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The letter of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan

04.04.2012, Jahon News

To the Prime Minister
of the Republic of Tajikistan
A.G.Akylov

Dear Akyl Ghaybullayevich,

By thoroughly learning the substance of Your message of March 31, 2012, we would like to inform that on the issues raised in that letter we have numerously given the exhaustive answers and explanations through letters №06/15-2695 of November 2, 2009, №05/15-845 of July 25, 2011, №12/37510 of December 15, 2011 and №02/15-217 of March 30, 2012.

Their essence and substance are as follows:

First, the fact that Uzbekistan has left the so-called “Unified energy system of Central Asia” is related, firstly, to that it was established in the Soviet period as a part of the unified energy system of the USSR and in the post-Soviet period it has demonstrated its incapacity given the lack of real mechanisms of its normal operation that threaten with anthropogenic accidents, as well as given regular unauthorized pull-out of electric power by Tajikistan from neighboring countries. Secondly, Uzbekistan took such a decision in the aftermath of decisions taken by Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan which have earlier gradually announced about their departure from the “Unified energy system of Central Asia”.

Second, As much as the railway connection is concerned, it should be underscored that during the years of independence Uzbekistan has consistently ensured and continues to ensure along the network of its railroads the uninterrupted transit of the Tajik goods. The forced stoppage for a short period of time of the transit of goods in the branch line Galaba-Amuzang was related to tragic events of November 2011, which You are also aware of.

It is also necessary to keep in mind that full wear of the railroad bed which was built more than 50 years ago and often breakdowns don’t permit to utilize its traffic capacity for more than 10 percent and ensure its further safe operation.

Nevertheless, despite these circumstances, all goods bound to the Khatlon section of the Tajik railroad are uninterruptedly transited to other sections of Tajikistan’s railroad though the interstate butting area of Kudukly and there are no delays in travel of railroad coaches along this direction.

Third, I would like also to inform that rise of tariffs is a forced measure as much as a reciprocal move for the railroad administration of Uzbekistan, since Tajikistan’s railroad administration – the State Unitary Enterprise “Rokhi okhani Tochikiston” during a short period of time has risen tariffs manifold, and in particular, in 2011 – threefold, and in 2012 – by 40 percent. Meanwhile, during this period the rise of tariffs introduced by the State Joint-Stock Railroad Company “Uzbekiston temir yollari” has made up just 30 and 32 percent, respectively.

It should be noted that the rise of tariffs has also been triggered by repeated growth of prices for a rolling stock, spare parts, components, fuel and lubricants, as well as operating costs.

Fourth, As much as the natural gas supplies are concerned, I would like to underscore the following. The Joint Stock Company “Uztransgaz” has fulfilled in full its guaranteed contract supplies envisaged for this year in the amount of 45 million cubic meters of natural gas to the Open Joint-Stock Company “Tajiktransgas”, and this issue is a subject of interaction of economic entities as it is accepted in international practice.

The Tajik Side must be well aware of the fact that given the operation of the Turkmen and Uzbek gas pipeline system apart from one another, the transit of the Turkmen gas through Uzbekistan’s territory is impossible.

Fifth, during the acute phase of the civil war in Tajikistan in 1992-1996 the law-enforcement bodies of Uzbekistan had to plant mines (besides it was in the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan) in certain high-mountain areas of the state border with an altitude of no less than 3,5 kilometers, where the danger of penetration of band formations and unrestrained flow of drug trafficking to the territory of Uzbekistan was immediate, while the normal communication is undertaken through the agreed border crossing areas and it gives rise to no complaints on the part of both sides.

Sixth, The visa regime between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Tajikistan was established in 2000 based on the signed intergovernmental agreement about mutual travels of citizens which corresponds to the universally recognized norms of international law.

All of the aforementioned as well as the cited facts do once again confirm that on the issues mentioned in Your letter the position of the Government and relevant economic structures of Uzbekistan is absolutely well-founded and fully meets the norms of international law, and any claims of the Tajik Side do not have any grounds.


Sincerely,

Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Shavkat Mirziyoyev

 

 

President Meets with Chief of US Central Command

30.03.2012, Janon News

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met with Commander of the United States Central Command James Mattis at the Oqsaroy March 29.

During the conversation the head of our state noted that Uzbekistan and the United States have lately been bolstering comprehensive interaction in such vital spheres as economy and investments, political dialogue, countering new threats and challenges, regional security and stability.

The two sides at the Oqsaroy exchanged views on the current developments in the region, the situation in Afghanistan, as well as prospects of enhancing bilateral relations in areas we share interest, including military and military-technical issues, UzA informs.

James Mattis thanked the President of Uzbekistan for the meeting and conveyed the willingness of the United States to work toward expansion of mutually advantageous Uzbek-American partnership built on principles of respect and confidence.

 

 

President Islam Karimov’s Greeting Address at Navruz Festive Occasion

23.03.2012

Dear compatriots!

Esteemed guests!

In these fabulous days filled with sunny warmth, when the nature awakens, the breath of spring is felt more plainly, when our wonderful land is dressed with green attire, I take a great pleasure to congratulate you, my dear friends, and the entire people of Uzbekistan, from the bottom of my heart, on the holiday of Navruz, a holiday of rebirth and rejuvenation.

For all of us, the Navruz is the start of a new year in the Eastern calendar, a symbol of noble aspirations and hopes for a rich harvest, abundance and prosperity, the most ancient, the most favorite holiday of our people, the one free of any political trends, an integral part of our spirituality and national values.

As far back as millennia ago, when Avesto came into being, our forefathers used to celebrate the coming of the new year – Navruz, by feeling themselves part of the nature, in such blissful spring days as we have right now, on the banks of Sirdarya and Amudarya, in wide spaces, in urban and rural areas of Turan. It was this period of the year when they used to start field works, sow the seeds in the blessed soil, and wished one another peace and prosperity, inspired by gracious thoughts and dreams.

The spirit and philosophy of the Navruz has always facilitated human life in harmony with native land and nature, the awakening of aspiration in the soul of everyone, irrespective of their ethnic origin and faith, for creation and wellbeing, consolidation of harmony and unity in society.

All this is being confirmed clearly today when the residents of our country are celebrating the Navruz with great joy and folk festivities, diverse performances; they enrich the table with traditional spring meals of sumalak, halim, kuk-somsa, gujja and the like.

The fine qualities distinct in our people – kindness and compassion, care and consideration to the honored aksakals and mothers, to those in need of support, the disabled, the orphans, the low-income families – are manifest even brighter in these days and are omnipresent.

These are the very reasons we look forward for this vivid and magnificent holiday, try to reveal our most splendid and infinite happiness.

This is the very reason why both in the antiquity and in the recent past, the evil forces, however formidable, failed to deprive us, our people from the Navruz.

One can state for sure, without any doubt, that owing primarily to the will and determination of the people, to its resolution to preserve its customs and traditions, the unfading values of ancestors, the Navruz has been endowing us with its vital force and beauty even today – across millennia.

I believe I will be voicing your common view, dear compatriots, if I say that our hearts are overfilled with a sense of tremendous pride for we are posterity and heirs of so great a people who values its virtue and honor, its national self-consciousness.

Dear friends!

Naturally, past the long and severe winter, every person is as if born anew, discovers the environment differently by feeling the tender warmth of sunray, by inhaling a light, clear spring air.

Indeed, all of us are meeting the current spring with greatest ever delight, special mood, and are confident that we will further also the set out high goals in 2012 announced as the Year of Family in our country.

The noble undertakings, wide-ranging reforms on democratization and liberalization of society will be continued, while the level of welfare and quality of life is to grow thanks to mounting population incomes, pensions, allowances, stipends.

Our people have from ancient times compared youth to spring, planted trees and gardens with kind thoughts about the future of their children. Today, looking at these energetic, goal-minded youths who have gathered here in this beautiful park where we are inspired by the image of the great Alisher Navoi, I would like to say:

Our dear and sacred Motherland believes in every one of you.

May this high confidence always inspire you and lend you power. And try to be always worth that trust, my dear kids!

Taking this opportunity, on this marvelous holiday, we cordially greet and express our kindest wishes to all our friends and partners, nations and peoples in near and far abroad, who have been cooperating with us and supporting our country on its path of dynamic development.

Allow me to convey gratitude to the respected ambassadors of foreign nations, representatives of international institutions present here, all the partners, overseas friends, and congratulate them sincerely on the Navruz holiday.

Dear compatriots!

I would like to express again my deep respect and earnest wishes to you who have gathered at this brilliant and glorious square, and to all our people in your person.

May peace and harmony, prosperity and abundance reign in every family and entire country!

I wish happiness and sound health to you all!

May the Almighty protect our people and country from various misfortunes and disasters!

Happy Navruz, my dear friends!

President Meets with UK Defense Secretary

29.02.2012, Jahon News

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met with State Secretary for Defense of the United Kingdom Philip Hammond MP at the Oqsaroy February 28.

The head of our state noted during the meeting that the event presented with a good opportunity for a detailed exchange of views on the current state of Uzbek-British relations, prospective priorities of cooperation, and for evaluation of situation in the wider region.

Great Britain is considered in Uzbekistan one of the world’s leading nations wielding tremendous political, economic and humanitarian potential, rich ancient history and culture.

A pragmatic approach to building bilateral relations allows to project broader prospects for enhancement and amplification of multilevel dialogue, for reinforcement of mutual understanding, and hence creation of an encouraging environment and prerequisites to boost cooperation.

Currently, our two countries have been interacting in the international arena on the basis of equality and mutual advantage. Inter-parliamentary contacts, consultations between foreign ministries, interagency joint efforts have been afforded a regular character and institutional foundation.

The United Kingdom is one of Uzbekistan’s important economic partners in Europe. 419 businesses with British capital have been functioning effectively in our country, while 95 companies have representative offices. The two sides share interest in implementing joint economic schemes with the application of high technologies.

Interaction has been steadfast also in the cultural and humanitarian area, primarily in education. Westminster International University in Tashkent has been critical in bolstering the specialist pool and capacities of our country. Efforts are underway to establish a Center of High Technologies in Uzbekistan’s capital city in cooperation with Cambridge University.

Discussions during today’s conversation at the Oqsaroy included regional security and stability issues, the situation in Afghanistan, prospects of furthering bilateral military and military-technical cooperation, UzA informs.

Philip Hammond has thanked the President of Uzbekistan for a sincere meeting, a candid and open discussion of novel aspects of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the UK, in which both sides share equal interest.

 

Senate holds plenary session, adopts new laws

09.12.2011, UzA

The seventh plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan opened in Tashkent on 5 December.

The senators considered the issue of the amnesty in connection with the 19th anniversary of the Constitution of Uzbekistan, submitted to the upper house of parliament by President Islam Karimov.

It was noted that the adoption of the amnesty act on the eve of the 19th anniversary of the Constitution was another demonstration of humanity of the state, in which the human rights and interests are the highest value, the essence of the democratic, political and socioeconomic reforms.

It is envisaged to implement a package of measures aimed at social adaptation, including employment, and protection of persons who are freed from punishment on the amnesty act.

The senators also approved the State Budget of Uzbekistan for 2012. The document stipulates further reduction of the tax burden on economic entities and individuals, creating favorable conditions for further modernization, technical and technological reequipment of enterprises, simplifying the tax system, and implementation of other measures needed to stimulate the economic growth and increase the real income of the population.

In order to support the accelerated development of small business, the single tax for enterprises in the industry sector will be reduced from 6 to 5 percent. Besides, the minimum tax rate on personal income will be reduced by 1 percentage point, which will ensure reduction of tax for each group of taxpayers.

The State Budget for 2012 envisages maintaining high expenditures for social services and social support, with their share making up 58.6 percent of the total expenditures. In particular, funding for education, healthcare, increasing salaries and social allowances is being increased.

The Senate approved the Program of creation of workplaces and employment of the population in 2012, developed by the Cabinet of Ministers. The document provides for creation of 967,500 jobs next year, mostly in rural areas, by implementing the Investment program of 2012, the Program of localization of production for 2011-2013, regional socioeconomic and industrial development and regional investment programs.

The senators approved the Law “On introducing amendment in Article 90 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan”, submitted by the head of the state. The amendment reduces the term of office of the President from the current seven years to five. In this regard, amendments are also introduced in other legislative acts of Uzbekistan.

It was noted that during the 20 years of independent development, Uzbekistan has come a long way of reformation of the government and the constitutional principle of separation of powers, formation of an effective system of checks and balances among them, increasing the role and powers of the legislative and representative authorities at the central and local levels, and strengthening the independence of the judiciary.

