making body, the Council of Ministers, recently welcomed Uzbekistan’s progress in the rule of law, the protection of human rights and other areas. Today shows our commitment translated into action.

We are clearly privileged to have the unique and global expertise of UNICEF onboard. UNICEF works with the EU in over 60 countries worldwide; in health, education and sustainable development. We are delighted to be partners in Uzbekistan.

I know from first hand experience the specialist knowledge and capacity that UNICEF brings to the table. I look forward to continuing our close coordination in this programme and to exploring further areas for cooperation in future.
Ladies and Gentlemen, nothing can be better than improving care for the most vulnerable. This is our shared aim.
Achieving this aim is only made possible through partnership. Working closely together, sharing expertise and continuing our effective coordination are the keys are ensuring sustainable, quality care for mothers and children across Uzbekistan.


Thank you