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It is an honour to be here today and to sign a Host Country Agreement between the Government of Uzbekistan and UNOPS.

For UNOPS, today marks an important milestone in the partnership with the Government of Uzbekistan and our work in Central Asia at large.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend Uzbekistan for having set a strong and comprehensive reform agenda, which is supported through the engagement with many IFIs and other donors, while also encouraging foreign direct investment, in support of Uzbekistan's socio-economic development.

UNOPS, as part of the UN Country Team in Uzbekistan, remains fully committed to supporting the Government’s efforts to achieve its National Development priorities, the SDGs and to implement the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021-2025.

We know that infrastructure influences over 90 per cent of all targets across the Sustainable Development Goals. UNOPS is committed to working for the people of Uzbekistan to meet your aspirations to construct and rehabilitate key infrastructure, including hospitals, schools and transport systems.

We are grateful to the Government of Uzbekistan - especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry Trade, Investment and International Trade and the Ministry of Health - for partnering with UNOPS towards the SDG3 on health.

Through our collaboration, we look forward to expanding access to quality medical facilities and equipment across all regions of Uzbekistan to improve the delivery of healthcare services.

We are proud to strengthen our partnership with the Government of Uzbekistan by establishing this Host Country Agreement today. Allow me to thank you for your trust and confidence in UNOPS, and our ongoing engagement.

Please count on UNOPS’ commitment and support to implement the achievement of Uzbekistan’s national development priorities as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.

Thank you.