In the framework of consistent, systematic and large-scale reforms, the work has been carried out to transfer to the legislative and executive structures of the part of the rights and powers of the President, which the head of the state was given in the first years of formation of the national statehood and the free market economy. One of the politico-legal acts of great importance was the abolition of the post of the chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, which was previously held by the President, and transfer of these powers to the Prime Minister, as well as exclusion from the Constitution of the norms stating that the President was the head of the executive power.

With the formation of the two-house parliament, the larger part of the President’s powers was passed and is today successfully carried out by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan.

The senators stressed that all of these and other measures were a concrete evidence of purposeful, gradual and evolutionary advancement of the country on the path of democratization and liberalization of the political and economic system, and realization of the long-term goal that Uzbekistan has set – to join the developed democratic states.

As the senators noted, the adoption of the law establishing the five-year term of electing the President instead of the existing seven years reflected the objective reality, the logic and sequence of reforms implemented in the country. This meets the requirements of the currently realized Concept of further deepening of democratic reforms and formation of civil society in the country, as well as the practice prevailing in most developed democracies of the world.

The Senate then approved the Law “On introducing changes and amendments to the Criminal Procedures Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan”. The main purpose of the law, which extends the number of cases for launching and investigating criminal cases on the complaint of the victim, is further liberalization of criminal procedures legislation.

A number of laws that the Senate passed were developed in accordance with the Concept of further deepening of democratic reforms and the formation of civil society in the country proposed by President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov at the joint session of the chambers of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan on 12 November 2010.

These include the Law “On competition”, amendments to the laws “On telecommunications”, “On state statistics”, “On subsoils”, and “On tax consulting”.

Uzbekistan celebrates Constitution Day

08.12.2011, Jahon News

 

 

 

President of Uzbekistan receives WHO Director-General

26.11.2011, Jahon News

 

 

Achieving MDGs: experience of Uzbekistan

22.11.2011, Jahon News

 

 

 

Hungarian President starts official visit to Uzbekistan

07.11.2011, UzA

On the invitation of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, President of the Republic of Hungary Pal Schmitt has arrived in Tashkent November 6 with official visit.

The visit’s major events started on November 7 from an official ceremony of meeting at the Kuksaroy country complex with members of delegations, chiefs of diplomatic missions and representative offices of international organizations accredited in Uzbekistan.

A guard of honor lined up to greet the high-ranking guest. Islam Karimov and Pal Schmitt rose to the podium to pay tribute to state anthems of our two countries. The Presidents reviewed the guard of honor.

Following the ceremony, the heads of the two states started bilateral negotiations with a conversation in a contracted manner.

The two leaders agreed that the current meeting constitutes a logical continuation of their September 2010 prolific bilateral talks during the UN Millennium Development Goals summit in New York.

Islam Karimov has suggested the official visit by the President of Hungary is considered in Uzbekistan an important stage in the evolution of bilateral relations, a good opportunity to afford a substantial impetus in these new, dynamically changing circumstances, to the advancement of multidimensional cooperation and mutually advantageous partnership between our two nations.

Uzbekistan stands to further these goals given the tremendous potential, including the strategically pivotal location of both countries in Central Asia and Central Europe, respectively.

Our country is also interested in boosting interaction with Hungary within the framework of the European Union, and is willing to keep forward comprehensive efforts toward materialization of EU’s Central Asia Strategy.

President Pal Schmitt stressed that Hungary regards Uzbekistan as an important partner in Central Asia and acknowledges our nation’s growing role in international politics.

With relations stretching back to the depth of ages, the Uzbek and Hungarian peoples deserve to take pride in their unique histories, the rich spiritual and cultural heritage and gracious deeds of great ancestors who made a significant input into the progress of world civilization as well as their own national histories. These objective premises set a reliable backbone to foster the traditional relations to a higher rank.

In the course of the candid and constructive conversation at the Kuksaroy complex, Islam Karimov and Pal Schmitt have thoroughly deliberated on a wide range of topics pertaining to the current state and prospects of Uzbek-Hungarian interaction, and exchanged views on principal issues in regional and international affairs. The two leaders confirmed proximity or a match of approaches to addressing the matters under consideration.

In particular, the two sides expressed unity in their serious concern with the intensification and escalation of conflict in Afghanistan. It has been pointed out that the current developments in Afghanistan clearly suggest that there is no military solution to the Afghan crisis. Only through compromise and consensus reached among the confronting parties and engaging the Afghans themselves in this process, can there be a way out of the present deadlock.

Hungary’s leader said his country highly appreciates the peace-loving policy of Uzbekistan, including the latter’s initiatives and practical strides toward addressing the situation in Afghanistan and its economic recovery.

The bilateral talks continued in an extended format when the heads of state were joined by other members of official delegations, UzA informs.

A significant emphasis during the negotiations was placed on furthering the trade and investment cooperation. That trend is backed by objective circumstances brought about by the remarkable effects of wide-ranging reforms undertaken in our two countries and the related growth in the appeal of national economies. Noteworthy in this regard is the mutually complementary nature of our economic systems.

The shared interest in boosting relations has been underscored in this respect, indicated by the fact that President Pal Schmitt is accompanied by an imposing delegation of leading Hungarian businesses from key sectors of national economy. They include heads of companies in foods and pharmaceuticals sectors, energy-saving technologies production, agricultural goods reprocessing enterprises, banking and finances, logistics, travel and engineering areas and so forth.

The dynamic growth of the Uzbek economy and the extensive preferences for foreign investors can serve as a solid backbone for a substantial rise in the volumes of Hungarian investments into our country in such priority spheres as chemical and pharmaceutical industry, medical equipment manufacturing, and agriculture and foods.

A range of representative offices are accredited, while numerous enterprises with participation of Hungarian capital are currently working in Uzbekistan.

Expounding on bilateral trade, the parties stressed that its growth exceeded 37 percent in 2010. At the same time, trade volumes hardly match the growing economic capacities of both Uzbekistan and Hungary, and that commerce can be cardinally shored up by an effective utilization of reserves and expansion of trade stock-lists.

Uzbekistan can uninterruptedly supply Hungary with cotton fiber and yarn, ready textiles, cables, precious and nonferrous metals, chemical industry goods and many other products in demand in the Central European country.

The major outcome of Uzbek-Hungarian highest-level talks has come to be the Joint Declaration which contains an expression of satisfaction with the fact that “cooperation between our two nations has been enhancing since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992 to serve the longer-term national interests of both sides.” Shared intention has been fixed to elevate bilateral interaction to a higher stage by bolstering the cooperation in a wide specter of dimensions, by expanding the exchange and further building up reciprocal contacts.

A large package of bilateral documents covering diverse spheres of cooperation has also been signed.

In particular, the Economic Cooperation Agreement stipulates setting up an intergovernmental commission composed of representatives of relevant government agencies and companies and covering in its activities practically the entire range of Uzbek-Hungarian interaction in trade and investment areas.

In accordance with Protocol on the Cooperation of Foreign Affairs Ministries of Uzbekistan and Hungary, an encouraging environment is to be created for establishing direct contacts and exchange of experience among diplomats.

Of foremost significance are the documents penned on cooperation in hydrocarbon industry, standardization and certification, metrology, and that between commerce and industry chambers of the two nations.

In his statement for mass media, President Islam Karimov has suggested that the talks with President Pal Schmitt were held in the spirit of constructivism, openness and mutual confidence, and that the negotiations will in every way possible facilitate consolidation and advancement of productive partnership bonds between the two countries for the good of the friendly peoples of Uzbekistan and Hungary.

The current visit will help enhance mutual ties and foster contacts between business circles of our two countries.

Pal Schmitt has said that the talks constitute a momentous step toward expansion of cooperation, and stressed in particular that during the meeting he had a chance to congratulate in the person of President Islam Karimov the entire Uzbek people on the 20th anniversary of national independence, and that our country has been making remarkable accomplishments on the way of independent development. President Schmitt also expressed satisfaction with President Karimov accepting the invitation to pay a visit to Hungary.

On the second half of the day, President Pal Schmitt traveled to the central plaza of Uzbekistan – Mustaqillik Square – and laid wrath to the Monument of Independence and Humanism that symbolizes the freedom, the bright future and the gracious aspirations of our people.

The high-ranking guest expressed keen interest in the wide-scale architectural and beautification efforts that have had the square attain a holistic and modern look deserving the great history and grand prospects in the development of our nation who has just celebrated its twentieth anniversary.

During the trip to the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis, President Schmitt got familiarized with the work of the lower house of our parliament.

At a meeting with Speaker Dilorom Tashmuhamedova, the high-ranking guest has been provided with detailed information on the peculiarities in the activities of Legislative Chamber assigned an important role in the implementation of Concept of Intensifying the Democratic Reforms and Forming Civil Society in the Country proposed by the President of Uzbekistan in 2010.

On this same day, Pal Schmitt has visited one of Tashkent’s major tourist attractions – State Museum of Temurids’ History, where the Hungarian leader left a note in the Book of Honored Guests.

 

 

Uzbekistan and UN expand cooperation

25.10.2011, Jahon News

Tashkent hosted an event dedicated to the United Nations Day. It was attended by members of the Senate and the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, representatives of ministries and departments, NGOs and international organizations.

Uzbekistan has established a mutually beneficial and equal partnership with many countries in the world, as well as international organizations, and the role of the country in the world community is increasing. The relations of Uzbekistan with the United Nations have been developing effectively, UzA notes.

President Islam Karimov in his address at the September 2010 plenary session of the UN General Assembly on the Millennium Development Goals made practical suggestions and recommendations on the topical issues of global concern. In particular, the global community with great interest listened to the information on the work carried out to meet the Millennium Development Goals in Uzbekistan, the country’s cooperation with the UN, processes taking place in Central Asia, proposals to address issues of regional security and environment, and practical suggestions to solve Afghanistan’s problems peacefully.

Uzbekistan actively cooperates with a number of UN agencies, including the UN Development Programme, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UNAIDS, the UNESCO and others.

In cooperation with UNESCO, Uzbekistan held the celebrations of the anniversaries of our ancestors and the country’s great cities with historical and architectural heritage. The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List includes historical cities of Samarkand and Karshi, the historic center of Bukhara, and the Ichan Kala complex in Khiva. The national folklore traditions of Boysun were recognized by UNESCO as masterpieces of the oral and intangible heritage of the human civilization. The international music festival “Sharq Taronalari” (Oriental Melodies) is also held in partnership with UNESCO.

“Uzbekistan has actively supported the UN Millennium Declaration of 2000, and over the past period has achieved stable progress in this direction,” Anita Nirody, Resident Representative of the UNDP in the country, said. “Programs in the social sphere, particularly in education and health, implemented in Uzbekistan are an important factor in the notable progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Uzbekistan adopted the state plan of actions for 2011-2015 to accelerate the implementation of the MDGs. The UN agencies operating in the country will continue to support Uzbekistan in achieving these goals.”

An exhibition on the work of the United Nations was organized in the framework of the celebrations.

Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Elyor Ganiev participated in the event.

 

 

Islam Karimov meets US Secretary of State

23.10.2011, UzA

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov at the Oqsaroy October 22 met US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who is on working visit in our country.

Uzbekistan and the United States have accumulated a substantial experience of productive dialogue on the wide range of issues to bring about a qualitatively new phase of bilateral cooperation in political, trade-economic, investment and humanitarian realms, in the spirit of partnership and mutual understanding.

During the meeting with Hillary Clinton, President Islam Karimov said he shares the US President’s belief that our countries should continue to work together toward an even more robust partnership built on principles of respect and confidence.

In her turn, US Secretary of State expressed sincere gratitude for a warm welcome and cordial hospitality, confirming the willingness of her country to further the mutually advantageous cooperation with Uzbekistan.

The high-ranking official of the American administration underscored our nation’s constructive policy and pivotal significance in providing for security and stability in the region. During the recent telephone conversation, heads of the two states agreed that our countries share an interest in building up interaction also in the context of regional and international affairs. In this vein, Secretary Clinton conveyed the United States gratefulness to President Islam Karimov for Uzbekistan’s considerable assistance in addressing the Afghan crisis and practical support for socio-economic reconstruction in Afghanistan.

The parties exchanged views on issues pertaining to boosting the dialogue between civil societies of the two countries.

An illustration of effective cooperation between the two nations is the dynamically developing mutually gainful interaction in automotive industry. GM Powertrain Uzbekistan joint venture, in particular, equipped with cutting-edge technologies is practically prepared to launch full time annual production of more than two hundred thousand automobile engines meeting the latest environmental and technical requirements.

