DFA Undersecretary Delivers Lecture on Philippine Foreign Policy at University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Tashkent

TASHKENT 23 September 2024 - Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro visited the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan to deliver a lecture focusing on independent Philippine Foreign Policy, as well as an overview of the relations between the Philippines and Uzbekistan. 

University students with impressionable and inquisitive minds from various disciplines attended the event which exceeded the allotted time. They asked incisive questions on Philippine experience and relationship with its ASEAN neighbors, trade prospects between the Philippines and Uzbekistan, top Philippines tourist destinations, and the Undersecretary’s own experience as a woman leader in diplomacy, a field traditionally dominated by men.

Undersecretary Lazaro also exchanged ideas with First Vice Rector Akrom Umarov on establishing collaborations between UWED and leading Philippine universities. Such efforts are important in enhancing people to people linkages not just between the Philippines and Uzbekistan, but also between the ASEAN and Central Asian regions. 

The UWED is one of the top universities in Uzbekistan and was established in 1992 under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Most students of UWED are expected to become diplomats, and head of various government agencies and industries.

The Undersecretary’s visit to UWED was held at the sidelines of the 3rd Philippines-Uzbekistan Bilateral Consultations held on 17 September in Tashkent.  END