A number of major American corporations are currently working to implement extensive investment projects in Uzbekistan, including in high-tech and innovative sectors.

Other issues of shared interest have also been discussed during the meeting at the Oqsaroy, UzA informs.

 

 

President receives US and German envoys for Afghanistan and Pakistan

11.10.2011, Jahon News

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met with US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Marc Grossman and Germany’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Michael Steiner at the Oqsaroy October 11.

The guests arrived in Tashkent as part of American-German initiative on consolidation of international efforts aimed at supporting economic rehabilitation of Afghanistan.

Greeting the visitors, the head of our state stressed the importance and responsibility-intensive nature of their mission in working to establish peace and stability in Afghanistan.

In their turn, representatives of the United States and the Federal Republic conveyed gratitude to the leader of Uzbekistan for a welcome, acknowledging our country’s helping hand in addressing the Afghan crisis and providing assistance for socio-economic reconstruction in Afghanistan.

Participants of talks exchanged views on issues pertaining to the international community’s contribution to achieving national reconciliation in Afghanistan, along with furthering bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States of America as well as the Federal Republic of Germany.

 

 

President of Uzbekistan meets Prime Minister of Vietnam

04.10.2011 Jahon News

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met with Nguen Tan Zung, Prime Minister of Socialist Republic of Vietnam, at the Oqsaroy on October 3.

Greeting the guest, the head of our state noted that despite the geographic distance between our countries, expansion of comprehensive and long-term cooperation with Vietnam – one of the rapidly developing nations in South-East Asia – has always been regarded important in Uzbekistan.

A solid footing of the current bilateral contacts was laid during the 1996 visit by Uzbekistan’s President to Vietnam, when the Agreement on Interstate Relations and Cooperation was signed. The interaction is characterized today as pragmatic and equally advantageous, built on mutual respect and confidence.

A positive experience has been accumulated between Uzbekistan and Vietnam in reciprocal support in the international arena. Positions and approaches of our countries match on fundamental issues of regional and international nature.

The first visit by Vietnam’s head of government to Uzbekistan is considered in our country a significant event in the development of relations between the two nations, primarily in terms of enhancing trade-economic ties and stepping up a good base for their longer-term advancement.

Prime Minister Nguen Tan Zung conveyed gratitude for a warm and goodwill welcome and congratulated the head of Uzbek state on the twentieth anniversary of independence, outstanding results of which the Vietnamese official encountered during his visit.

It was stressed at the meeting that the two parties wield all the capacities and conditions to attain the common goal, that is, dynamic buildup of trade and investment cooperation.

The investment interaction has been consolidating currently between Uzbekneftgaz national holding company and PetroVietnam. Geological prospecting has been underway at Kossor investment block of Ustyurt region as part of agreement inked in January 2010.

The launching of regular air cargo transportation between Navoi and Hanoi airports is evaluated as a promising track of cooperation. The sides discussed possibilities of establishing most favorable routes for shipment of goods from the two countries to Central and South-East Asian markets, UzA informs.

The documents signed during the current visit have been given a high appreciation in this context. The deals are to facilitate consolidation of interaction in such areas as trade and investments into hydrocarbon sector, textile industry, agriculture and other spheres. Equally satisfying have been the outcomes of the recent fifth session of Joint Intergovernmental Commission on trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation during which the sides agreed to boost economic and investment interaction.

The parties deliberated on a wide range of issues of shared interest during the detailed and open exchange of views.

 

 

Meeting at Oqsaroy: Uzbekistan and China

23.09.2011 Jahon News

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met with Wu Bango, Chairman of the Standing Committee of People’s Congress of China, at the Oqsaroy on 22 September.

Greeting the guest, the head of our state noted that People’s Republic of China is regarded in Uzbekistan as a major and reliable partner, a country with ancient history and a unique culture, by right one of the leading nations in the world currently in terms of economic power owing to the implementation of long-term development strategy.

The sides value the established ties of mutual openness and confidence, consistently and dynamically advancing in the spirit of principles of Interstate Agreement on Partnership Relations of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 2005. Considerable significance in this context has been attached to intensification of dialogue between supreme representative bodies of the two nations.

The peoples of both countries expressed appreciation of fruitful outcomes of the April 2011 state visit by the Uzbek President to the PRC, during which in excess of twenty important documents were inked and deals were reached to materialize projects worth more than 3.5 billion US dollars. It was stated then that the relations between Uzbekistan and China were entering a qualitatively new stage to be characterized by the commencement of wide-scale cooperation in non-raw-materials and high-tech sectors.

The matching and proximity of approaches to pressing issues of regional and global nature have allowed the two parties to interact constructively within the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and other influential international political and financial institutions.

Priority dimension in the Uzbek-Chinese interaction is assigned to cooperation in economic sphere. In particular, thanks to the mutual interest of the two sides, consistently expanding has been the bilateral trade whose volumes has grown more than fourfold in the last five years and exceeded two billion US dollars in 2010.

More than 350 enterprises with the participation of Chinese capital have currently been successfully operating in Uzbekistan’s diverse sectors.

Wu Bango has sincerely congratulated President Islam Karimov on the widely celebrated jubilee date – the 20th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence and the impressive strides in socio-economic development achieved by the Uzbek people for a relatively short period of time owing to the well thought-out and effective reforms. The Chinese official said that Uzbekistan is the PRC’s closest partner and that his country is interested in further building up the relations with our nation in longer-term prospects.

A candid exchange of views on wider range of issues directed at further advancement of Uzbek-Chinese friendly bonds, including inter-parliamentary ties, along with other topics of shared interest took place during the meeting at the Oqsaroy, UzA informs.

 

 

Meeting at the Oqsaroy

29.06.2011, UzA

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met with Mikhail Dmitriev, Director of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, at the Oqsaroy June 28.

Productive exchange of views on the current state and prospects of military-technical cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia, along with priority dimensions of bilateral interaction on this front took place at the meeting.

Greeting the guest, the head of our nation noted that the current visit by the Russian official can be considered materialization of agreements reached during the recent meeting between leaders of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Russian Federation in Tashkent.

Interest of the two countries in advancing the mutually advantageous military-technical cooperation has been underscored, the one which covers such issues as delivery of modern military hardware, repairs and renovation of weaponry and defense technologies and military property, technological equipment of enterprises in defense industrial complex, UzA informs.

Mikhail Dmitriev expressed sincere gratitude for a warm welcome and said that the Russian side remains consistent advocate of enhancing the mutually rewarding relations with Uzbekistan in military-technical sphere, of providing the Uzbek side with comprehensive assistance in building up defense capabilities of the country.

 

 

Letter of UN SG Ban Ki-moon to the President of Uzbekistan I.Karimov

13.07.2011

Excellency, Dear President Karimov,

I write to express my profound gratitude for the support of your Government and your congratulatory letter following the renewal of my mandate as Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Upon taking office nearly five years ago, I pledged to serve the Member States with all of my heart and to the best of my abilities. I promised to lead by example and listen attentively to your concerns. I declared myself full of hope for the future – an optimist who, with your support, would seek to deliver more and better for the people throughout the world who turn to the United Nations for life-saving and life-enhancing help.

These beliefs and commitments have guided me ever since. I assure you they will continue to inspire and underpin my second term.

It has been an immense privilege to serve as Secretary-General of this great Organization, and to lead such a courageous and dedicated staff. We have worked closely together to achieve progress on critical global issues of peace and security, development and human rights. We have shown that good things can happen when we stand shoulder-to-shoulder, united in common cause for the global good. I am proud of all we have done together, even as I am aware of the formidable challenges ahead.

I am eager to deepen our partnership, and determined to build a strong and effective instrument of service to humankind, all while upholding the principles enshrined m the Charter. As I said at the start of my term and believe all the more passionately today, the United Nations – our United Nations – is needed now more than ever before.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

With deepest thanks for your strong support.

I wish You continued good health and success.

Ban Ki-moon,
Secretary-General of the United Nations

 

 

President of Uzbekistan meets OSCE chairman

02.06.2011, UzA

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met with acting chairman of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Azubalis.

Greeting the guest, the head of state noted that he is welcomed in Uzbekistan as an acting chairman of OSCE as much as the head of foreign ministry of Lithuania, a country tied to Uzbekistan with old and friendly bonds.

At the meeting, the sides went to great lengths exchanging views on issues pertinent to OSCE agenda, Lithuanian chairmanship in this institution, pressing topics of regional and international affairs.

It was stressed that the Concept of Intensifying Democratic Reforms and Forming Civil Society in the Country proposed by the Uzbek President at the joint session of two houses of Oliy Majlis on November 12, 2010, has been indicative of Uzbekistan’s aspiration to steadily move forward with democratic development.

Audronius Azubalis noted that the amendments to the Constitution of Uzbekistan and changes in the national legislation aimed at enhancing the role of political parties have been considered an important stride in this direction.

The parties also discussed regional security and stability issues. The guest voiced his high appreciation of Uzbekistan’s input into socio-economic revival of Afghanistan.

Other matters of shared interest, including those relating to rigorous reforms within the OSCE and fostering interaction among member nations within the Organization, have been deliberated on during the event at the Oqsaroy.

In the context of Uzbek-Lithuanian relations, the sides stand for keeping with the political dialogue at the highest level, boosting inter-parliamentary ties, regular political consultations between foreign affairs ministries and expanding the bilateral contacts. Both sides wield remarkable resources for trade and economic cooperation, including Lithuanian companies’ engagement in setting up hi-tech industrial production capacities in Uzbekistan, UzA informs.

 

 

Islam Karimov receives UN Deputy Secretary-General

24.05.2011, UzA

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received the Deputy Secretary-General, UNDP Administrator, Helen Clark at Oqsaroy Residence in Tashkent on 23 May.

Welcoming the guest, President Karimov noted that Uzbekistan appreciated the activities of the UN Development Programme, a global UN system in development, which advocated for change and granting access to knowledge, experience and resources to help improve the lives of people around the world.

As a member of the UN, Uzbekistan actively participates in international and regional processes. President Islam Karimov has repeatedly drawn international attention to contemporary issues at the UN. In particular, in his speech at the plenary session of the UN General Assembly on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Islam Karimov outlined the following priorities such as ensuring security and stability in the region and its sustainable development and environmental protection.

At present, Uzbekistan has consistently implemented its own model of comprehensive development, coinciding the same basic goals and objectives of the UNDP.

After the summit, Uzbekistan approved a package of additional measures to achieve the MDGs for the period of 2011-2015. Another priority area of cooperation is a joint program of the UN agencies “Ensuring livelihoods of people affected by the Aral Sea crisis,” prepared following a visit of UN Secretary-General to Uzbekistan last April.

Today Uzbekistan has been implementing over 30 projects of UNDP in the various fields of socio-economic and public life, and eight projects are under consideration.

At the meeting, Helen Clark thanked for the warm reception, praising the achievements of Uzbekistan in the sustainable socio-economic development, implementing a number of key objectives identified in the MDGs.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on relations between Uzbekistan and the UNDP, effective implementation of existing and developing new joint projects, as well as other relevant topics of mutual interest, UzA informs.

 

 

President Karimov receives Lukoil chief

21.05.2011, Jahon News

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received the head of Lukoil Vagit Alekperov at Oqsaroy Residence on 20 May.

Welcoming the guest, President noted the positive results of cooperation with Lukoil. As a foreign direct investor, Lukoil has been actively involved in major projects in Uzbekistan.

The on-gong projects within the frame of agreements on extraction of gas, gas condensate and oil fields, had been giving significant results.

Uzbekistan is interested in using the capacity of Lukoil to further deepen the economic, trade and investment cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia, the sides emphasized during the meeting.

Also, the sides exchanged views on the implementation of joint projects and prospects for further cooperation, UzA informs.

Lukoil is one of the largest investors in Uzbekistan. Within the long-term production sharing agreements signed in 2004, a number of joint investment projects have been carried out in Uzbekistan. Along with such companies as Uzbekneftegaz, Petronas, Korean National Oil Corporation and China National Petrolium Corporation, Lukoil is in the consortium to implement multilateral projects on Uzbek part of Aral Sea area.

 

 

Islam Karimov arrives in Delhi

18.05.2011, Jahon News

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov arrived in Delhi for a state visit on the invitation of the President of the Republic of India Pratibha Patil.

The main events of the visit will take place on 18 May. Islam Karimov will meet Indian president Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Speaker of the Senate, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Minister for Foreign Affairs Somanahalli Malay Krishna and other senior officials of India.

Following the talks, the side will sign several bilateral documents aimed at deepening the relations of two countries in various fields, UzA informs.

19.05.2011, Jahon News

As previously reported, on 17-18 May of 2011 President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov paid a state visit to India.

At the initiative of the Indian side visit was given the highest status in international practice – the state.

The high level of bilateral cooperation as well as existing historical roots of friendly relations between Uzbek and Indian people were taken into account, too.

In Uzbekistan, India is well known as a country with a unique history, with long-standing and strong cultural and economic and trade ties, and sincere friendship with Uzbek people.

Much of the history, literature, music, art and architecture of the Uzbek and Indian people, in their mutual enrichment and mutual penetration are associated with the name of Zakhiriddin Muhammad Babur.

The official part of the visit began with a ceremony in honor of President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov at the square outside the presidential palace Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Islam Karimov has been given top state honors.

There, during a meeting with media representatives the President of Uzbekistan made a brief statement to the press about the aims and objectives of the present state visit. Uzbek head of state noted the need for critical analysis, evaluation and prospects of relations between Uzbekistan and India. Moreover, the importance of discussion of topical issues of international and regional issues, exchange of views on issues to give a new powerful impulse of the Uzbek-Indian relations through the implementation of untapped opportunities, expansion of mutual cooperation in political, economic, investment, cultural and humanitarian spheres were noted.

The first event of the visit was meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on one-on-one. The two leaders discussed in detail the status and prospects of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on a wide range of regional and global issues that directly affect the interests of the two countries and peoples.

In an atmosphere of trust and openness, the two leaders exchanged views on a broad agenda of Uzbek-Indian relations, including efficient cooperation within international structures, such as the UN, SCO and others, UzA informs. Uzbekistan has consistently supported India’s aspirations to become a permanent member of the enlarged UN Security Council.

During the talks, the sides noted the coincidence and similarity of positions in almost all bilateral, regional and global issues. As repeatedly emphasized, Uzbekistan and India are interested in cooperation on an equitable basis with mutual interests.

The parties discussed the evolving situation in neighboring Afghanistan and reaffirmed the importance of early establishment of peace and stability in this country that will open opportunities not only for regional cooperation, but also promotes the formation and development of cost-effective route reducing the distance between the markets of India and Central Asia.

In this regard, the opportunities that have arisen with the formation of a new Land Transport Corridor of Central Asia – Persian Gulf and the Trans-Afghan corridor presented of great interest

These and other topics were the focus of attention during bilateral talks in expanded format, when President Islam Karimov and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were joined by other members of official delegations.

The focus of the negotiations were the issues of trade and economic and investment cooperation. It was noted that with high rates of economic growth, Uzbekistan and India’s current bilateral

Uzbekistan supports the efforts of Indian companies to expand investment cooperation in the sectors in which they have advanced technological capabilities. In this context a successful example is the interaction with Spentex Industries Company, one of the largest investors in textile sector in Uzbekistan, with a number of joint projects for processing raw cotton. Serious considerations are available for pharmaceutical companies in the petroleum industry and chemical industry.

Representatives of Indian business are interested in opportunities of transcontinental intermodal hub at the airport in Navoi city as a transit point, which provides the optimal timing of shipments of Europe, CIS, Middle East and other regions of the world and back. Currently this international hub operates regular flights to major transit points of the world, including such industrial centers of India like Delhi and Mumbai.

The sides noted the sphere of information technologies, the production of software products, telecommunications equipment, distance learning and others as one of the most promising areas of bilateral cooperation. In this field, Indian professionals occupy a leading position in the world. Uzbek-Indian center of information technologies named after Jawaharlal Nehru, opened in Tashkent five years ago, trained young professionals, widely introduced modern principles of programming, it was noted during the meeting.

Within the visit, the action plan to promote cooperation in tourism between Uzbektourism and Indian Tourism Development Corporation was signed.

Also, wide possibilities of cooperation in scientific and technical cooperation were marked. Uzbek scholars and research centers are ready to expand joint research with Indian counterparts in fields such as physics, biotechnology, materials science, solar energy, laser technology, automation of manufacturing processes.

Islam Karimov held talks with other top leaders of India including President Pratibha Patil, Vice President, Speaker of the Upper House of Parliament Hamid Ansari and Minister for Foreign Affairs Somanahalli Malay Krishna. In accordance with Indian Protocol, Karimov held talks with leader of opposition Sushma Swaraj in the lower house of parliament.

President Islam Karimov visited the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he laid a wreath in memory of a great son of the Indian people, who devoted his entire life to the struggle for national liberation.

According to the negotiators and representatives of Indian media, covering the state visit of President Islam Karimov, the Uzbek-Indian dialogue at the highest level, signed long-term instruments provided a good base to give a powerful impetus to bilateral cooperation.

As highlighted in the joint statement on strategic partnership, bilateral relations are derived on the level of long-term strategic partnership based on equality and mutual understanding. The strategic partnership will provide for increased cooperation on a wide range of areas, including political, economic, anti-terrorism, as well as education, health, human resources development, science and technology, tourism and culture.

During the visit, several documents aimed at major expansion in economic and investment cooperation in the sphere of fuel energy, information technology, textiles, pharmaceuticals, banking and trade were signed.

They include the implementation of more than 30 projects, including those aimed at the joint prospecting, exploration and production of hydrocarbons with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, leading company in India, the production of fiber-optic cable in Navoi, a number of projects on production of substances and various drugs, etc.

The leading large textile companies of India signed agreements on deep processing of cotton, silk and leather raw material for the production and sale of finished products. In the field of information and communication technology projects, the production of smart phones, tablet PCs and Internet set-top boxes, as well as power sources based on solar-hybrid technology were agreed. The signed documents envisage a number of projects in the chemical industry.

National Bank of Uzbekistan jointly with the Export-Import Bank of India signed an agreement for a credit line on the long-term concessional terms. Agreement was reached for long-term supplies of mineral fertilizers and other strategic goods.

The overall cost of the economic package, which was signed during the visit of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan makes up more than USD $2.2 billion.

According to overall assessment of the parties, the outcome of the visit of President Islam Karimov to India, talks and signed documents serve as reliable basis for a new stage of relations, which is characterized as a strategic partnership in all areas of cooperation on a long term basis.

Uzbekistan has rich experience in rational and efficient use of water resources

18.05.2011, Jahon News

On 12-13 May, a regional conference in preparation for the Sixsth World Water Forum was held in Tashkent. UzA correspondents talked to some of its members.

Jacques Barrot, a professor of Pantheon-Assas Paris II University, political scientist (France):

“This conference is important because it gives an opportunity to comprehensively discuss very important issues to combat water scarcity in the world. The next World Water Forum will be held in 2012 in the French city of Marseille, which imposes on us an even greater responsibility.

Today Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, face problems with water. The reason for their occurrence in the region was the irrational use of water resources in the recent past. In the welcoming speech of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov to the participants of the forum, a special attention was paid to problems that arise because of environmental and water waste, which led to the drying of the Aral Sea.

I would like to point out that the proposed construction of new hydro giant poses a serious threat not only to Uzbekistan but also other countries in the region. In particular, it is alarming that the Rogun hydro power is envisaged in the zone of high seismicity. In this case, the economies of all countries in the region will suffer enormous damage; thousands of lives will be put in danger. If we consider these threats, Rogun is like a suicide. Therefore, this issue must be objectively, carefully and thoroughly discussed at the international level.”

Danka Talmeynerova, a representative of the international organization Global Water Partnership (Sweden):

“In Uzbekistan, a tremendous amount of work to ensure water security is increasing each year. This is clearly recognized by the international community. We must pay tribute to Uzbekistan, which has rich experience in rational and efficient use of water resources.

However, today there are various water issues in the region. In particular, problems associated with the Aral Sea crisis, shortage of drinking water in the Aral Sea area and air pollution still await their solution. It is distressing that the once-bustling Aral Sea basin, with its large port and surrounding area are now turned into a desert.”

Bart Fokkens, President of the European Center for River Restoration (Netherlands):

“As a result of waste of natural resources, including water in recent years worldwide, a number of environmental problems had occurred. Water is an essential factor in the industry and agriculture. The Aral Sea has become a symbol of the global environmental crisis not only in Central Asia. Because of this, and there is a lot of social problems.

I hope that this conference will be important to address such pressing issues as lack of potable water in the Aral Sea and the decline of its quality, pollution, and others.”

Nino Chkhobadze, a regional member of the international organization Global Water Partnership, Co-Chairwoman of Friends of the Earth green movement (Georgia):

“The problem of the Aral Sea for many years had worried the entire world community. I participated in many international conferences on this topic. If the Aral problem is not solved, then its consequences will be affected not only the population of this region and other countries.

International conference in Tashkent is extremely important for the future of the region. Solving the problems in transboundary waters primarily depends on the rational use of water.

I am an ecologist, which is why, in my opinion, the construction of large hydroelectric power station, regardless of its location, is a problem. The construction of such structure will lead to consequences for the ecology and the environment. Before the construction of such large hydro as Rogun, the projects must undergo an independent international expert to be thoroughly tested.”

Nadejda Prokhorova, director of the Research Institute for the protection and comprehensive use of water resources (Russia):

“Uzbekistan has made huge efforts to reduce the negative impact of the Aral Sea tragedy, further improve the living conditions of the population and solve the region’s water problems.

In some regions of Russia lack of water is still an unsolved urgent problem. Our Institute is engaged in the emerging water management problems, issues of water resources management and training of qualified environmental specialists.

Without water there is no life – it is an indisputable truth. Water resources are limited. Therefore, the actions of Uzbekistan for attracting world attention to the positive solution of this issue are very correct and timely.”

Joel Rizk, Coordinator of East-West Regional Security Institute (Belgium):

“Water resources are important factor in economic development for all countries. Tashkent forum is of great importance in the discussion and search for optimal solutions to problems, such as water security, water management, the impact of the Aral Sea environmental crisis in the gene pool of the nation’s flora and fauna and watercourse regulation of the Amudarya and Syrdarya.

It should be noted that before building new large hydropower plants on top of the transboundary rivers, one should think seriously about the possible consequences.”

Sagit Ibatullin, chairman of the executive committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (Kazakhstan):

“The management and efficient use of water resources is of particular relevance today. Tashkent international conference provides a good opportunity to discuss such issues.

Large-scale reforms at the initiative of President Islam Karimov are carried out in your country to protect the environment, improve the ecosystem, particularly water resources and solve existing problems in the area.”

Laurent Gee, Regional Director, Swiss Cooperation Office:

“Tashkent-forum is an opportunity to discuss such issues as water management, conservation of the hydrological balance at the regional and global level, the modernization of agricultural infrastructure as well as the further strengthening the international cooperation in this regard.

Complex socio-economic, environmental and demographic problems that could dire consequences not only in the Aral Sea, but also globally, should immediately be solved. The solution of such serious issues that are vital to many millions of people in Central Asia, requires a concerted and effective action by the world community.

Our relations with Uzbekistan are gradually developing. For example, now together with your country, we are working on projects on water supply issues.”

Kathy Unger Shayesteh, the project coordinator of CAW Research Center for Geosciences (Germany):

“Our center cooperates with Uzbekistan in the framework of the project “Water in Central Asia.” To address environmental issues, particularly related to transboundary rivers, an open dialogue is required. Today’s international conference in Uzbekistan is a good example of this approach.

In order to solve the Aral Sea crisis and for sustainable development and improved well-being of residents in the zone of ecological disaster, joint efforts and active cooperation of Central Asian countries and representatives of international organizations are needed.”

 

President of Uzbekistan paid a state visit to China

21.04.2011, UzA

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov paid a state visit to China on 19-20 April on the invitation of the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Hu Jintao.

The program of the visit had a rich and dynamic character. One hour after landing at the Beijing airport, the ceremony of the official meeting of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov was held at the National People’s Congress building, followed by negotiations with President of China Hu Jintao and signing of a solid package of documents.

At the beginning of negotiations, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov said: “We consider this visit of the delegation of Uzbekistan as a logical continuation of the intensive development of bilateral and multilateral relations between our countries, as an opportunity to discuss and exchange views on major issues of mutual interest, and to give a new impetus to our fruitful cooperation.”

The heads of two states held a thorough and trustful exchange of views on topical issues of bilateral and multilateral character, including cooperation in the political sphere, economy, trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian fields, and problems of security.

The content of the talks and the scale of the discussed issues of the state importance show how seriously the parties prepared the agenda for bilateral relations and the solution of the strategic objectives faced by the two countries.

President Hu Jintao said that relations between Uzbekistan and China were entering a new phase, transiting to a qualitatively new stage, characterized by the beginning of a large-scale cooperation in the sphere of high technologies.

Important agreements were reached in the political and economic spheres, and a number of documents were signed in the promising areas of cooperation.

On the second day of the visit, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov held a meeting with Prime Minister of China Wen Jiabao. They discussed in detail the issues of practical implementation of agreements reached the day before by the heads of two states to cardinally expand economic, trade and investment cooperation in the coming years.

The Chinese side gave a high evaluation to the dynamics of economic development and large-scale structural reforms in Uzbekistan and expressed interest in developing cooperation in hi-tech sphere, including through establishment of industrial and technological parks.

President of Uzbekistan also held a meeting with the Chairman of the National People’s Congress Wu Bangguo, during which they exchanged opinions on issues of interstate cooperation and development of interparliamentary relations.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov in his residence received Foreign Minister of China Yang Jiechi. Their conversation focused on important issues of cooperation between Uzbekistan and China in political and diplomatic spheres, as well as issues of regional and international policy.

In accordance with the visit program, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met the Minister of Commerce Chen Deming and the management of the leading Chinese companies and banks. The sides discussed prospects of implementation of projects in the sphere of high technologies and attracting Chinese investment in priority sectors of the economy of Uzbekistan.

Minister of Commerce and the leading representatives of Chinese business noted the relevance and importance of the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Protection and Promotion of Investments signed during the visit.

The management of the Ex-Im Bank and the State Bank of China highlighted the high level of stability and reliability of the banking system of Uzbekistan, which was again proved during the global financial crisis.

The leading Chinese banks confirmed their readiness to finance joint projects and informed that during the visit they opened new credit lines to four Uzbek banks in the amount of USD 1.5 billion for implementation of joint investment projects.

The People’s Bank of China and the Central Bank of Uzbekistan also signed an Agreement on currency swap in soums and yuans, which significantly expands the possibilities of investment and trade cooperation.

The talks with the leadership of China demonstrated an intensive and rapid development and enormous potential in all key areas of bilateral relations.

President of China Hu Jintao expressed gratitude to President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov for the significant increase of supply of strategic raw materials from Uzbekistan for the growing needs of the Chinese economy. As a result, the total volume of bilateral trade over the past five years has increased more than four times.

The importance was emphasized of further expansion of exports to China of such strategic commodities as cotton, natural gas, uranium concentrate, non-ferrous metals, rare elements and mineral fertilizers on a long-term and stable basis. In this regard, the parties agreed on the extension of the Intergovernmental Agreement on Trade in Strategic Goods until 2020.

The Chinese leadership noted the importance of the Agreement on Construction of the Third Line of Uzbekistan-China Gap Pipeline, signed during the visit, in accordance with which the capacity of the pipeline will be increased by 25 billion cubic meters per year.

The heads of states stressed that although cooperation in supplies of strategic materials was of fundamental importance, the main direction of further deepening of cooperation between Uzbekistan and China was realization of promising projects associated with the attraction of high technologies in Uzbekistan with the aim of creating new and modernizing the existing production facilities.

During the visit, agreements were signed on implementation of large-scale investment projects in the chemical, oil and gas, energy and transport sectors, including such objects as construction of the second turn of Dekhkanabad potash fertilizer plant, organization of production of automotive and agricultural tires and conveyor belts in Angren, butadion rubbers, liquefied natural gas, methanol, monochloroacetic acid, new power units at thermal power plants, modernization and development of coal industry, supply of modern locomotives and others.

Agreements were reached on implementing joint investment projects with leading telecom companies of China Huawei and ZTE.

Particular attention was paid to development of transport and communication networks, creating reliable corridors linking Uzbekistan and China. The issue of opening an air bridge from East China to Navoi airport to Europe, as well as construction of a railway line linking Uzbekistan and China by the shortest route was discussed.

President of China Hu Jintao, discussing the prospects of trade-economic and investment cooperation, especially emphasized that China in the face of Uzbekistan saw a reliable partner with which it was building relationships on a long-term basis.

One of the major outcomes of the visit is an agreement on the establishment of the High Level Cooperation Committee between Uzbekistan and China, which should create a reliable institutional framework for systemic development of relations between the two countries on all aspects of bilateral relations.

The main document on the results of the visit was the Joint Declaration between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the People’s Republic of China signed by the heads of states, which gives an assessment of the state and development prospects of further cooperation on a long-term basis.

The sides expressed satisfaction with the constructive interaction within the UN and other major international political and financial institutions. They confirmed the great importance attached to the development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and expressed willingness to continue the mutually beneficial regional partnership in economy, trade, investment, energy, transport and communication sectors.

Uzbekistan firmly and consistently supports the deeply developed and balanced policy of the Chinese leadership, its principal policy of one-China, and an uncompromising struggle against the “three evils” – terrorism, extremism and separatism.

The Chinese side expressed full understanding of the concerns of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the rational use of water energy resources in Central Asia.

Overall, more than 25 interstate, intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents were signed during the visit. Under the reached agreements, implementation of large number of investment projects worth over USD 5 billion is planned.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov thanked President of China Hu Jintao for the warm reception and hospitality and invited him to visit Uzbekistan with a state visit, which was gratefully accepted.

 

 

Uzbekistan's experience is in the center of world attention

24.04.2011, Jahon News

The two-day international scientific practical conference on “The Concept of further deepening of democratic reforms and formation of civil society in Uzbekistan” opened in Tashkent on 22 April. The forum is devoted to studying the experience of Uzbekistan in carrying out consistent transformations to democratize all spheres of the state and social life, and high results of the large-scale implementation of the tasks of the new stage of development of the country, determined by President Islam Karimov.

The conference brought together hundreds of government and public figures, businessmen and experts from more than 30 countries, representatives of major international organizations and financial institutions, including the United Nations and its agencies, the Asian Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and heads of diplomatic missions accredited in the country.

UzA correspondents talked to some of the participants.

Ravi Kumar Savhnei, expert of the International Vivekananda Fund (India):

“I read the Concept of President Islam Karimov on the further deepening of democratic reforms and the formation of civil society in Uzbekistan with great interest. The ideas put forward in this paper have been widely studied not only in Uzbekistan, but also internationally. The start of the consistent implementation of the wide-scale tasks set by the head of your state will, undoubtedly, serve reforming and modernizing the country and gaining its rightful place among developed countries.

“As noted in the Concept, the accelerated development of the society towards democracy and the success of reforms in this direction depend on the level of legal culture of the people. In Uzbekistan, a lot of work has been carried in this direction. Consistent continuation of this wide-scale work will contribute to raising the actions in promoting human rights and interests in Uzbekistan.”

Parviz Morwedge, professor of New York State University, Director of Global Scholarly Publications (USA):
“Uzbekistan has carried out huge work in the steady introduction of well-developed legal mechanism for strict observance of laws and ensuring the rule of law in the activities of public authorities and law enforcement agencies. The study of reforms in the judicial system of Uzbekistan will be useful for other countries.

“The timely adopted Anti-crisis program of measures has contributed to stable economic development of Uzbekistan. The constant attention paid in your country to attracting foreign investments and increasing the number of joint ventures has given excellent results. One of the main directions of the Anti-crisis program in Uzbekistan is the support and strengthening of the budget, banking, finance and credit systems, the real sector of the economy, modernization, technical and technological renovation of production with the purpose of improving the competitiveness on both domestic and foreign markets.

“I admire the high culture of the people, especially youth of Uzbekistan, its high intellectual potential. All the conditions have been created for youth to acquire deep knowledge. This is a practical result of the huge attention of the leader of your country to the formation of the younger generation as fully developed personalities.”

 

SCO, CIS Anti-Terrorism Center hold conference in Tashkent

15.04.2011, Jahon News

The Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO RATS) in conjunction with the Anti-Terrorism Center of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS ATC) held an international conference on “The activities of terrorist organizations in the countries of the SCO and CIS. Measures to ensure anti-diversion protection of objects of particular importance, special objects and military infrastructure” on 13-14 April in Tashkent.

The representatives of anti-terrorist units of intelligence and security bodies of the SCO and the CIS, Commonwealth sectoral cooperation bodies (Coordination Service of the Border Troops Commanders Council, the Bureau for Coordination of Fight against Organized Crime and Other Dangerous Types of Crimes on the CIS member-states territory) and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the Secretariat of the Collective Security Treaty Organization took part in the meeting, UzA informs.

The mutual interest of the SCO and the CIS anti-terrorism bodies in holding the first conference of its kind stemmed from the fact that challenges faced by the member states in countering terrorism and extremism are equally relevant for all and can be effectively addressed only through collective efforts.

The processes occurring on the global arena, as well as internal political and socioeconomic problems in some of the SCO and the CIS states can be used by international terrorist organizations for terrorist and extremist acts aimed at destabilizing the situation in some regions.

The conference was held in three sections, which considered new challenges and threats to the SCO and CIS countries. Particular attention was paid to countering the activities of international terrorist organizations. The new trends in their activities were analyzed and the modern concepts of counteraction were discussed. The participants also made an assessment of the levels of the existing subversive and terrorist threats, and considered a system of measures to ensure anti-terrorist security in the SCO and the CIS.

The experts also considered the issue of organizing an exchange of relevant information among the competent authorities of the SCO and the CIS. The representatives of the intelligence agencies also shared their experience in investigating crimes of subversive and terrorist nature.

President signs resolution on celebration of Uzbekistan’s 20th independence anniversary

08.04.2011, Jahon News

President Islam Karimov signed a resolution on 6 April on the preparation and conduction of the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the state independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The resolution approved the program of organizational, practical, cultural, educational and awareness raising activities related to the celebrations, as well as the structure of the creative group to prepare the holiday program in Tashkent, UzA informs.

In accordance with the document, all holiday-related preparatory activities and events will be held under the slogan “You are great and sacred, independent Motherland!”.

The Republican commission for preparation and conduction of celebrations of the 20th independence anniversary is headed by Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The commission has been entrusted with adopting measures to ensure timely commissioning of the industrial, social and cultural objects, which will open on the eve of the Independence Day (1 September).

A separate plan of events will be developed for the country’s youth, including students of schools, academic lyceums, professional colleges and higher educational institutions.

Special attention will be paid to holding the Barkamol Avlod (Harmoniously Developed Generation) sports competitions among the students of secondary educational institutions in Termez and the youth forum titled “We are 20 years old”, as well as various sports competitions and an Independence Cup marathon among companies, organizations and educational establishments.

Other events included in the program are traditional Sharq Taronalari international musical festival, contests Nihol, Kelajak Ovozi, Eng Ulug, Eng Aziz, Oltin Qalam, Ozod Yurt Tolkinlari, Navqiron Ozbekiston, Asrlar Sadosi, and a number of new events.

 

EU-Central Asia ministers’ meeting held

08.04.2011, Jahon News

The meeting of the foreign ministers of the European Union and the Central Asian states (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan) was held in Tashkent on 7 April.

The European Union was represented by János Martonyi, Foreign Minister of Hungary, which is holding the EU chairmanship, Andris Piebalgs, EU Commissioner for Development, and Pierre Morel, EU Special Representative for Central Asia.

The participants of the meeting considered the current state and perspectives of development of relations between the EU and Central Asia in the framework of the EU’s New Partnership Strategy with the region.

The sides discussed issues of trade-economic cooperation and regional interaction in the fields of energy, environment, rational use of water resources, border protection and fighting drug smuggling, UzA informs.

The ministers also exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan and other important topics of regional security.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and the EU delegation signed the Protocol on introducing changes in the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the European Communities.

On the same day, foreign ministers of Uzbekistan and Hungary held political consultations.

 

 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met with OSCE High Commissioner Knut Vollebaek

30.03.2011, Jahon News

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met with OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Knut Vollebaek at the Oqsaroy March 29.

The head of state highly appraised the attention paid by Knut Vollebaek to the pressing issues of interethnic relations in Central Asia, and stressed the important role played by OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities in maintaining peace and stability, securing the protection of human rights and interests.

Historical evolution of our country has been distinct with interethnic and interreligious tolerance. Interethnic harmony and stability is considered one of the underlying goals of government policy and social development in Uzbekistan, UzA notes.

The Constitution of Uzbekistan guarantees equal rights and freedoms for all citizens irrespective of ethnic, religious and linguistic origin. Today, representatives of various ethnic groups residing in Uzbekistan take an active part in the socio-economic development of the country, in reinforcing the democratic processes in society. Practically all the ethnic composition of the country’s population is represented in legislative, executive and judicial branches of power in Uzbekistan.

Knut Vollebaek unveiled his high appreciation of Uzbekistan’s position with regard to the tragic events in southern Kyrgyzstan last June, and pointed out emphatically that the balanced and well thought-out approach proved instrumental in preventing the conflict from exacerbation and turning into an interstate confrontation. The OSCE High Commissioner reiterated the critical necessity for an independent international inquiry into the events in Kyrgyzstan.

The current state and prospects of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Office of OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, along with other issues of mutual interest have been discussed at the meeting.

 

 

President of Uzbekistan receives head of Honeywell

24.03.2011, Jahon News

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received a delegation of the American corporation Honeywell, headed by its chairman and chief executive officer David Cote at Oqsaroy residence in Tashkent on 23 March.

The head of the state said that Uzbekistan considered the visit of Honeywell delegation as a good opportunity to discuss the progress of implementing agreements reached during the meeting in New York in September 2010.

The conduction of the Uzbek-American business forum in Tashkent last month, which was also attended by representatives of Honeywell, was the evidence of the growing interest of the US capital to the rapidly growing market of Uzbekistan and the promising perspectives opening here.

Today, large US companies like General Motors, Texaco, Chartis and a number of others are successfully carrying out major investments in Uzbekistan, while recognized leaders in the field of high technologies like Sikorsky Aircraft, Exxon Mobil and General Electric are showing great interest in developing cooperation with the country.

During the meeting, David Cote said that the high award issued to Islam Karimov by the members of the American-Uzbek Commerce Chamber was a demonstration of the international recognition of the concept of gradual transition to the market economy, developed by the President of Uzbekistan and known worldwide as the “Uzbek model” of development.

The representatives of the US corporation highly evaluated by high economic growth rates and the pace of structural reforms, based on the powerful economic and investment potential of Uzbekistan, its developed infrastructure, transport communications, stable banking and financial system and highly skilled personnel. This is why it is important for Honeywell Corporation to establish all-round cooperation with Uzbekistan.

The sides held a thorough exchange of views on the current state and prospects of development of relations between Uzbekistan and Honeywell on a wide range of areas of economic cooperation, including attracting investments in high-tech investment projects, namely oil, gas, energy, chemical and aviation industries, as well as development of social infrastructure.

It was noted with satisfaction that during the visit of Honeywell delegation to Uzbekistan a number of documents on implementation of projects in the oil and gas, chemical, aviation and other industries was signed. New projects in oil and gas, energy, electronics, chemical industry and development of social infrastructure are in the development stage.

Islam Karimov expressed confidence that the joint implementation in Uzbekistan of mutually beneficial and long-term high-tech projects with Honeywell would give a new boost to the development of Uzbek-American investment cooperation, UzA informs.

 

 

President of Uzbekistan receives Defense Minister of China

19.03.2011, Jahon News

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received the member of the State Council and the Central Military Council, Defense Minister of China Liang Guanglie at Oqsaroy residence in Tashkent on 18 March.

Welcoming the guest, the head of the state said that the Uzbek-Chinese relations in the recent years had acquired a stably dynamic character in all areas of bilateral cooperation and received a new impulse after the state visit of the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Hu Jintao to Uzbekistan in June 2010.

“We consider China a reliable partner. Today China is the second country in the world in terms of its economic potential,” said Islam Karimov.

“Your visit to Uzbekistan is a vivid demonstration of the strengthening cooperation between the defense ministries of our countries,” the President noted.

An important factor in development of multilateral relations of Uzbekistan and China is closeness and commonness of approaches to the most important issues of bilateral and multilateral relations, as well as regional and international policy.

Uzbekistan and China firmly support each other and have established close cooperation in fighting the “three evils”, which are terrorism, extremism and separatism.

The sides stressed the importance of further improvement of the activity of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which has become a serious factor in strengthening stability and security in the region, as well as development of long-term cooperation in the economic, investment, transport and other spheres, UzA informs.

They also highly evaluated the scale of the economic and investment partnership, as well as implementation of large joint infrastructure and industrial projects.

During the meeting, Liang Guanglie passed on the best wishes from Hu Juntao and expressed sincere gratitude to the head of the state for warm welcome.

At the talks, the state and perspectives of bilateral cooperation in the political, military and military-technical spheres was discussed in detail.

 

 

Prime Minister of Japan thanks President of Uzbekistan for support

26.03.2011, Jahon News

Naoto Kan, Prime Minister of Japan, sent a letter to Islam Karimov, President of Uzbekistan.

In the letter, Naoto Kan thanked Islam Karimov for the kind words of sympathy expressed in connection with the earthquake in the Pacific Ocean near Tohoku region, UzA informs.

“The Government of Japan, together with the population of the affected areas and people of the whole country, will make every effort to overcome this difficult time,” Naoto Kan wrote.

 

 

Prime ministers of Uzbekistan and Pakistan hold talks

25.03.2011, Jahon News

Prime Minister of Pakistan Yousuf Raza Gilani, who arrived in Uzbekistan on an official visit, held negotiations with Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 24 March.

During the talks, the sides considered the present state and perspectives of trade and economic relations, as well as long-term cooperation in the investment sphere.

At the negotiations of the official delegations of the two countries, it was noted that the cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan was developing consistently base don principles of mutual respect and interest.

Yousuf Raza Gilani said Uzbekistan was one of the important partners of Pakistan in the Central Asian region, and his country was interested in expansion and strengthening of mutually beneficial cooperation with Uzbekistan.

The economic relations between the two states are based on agreements on avoiding double taxation, on mutual stimulation and protection of investments and on cooperation in the trade, economic, investment and customs spheres.

Uzbekistan and Pakistan have similar approaches to issues of prevention of threats to the regional and international security. The sides emphasized the importance of cooperating in reviving peace in Afghanistan, UzA informs.

“Pakistan highly values relations with Uzbekistan,” Yousuf Raza Gilani said. “We are interested in expanding cooperation in areas like parliamentary relations, agriculture, transport communications, and others.

During the talks, the agreement was reached on stimulating cooperation in the regional transport and communication sector. The sides agreed to support cooperation of the business circles, expanding mutual trade and increasing the number of joint ventures.

At the completion of the talks, Uzbekistan and Pakistan signed the intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the veterinary field, and the protocol on exchange of ratification notes of the intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in transport and goods transit.

 

 

President congratulates Emergency Ministry with its 15th anniversary

05.03.2011, UzA

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov congratulated the staff and the veterans of the Emergency Ministry with the body’s 15th anniversary, which is marked on 4 March.

“Creation of a reliable and efficient national system of protection of the population and the territories of the country from natural disasters, anthropogenic accidents and catastrophes has been one of the key tasks since Uzbekistan obtained independence and sovereignty,” Islam Karimov said.

To achieve this goal, a huge work has been carried out. Laws on civil defense, on protection of the population and the territories from emergency accidents of natural and anthropogenic character, on rescue service and rescuers’ status were adopted.

These documents form a required legal basis regulating the works to prevent and liquidate the consequences of emergency situations, as well as the activity of the rescue services and their staff.

A fundamentally new State system of emergency prevention and response was created in the country, with the Emergency Ministry as a coordinating body, the head of the state noted.

Today this system covers over 40 different ministries and departments, all territorial levels of the country and ensures an efficient and close interaction between the government and self-government bodies, national forces and means to prevent and combat the effects of natural disasters and catastrophes.

Mobile rescue units, radiation-chemical and biological protection groups, and civil defense objects created at national and regional levels provide swift and timely response to the whole range of natural hazards and industrial accidents, including those of transboundary nature.

Wide use of modern information and communication technologies, including in the field of seismic monitoring and fire prevention, as well as the latest rescue equipment, special vehicles and equipment, ensures high reliability of systems of monitoring and forecasting of emergency situations, and timeliness in planning and carrying out rescue operations.

Much has been done over these years to improve the system of training highly qualified specialists, which are able to think and make non-standard decisions quickly, as well as educate the public how to act in emergency situations.

In this regard, it is worth mentioning the establishment of the scientific-pedagogical and educational-training centers in the republic – the Civil Protection Institute and the Rescuers Training Center, which have already trained more than 20,000 specialists and rescuers.

“International cooperation with foreign centers for protection and prevention of disasters and catastrophes has been successfully developing. In particular, constructive cooperation has been established with the Russian Federation, the United States, South Korea, Japan, Ukraine, Latvia and other countries. Fruitful exchanges of the best practices in preventing the threats of emergencies is being carried out in the framework of international bodies like the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction and the Asian Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction,” the President said.

Over the past 15 years, the Emergency Ministry has held more than 4,000 major rescue operations to liquidate the consequences of natural hazards and anthropogenic accidents.

“Thanks to hard work and high professionalism of the rescuers. the threats to life and health of more than 16,000 of our citizens has been averted,” Islam Karimov emphasized.

“Evaluating the uneasy path through these years of formation of services and departments for emergency situations, we have all grounds to say that protecting stable functioning of the economic objects, the lives of our country’s citizens, their peaceful work and tranquility are in safe hands,” the head of the state noted.

Major natural disasters and technological accidents that have occurred recently in various countries, risks of possible occurrence of earthquakes and floods, mudslides and landslides in mountainous and foothill areas of the country, as well as the continuing threats of transboundary character, with sources on the territories of the neighboring states, require effective and adequate counteraction to these hazards, with clear and unified action by all rescue services and units of civil protection, he stressed.

To achieve this goal, we must continue working to further improve the activity and comprehensively strengthen the material and technical base of all parts of the State system of emergency prevention and response, to train highly qualified rescue personnel, and improve the efficiency of preventive measures in the field of civil protection, Islam Karimov said.

Each employee of the Emergency Ministry should remember that timely measures taken to prevent emergencies, educating the public, and especially training and educating the young generation mean saved lives of the people.

“The Emergency Ministry staff consists of very dedicated professionals. People, who are indifferent to others’ grief, cannot be rescuers. This is not just a profession, but a constant readiness to sacrifice in order to save human life. I am confident that the courage, professional and thorough knowledge of the craft, speed and mobility will continue to be the distinctive features of the representatives of your noble profession,” Islam Karimov said in his congratulation.

On 28 February, the President of Uzbekistan signed a decree on awarding a group of Emergency Ministry staff with orders and medals, UzA informs.

 

 

President I.Karimov: “Children's sport is the future of Uzbek sports”

01.03.2011, Jahon

The meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Children’s Sport Fund was held in Oqsaroy residence in Tashkent on 25 February under the chairmanship of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov.

The head of the state spoke about the extensive work carried out since the creation of the fund, which operates with support of the government agencies, industrial enterprises, NGOs and the general public.

Thanks to the work of the fund, the development of children’s sports has really become a powerful national movement, Islam Karimov said. He touched upon the most important tasks that the fund faces in its activity, UzA informs..

“The interest, enthusiasm and love for sports in our children should be formed from early childhood. Only in this case can we make sports a constant companion in the people’s lives,” the President stressed.

“We can reach the intended goal by attracting children to sports at preschool and early school age. At the same time, we must not forget that each child has a vast inner world, and a special attention should be attached to this,” he underlined.

“Only those children who regularly go in for sports at an early age will grow physically strong and healthy. This will allow each parent to achieve his or her dream – to raise healthy children and to establish a healthy lifestyle in the society.

“Sports from an early age strengthen the child’s character, through participation in competitions he or she form such qualities as strength and courage, the desire to victory, first of all victory over himself or herself, and foundations for strong will are laid.

By victory over oneself I mean that this is primarily self-education, strong discipline, elimination of shortcomings and overcoming difficulties,” Islam Karimov said.

“As we know, without the development of children’s sports, we cannot ensure the future of the Uzbek sports and increase its fame on the international arena.

“It is not a secret today that sport is becoming the most efficient and effective way of demonstrating the potential of the nation and raising the national pride and honor.

“If there are currently about 7 billion people living on Earth, the most famous and well-known personalities among them are sportsmen. For example, at the Asian Games in China last year, which were attended by representatives of many large states, when the team of Uzbekistan in rhythmic gymnastics rose to the podium, I personally experienced unforgettable moments. I think that such achievements of our athletes bring great excitement to all of our compatriots.

“The youth football team of Uzbekistan won the second place at the Asian Cup and won the right to participate in the forthcoming World Cup in Mexico. This is a historic event in our sports life. And there are many such examples.

“If we want the Uzbek sports to occupy a deserved place on the international arena, we must systematically develop the children’s and youth’s sports. I think we are all well aware of this truth.

“Putting it short, children’s sport should be the future of the Uzbek sports, the basis of increasing the glory of the Uzbek sports on the international arena,” the President emphasized.

“The children’s sports plays an immeasurably important role in achieving the great goal we set, which is upbringing the harmoniously developed generation, making our children the decisive force in the society, and Uzbekistan’s gaining its rightful place among the developed countries. I think there is no need to dwell on this issue.

“As we know, many companies are currently working in our country using high technologies, employing thousands and thousands of young people who graduated from universities, lyceums and colleges. In forming boys and girls as qualified specialists, apart from their mastering modern knowledge and skills, their going in for sports and strong physical development is also an important factor.

“In this regard, I would like to note once again that in the 21st century of uncompromising competition, only a generation and a nation that is physically strong, spiritually mature and intellectually rich may win.

“We often witness how the television in many foreign countries regularly shows programs glorifying the country and its people, praising them for the whole world. Especially touching are moments when the state flag is raised and the national anthem in honor of the winner athletes is heard.

“Our national television should broadcast more of such programs, which increase the glory of Uzbekistan in the world, it should pay continued attention to creating a bright image of the country on the international arena; this will be a great spiritual and educational work,” the head of the state said.

The President continued saying that in order to raise the young people as personalities that are not inferior to anyone and are able to reach the highest goals, sport and physical education should deeper penetrate the people’s lives, and the issue of children’s sports should always be the focus of the state and society.

Islam Karimov drew the attention of the meeting participants to another important aspect, which is achievements in improving the health of the people, especially the children. This has been reached through large-scale reforms in the social sphere, including in healthcare, education, sports, protection of motherhood and childhood.

The President brought up the following examples: if in 2005, absolutely healthy children accounted for 52.7 percent, in 2010 this figure reached 62.6 percent. Considering that in the developed world, the figure is 70 to 72 percent, it is obvious that Uzbekistan has achieved significant growth in this direction.

In 2010, compared to 2005, the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections among students fell by 12.8 per cent, pneumonia by 15.5, bronchitis by 16.2 and scoliosis by 11.6 percent. Over the past five years, the height of boys aged 10-14 increased by an average of 2.3 centimeters and girls by 2 centimeters, while weight increased by 2.6 and 2.9 kilograms respectively, Islam Karimov said.

We should not stop here, the President said, calling for setting more ambitious goals, namely, working constantly to achieve the level of the developed countries.

The meeting participants considered the activity of the Children’s Sports Development Fund over the past year.

In 2010, in accordance with the State Program “Year of Harmoniously Developed Generation”, special attention was paid to physical education and sport, in particular, further development of children’s sports, construction of modern sports complexes and stadiums in cities and villages, providing them with sports equipment and qualified trainers. This program has intensified measures to promote healthy lifestyle, increase the medical culture of the population, and develop mass sports, particularly among children.

The meeting reviewed the results of the program of construction, reconstruction and capital repairs of children’s sports facilities and swimming pools in 2010. Last year, 95 objects were commissioned, including 61 in rural areas.

This year’s final stage of the Barkamol Avlod-2011 sports competitions will be held in Surkhandarya region. In connection with this, a number of new children’s sports facilities are being constructed in the city of Termez, the regional center. A universal gym with a football and track and field arena, which will seat 10,000 spectators, is being erected here.

The head of the state made recommendations on the preparation and conduction of the large-scale sporting event, organized in Surkhandarya for the first time. Barkamol Avlod is a major youth forum, which has a great sociopolitical and spiritual significance.

Under the Football Development Program, opening of children’s and youth football clubs by professional football clubs in Andijan, Namangan and Samarkand regions is planned in 2011.

Also this year, construction, reconstruction and overhaul of 149 objects, including 130 objects of children’s sports and 19 swimming pools, will be carried out using the funds of the Children’s Sports Development Fund. 118 objects of the total number will be built in rural areas.

The meeting participants discussed issues of ensuring compliance of newly constructed and renovated children’s sports facilities, particularly swimming pools, to modern requirements and their efficient operation.

The also considered the process of the formation and targeted use of the funds of the Children’s Sports Development Fund. Last year, the fund intended to accumulate UZS 111.1 billion and the factual figure reached UZS 116.8 billion. Foreign currency funds amounted to USD 1.72 million.

During 2008-2011, the accumulated funds increased by 55.9 percent, which indicates the increasing attention of sponsors to the development of children’s sports in the country.

All these funds were used for their intended purpose – construction and major renovation of children’s sports venues and facilities, swimming pools, as well as equipment of sports facilities opened in 2010. The funds were also used to ensure that children, especially girls, from families in need of social support, were provided with sports equipment and clothing, to hold sports events and support participation of Uzbek students in international competitions.

The Children’s Sports Development Fund and regional administrations actively cooperate in attracting girls and boys to sports. As a result of this work, 1.6 million students aged 6-15 regularly went in for sports in 2010. This figure currently stands at 34.5 percent versus 29.2 percent in 2008, while among girls it has increased from 24.1 to 30.9 percent.

The opening of the regional gymnastics federations and centers expanded opportunities of girls to go in for sports. Because of this, the number of girls involved in rhythmic gymnastics tripled in the last two years. In addition, the number of girls going in for table tennis and swimming is also increasing.

President Islam Karimov drew the attention to the need of a special approach to attract girls to sports and create appropriate conditions for this, especially in rural areas.

It is important that the girls who go in for sports today, will bring the love to sports to their children when they become mothers. This is the essence and value of the “Healthy mother – healthy child” program implemented in the country, Islam Karimov said.

The Board of Trustees considered the issue of equipping the children’s sports facilities with necessary equipment of domestic production.

Between 2003 and 2010, the Children’s Sport Development Fund sponsored the equipment of 1,199 newly built children’s sports facilities for UZS 18.91 billion.

Domestic enterprises like Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combine, Fayz holding company, Sovplastital joint venture, Uzeltekhsanoat association, Uzavtosanoat joint stock company and others, as well as small businesses and private entrepreneurs launched production of a wide range of sports equipment. In particular, Uz-Tong Hong Co. joint venture started the production of basketballs, footballs and volleyballs in 2010.

As a result of the taken measures, children’s sports objects are equipped primarily by domestically produced items. All sports facilities launched in 2010 were fully equipped according to established norms with domestic products. In 2011, launch of production of stopwatches and chess clocks is planned.

 

 

Deputies adopt law to amend Constitution

05.03.2011, Jahon News

The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan held a session to consider the draft law on amendments and additions to certain articles of the Constitution.

The changes were prepared in accordance with the legislative initiatives outlined in the speech of President Islam Karimov “The concept of deepening democratic reforms and formation of civil society in the country” at the joint session of both chambers of the parliament on 12 November 2010.

The document is aimed at further democratization of the state power and management, ensuring a more balanced distribution of powers among the three subjects of state authority: President as head of the state, legislative and executive branches, as well as strengthening the role and influence of political parties in the implementation of socio-economic and socio-political reforms, renewal and modernization of the country.

Prior to the consideration at the plenary session, the draft law was extensively discussed at meetings of political party fractions and deputy groups from the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan, as well as in the committees of the Legislative Chamber.

During these discussions, the deputies fully supported the legislative initiatives of the head of the state, underlining the timeliness and importance of amendments to the Constitution, UzA informs.

During the discussion of the document, the members of the Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan stressed that the draft law introduces amendments in the article 98 of the Constitution, according to which a new constitutional order is introduced when the nomination of the Prime Minister is proposed by a political party, which received the highest number of parliamentary seats at the elections to the Legislative Chamber, or by several parties that have the highest equal number of seats in the parliament.

This legislative initiative is the head of state defines the start of a new stage of democratic development of the country, and development of civil society, and has a historical significance for Uzbekistan. The MPs noted that inclusion in the Basic Law of the new order of forming the government significantly increases the responsibility of political parties, their role and importance in the society.

The members of the fraction of the People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan highlighted the importance of amendments to the Constitution, according to which the Oliy Majlis receives the right to express a no confidence vote to the Prime Minister. The draft law clearly regulates the mechanism for the implementation of this right.

Thus, article 98 stipulates that in case of sustained controversies between the Prime Minister and the Legislative Chamber on the proposal formally submitted to the President by at least a third of the Legislative Chamber deputies, the issue of expression of no confidence to the Prime Minister is submitted for consideration at the joint meeting of the two chambers of the parliement.

The vote of no confidence to the Prime Minister is considered approved if it receives the votes of at least two-thirds of the total deputies of the Legislative Chamber and members of the Senate. In this case, the President makes the decision to relieve the Prime Minister of the duties. The entire Cabinet of Ministers resigns together with the Prime Minister.

This new rule significantly increases the role of fractions of political parties and the parliament in addressing critical national issues, and expands the powers of the Oliy Majlis in the system of state authority, the deputies said.

Speakers from the Milly Tiklanish Democratic Party drew the attention to the changes and additions made in the paragraph 15 of the first part of article 78 of the Constitution, under which the chambers of Parliament are entitled to hear the report of the Prime Minister on urgent issues of socio-economic development of the country. This significantly expands the possibilities of the parliamentary control over the activities of the executive branch, and will become an important factor in increasing the effectiveness of the activity of the deputies and fractions in promoting the interests of their constituents in addressing the pressing social and economic issues.

The members of the fraction of the Adolat Social Democratic Party stressed that the introduced amendments to the Constitution significantly expand the rights and the effectiveness of the executive branch in organizing its activities. In the paragraph 8 of article 93 of the Constitution, the authority of the President to “form and direct the executive authority staff” is excluded.

Representatives of the Parliamentary Group of the Environmental Movement of Uzbekistan stressed the importance of the changes to the Constitution, which outline the mechanisms of parliamentary control in the formation and implementation of the national budget. For example, the new paragraph 6 of article 80 of the Constitution has a norm according to which the Senate is granted the right to approve the President’s decrees on appointment of the Chairman of the Accounts Chamber.

Taking into account the views expressed at the meeting, the Legislative Chamber adopted the Law “On amendments to certain articles of the Constitution (articles 78, 80, 93, 96 and 98)”.

 

 

Uzbektourism participates in Berlin fair

12.03.2011, Jahon News

Uzbektourism national company is participating in the international tourism fair ITB Berlin 2011, which opened on 9 March.

Representatives of more than 11,000 tourist companies and specialists from 187 countries are taking part in the forum, UzA informs.

Uzbekistan, located in the heart of the Great Silk Road, attracts tourists from all over the world with its historic architectural monuments, picturesque nature and unique culture.

The reforms in the tourism sector have led to the improvement of the tourism infrastructure and service quality.

The country has been developing its ties with the World Tourism Organization. Uzbekistan joined the structure in 1993. Jointly with the WTO, international tourism fairs, conferences and seminars are regularly held in Uzbekistan.

According to Uzbektourism, the country can annually accept about 2 million tourists.

 

 

Uzbekistan marks Women’s Day

09.03.2011, Jahon News

The solemn meeting devoted to the International Women’s Day was held at Turkiston palace in Tashkent on 5 March.

Prior to that, representatives of women organizations from across the country, and spheres like economy, law, science, education, culture and others visited the Independence Square.

They laid flowers to the Monument of Independence and Humanism, which is a symbol of freedom, bright future and noble aspirations of the people.

The event in Turkiston palace was opened by the acting mayor of Tashkent city R.Usmanov. State Advisor to the President H.Sultanov read the congratulatory message of the head of the state to the country’s women, UzA informs.

Vice Prime Minister and chairman of the Women’s Committee F.Akbarova said that every success achieved by Uzbekistan over 19 years of independence had a share of women’s contribution.

Uzbekistan today occupies one of the leading places among 125 countries in terms of creation of favorable conditions for women and protection of motherhood.

Thanks to the nationwide program called “Healthy mother – healthy child”, diagnostic and screening centers have been set up across the republic to protect the women’s and children’s health.

Women’s sport has seen great development over the past years. The number of girls who go in for rhythmic gymnastics has increased three times over the past two years.

In 42 international competitions that Uzbek sportsmen participated last year, a third of 500 athletes were girls.

In 2010, almost 460 new workplaces created in the country were occupied by women. To compare, in 2005 that number was 198,400.

A group of young women received Zulfiya state awards at the event in Turkiston palace for achievements in literature, art, science, education and culture.

The Women’s Committee, the Arts Academy and the Hunarmand crafts association organized an exhibition devoted to the activities of women in fine art and national craftsmanship.

Chairman of the Senate I.Sobirov, Speaker of the Legislative Chamber D.Tashmuhamedova and Prime Minister Sh.Mirziyoyev participated in the event.

 

 

Uzbekistan and Japan step up cooperation

12.02.2011, UzA

 

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan was in Tokyo on official visit February 8-10.

During his stay in Japan, President Karimov met with Emperor Akihito, Prime Minister Naoto Kan, Speakers of higher and lower houses of Japanese parliament Takeo Nishioka and Takahiro Yokomichi, respectively, minister of foreign affairs Seiji Maehara, the leaders and members of parliamentary groups of friendship – DPJ-Uzbekistan and LDPJ-Uzbekistan.

During the talks, the sides carried out an extensive and productive dialogue on the current state and prospects of relations between Uzbekistan and Japan, on a wide array of cooperation areas.

The two sides agreed that bilateral ties have come to be put on a dynamic development track following Uzbekistan’s declaration of independence and the subsequent establishment of diplomatic relations in December 1991, built on principles of equality, constructive partnership, mutual interest and respect. The first official visit by President Islam Karimov to Japan in May 1994 instituted a solid foundation for a long-term multidimensional interaction.

The Republic of Uzbekistan and Japan in 2002 signed a Joint Statement on Friendship, Strategic Partnership and Cooperation in Tokyo, a logical outcome of the expanding bilateral interaction.

The political dialogue received an additional boost during the then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s official visit to Uzbekistan in August 2006.

In May 2010, within the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank in Tashkent, President Islam Karimov met with the Japanese delegation headed by Naoto Kan, the present-day Prime Minister.

The two nations have worked out a constructive cooperation within the framework of international organizations and institutions. Uzbekistan is consistently supportive of Japan’s aspiration for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. In its turn, Japan backed Uzbekistan’s initiative to declare Central Asia a zone free of nuclear weapons.

The two sides have been vigorous in bolstering multilateral contacts within Central Asia + Japan dialogue format.

Inter-parliamentary cooperation has been enhancing between Uzbekistan and Japan.

The most pressing in the development of strategic partnership between the two countries is trade and economic and investment domain.

Today, Japan is one of the major investors into Uzbek economy. The volume of Japanese financial enclosures assigned for the execution of priority projects in hydrocarbon industry, transport, telecommunications, healthcare, agriculture and other sectors has totaled 2.3 billion U.S. dollars, including the government-privileged yen credits worth more than 1.2 billion U.S. dollars, over 280 million dollars in honorary aid, more than 110 million dollars in technical assistance, over 720 million dollars in commercial credits.

Major infrastructure projects have been implemented with the participation of leading Japanese companies that included the construction of Bukhoro and the reconstruction of Farg’ona oil refinery mills, Tashkent train car repair plant, modernization of airports in Uzbekistan’s historical towns of Samarqand, Bukhoro, Urganch, digitalization of telecommunications networks of the Republic.

Toshguzar-Boysun-Qumqo’rg’on, a modern railway line in southern Uzbekistan, has been commissioned for use. A joint venture manufacturing buses and trucks in Samarqand in cooperation with the Japanese Isuzu and Itochu corporations, as well as a Sumitomo-owned telecommunications services company have been successfully operating in Uzbekistan. Within the framework of UN Clean Development Mechanism, seven projects are under implementation jointly with Japanese partners.

The intergovernmental agreement on liberalization, mutual protection and encouragement of investments, in force since 24 September 2009, facilitates the growing interest of Japanese companies to Uzbekistan and setting up persistent bonds with Uzbek partners in realization of joint longer-range investment projects.

The Japan Agency for International Cooperation (JICA) and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) operate in Uzbekistan through their representative offices in Tashkent.

In its due contribution to training highly qualified specialists, the Uzbek-Japanese Center in Tashkent bases its syllabi on Japan’s experience of economic progress.

Founded in 1994, Uzbek-Japanese and Japanese-Uzbek committees on economic cooperation have been rather instrumental in enlarging trade and economic ties.

The meeting and talks of President Islam Karimov with Prime Minister Naoto Kan proceeded in friendly, candid and constructive atmosphere, traditional for Uzbek-Japanese relations. Along with discussion of extensive agenda over bilateral cooperation in political, economic, social and educational spheres, the parties also exchanged views on international issues.

The Japanese partners stressed Uzbekistan’s key role in ensuring security, stability and sustainable development in the region.

Tokyo supports the efforts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in addressing regional issues, including the use of water resources in Central Asia region based on universally recognized principles of international law with regard to the interests of the region’s states.

It was stated that Uzbekistan and Japan were making an important contribution to the socio-economic development of Afghanistan and stabilizing the country. The sides highlighted the necessity for further improving the international assistance to reconstruction and peaceful development of that nation.

The talks touched on the issues of further development of trade and economic, investment and financial cooperation.

During the visit of President Islam Karimov to Japan, the Uzbek delegation signed a few agreements with major companies specializing in high technologies, aimed at attracting Japanese technologies and investment in such rapidly developing sectors of the economy as oil and gas, chemical, petrochemical, power engineering and textile industry.

The sides inked agreements on long-term supply of uranium concentrate, exploration in promising areas in the territory of Uzbekistan, as well as cooperation in production of rare metals and rare earth elements.

National Bank of Uzbekistan for Foreign Economic Activity signed an agreement with leading Japanese banks, Tokyo-Mitsubishi and Sumitomo-Mitsui, on funding joint projects.

The sides reached agreement on enhancing the cooperation in the framework of the Official Development Assistance. The memorandum on economic cooperation signed between the foreign ministries of both countries in the framework of the Official Development Assistance provides for a long-term soft loan for Uzbekistan in yen for the electrification project of Qarshi-Termiz railway.

The memorandum on the development of foreign trade and investment, signed during the visit between the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, provides for greater cooperation and involvement of Japanese high-tech and know-how in the economy of Uzbekistan, energy- and resource-efficient projects.

During the official visit, President Islam Karimov and Prime Minister Naoto Kan signed a joint statement between Uzbekistan and Japan, which reflected an assessment of the current state and prospects of Uzbek-Japanese relations, as well as common approaches to cooperation in the international arena.

The sides noted that the reached agreements and penned documents could reinforce a robust foundation for multifaceted cooperation and create an enabling environment for reliable extensive development of strategic partnership at a higher level.

 

 

President of Uzbekistan received the delegation of the American-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce

19.02.2011, Jahon

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received the delegation of the American-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce headed by its chairwoman Carolyn Lamm at Oqsaroy residence in Tashkent on 18 February.

Carolyn Lamm said during the meeting that the American-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce assigned an honorable award to President Islam Karimov for ensuring a stable transformation of Uzbekistan’s economy into an effectively run market economy.

She stressed that the decision – taken by the chamber whose membership includes such leaders of global industry as Boeing, Honeywell, General Electric, Exxon Mobil, General Motors, Sikorsky Aircraft, Zeppelin International, Nobel and others – was indicative of the international recognition of the concept of gradual transition to market economy, elaborated by President Islam Karimov and acknowledged across the world as the Uzbek model of development.

The management of Boeing and Honeywell who participated in the meeting noted that the Uzbek model of economic reforms, built on the five principles of transition worked out by President Karimov, had ensured a shock-free macroeconomic stability and profound structural transformations, and create an environment facilitating a smooth shift to market relations in the country.

The works by President Karimov on the concepts of transition from the administrative command economy to the market system and the Anticrisis Program have confirmed their high effectiveness in practice. These concepts have an important practical significance in the elaboration and implementation of macroeconomic policy in transitional economies and can serve as a good starting point for both the developing and developed nations.

In a relatively short period of time, Uzbekistan ensured a transition from an economy based on raw materials to a diversified industrial one, building on modernization, technical and technological renewal of industry and agriculture based on an active investment policy, manufacture of competitive export-oriented goods, as well as an accelerated development of small business and private entrepreneurship.

It is worth noting that the International Monetary Fund considers Uzbekistan the most dynamically developing economy among the CIS countries and one of the five most rapidly growing economies in the world.

The well thought-out, targeted and long-term concept of the Anticrisis Program became a logical continuation of the economic reforms in Uzbekistan. Its effective implementation has helped maintain macroeconomic and financial sustainability, stable development of the real sector, and lay a solid ground for the subsequent steadily high rates of economic growth for years to come.

Thanks to this, US companies like the General Motors, Texaco, Chartis and a number of others have already been successfully realizing major investments in Uzbekistan, while such renowned high-tech leaders as Honeywell, Sikorsky Aircraft, Exxon Mobil and General Electric are in the process of commencing their investment activities in the Uzbek economy.

The representatives of the American-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce highlighted the macroeconomic indicators of Uzbekistan, in particular high GDP growth rates, stable budget surplus, balance of payments and trade, steady growth of the gold and currency reserves and the low level of the state debt.

During the meeting, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov expressed confidence that the American-Uzbek Chamber would continue to be an instrument of expansion of trade-economic and investment cooperation between the two nations.

The members of the American-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce thanked the head of Uzbekistan for the warm welcome.

Prospects of further development of Uzbek-American relations in the economic and investment spheres were discussed at the conversation. It was stressed that both sides were interested in attracting advanced US technologies and investments in the dynamically developing economy of Uzbekistan, and that the efforts would be continued to create a favorable environment for such interaction on the basis of strategic partnership.

 

 

Cabinet’s social complex sums up 2010 results

14.01.2011, UzA

The Cabinet of Ministers’ Complex for education, healthcare, social protection, information systems and telecommunications held a session to sum up the results of 2010 and consider tasks for 2011.

The session participants considered implementation by the ministries and departments of the complex of the priority tasks of socioeconomic development of the country in 2010 set by President Islam Karimov, UzA informs.

In particular, they reviewed issues of modernization and diversification of production, implementation of innovative and investment projects, as well as expansion of local production and increasing exports.

The complex also defined measures to implement the tasks set by the head of the state in his speeches at the joint session of the parliament’s houses in November and the meeting devoted to the Constitution Day in December.

According to the complex, last year it produced goods and provided services worth a total of UZS 2.26 trillion, which is 19.1% more than in 2009.

Paid services provided to the population comprised UZS 1.357 trillion, 14.5% up from the previous year.

USD 413.5 million worth of funds were used for projects included in the 2010 investment program, which is 94.9% more than planned. Exports exceeded the forecast by 32.3%.

The session considered improvement of the healthcare system, reconstructing and equipping children’s sports objects, music and art schools, teaching foreign languages and information technologies.

The participants also discussed introduction of ICT in state bodies and local authorities, rational use of paper and enriching the information and education portal ZiyoNET with new resources.

 

Staff of law enforcement, defense and emergency bodies awarded

15.01.2011, Uza

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a decree on 11 January on awarding staff of the law-enforcement bodies, as well as defense and emergency ministries, UzA informs.

The document, signed in connection with the celebration of the Day of Defenders of the Motherland (14 January), envisages granting honorary titles, orders and medals to over 100 persons.

The awards have been issued for the recipients’ contribution to increasing the defense capability of the state, protecting peace, stability, national security and state borders, and courage.

 

 

 

Uzbekistan and EU: Bolstering Cooperation and Security

25.01.2011, UzA

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov visited Brussels on January 24, 2011, at the invitation of European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

During his visit to the Belgian capital, President Karimov met with President Jose Manuel Barroso; the European Commissioner for Energy Guenther Oettinger; and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

During the negotiations, the sides exchanged practical and candid views on the current state and prospects of Uzbekistan-EU and Uzbekistan-NATO relations.

President Islam Karimov’s meeting with European Commission’s President Jose Manuel Barroso both in restricted and extended format went far beyond the time framework set by protocol and was held in a frank and constructive atmosphere. Bilateral cooperation issues as well as those of regional and international nature have been discussed during the talks.

The Commission President stressed that the Uzbek leader’s visit was well-timed, and that today there have been all the necessary prerequisites for bolstering the bilateral cooperation in political, economic and other spheres.

Jose Manuel Barroso expressed gratitude to Islam Karimov for the assistance in executing the EU strategy for Central Asia and expressed hope that the visit would be a turning point in the development of bilateral relations between the Union and Uzbekistan.

President Barroso drew attention to what it has been one of the highest economic growth rates in the world demonstrated by Uzbekistan, and pointed out European Union’s willingness to make itself available in the process of economic reforms and structural transition in Uzbekistan through the supply of high technology for the implementation of priority projects, infrastructure development, training of specialists, and expansion of scientific and technological ties. One of the signed documents is a memorandum set to boost projects in the sphere of financial and technological cooperation.

The head of the European Commission noted enormous prospects unfolding in bilateral interaction in the wake of the Memorandum on Cooperation in Energy inked during the visit. The prospects referred to include the modernization of fuel and energy complex, introduction of energy saving technologies as well as the development of interregional transport and communications and transit corridors.

Uzbekistan welcomes the pragmatic approach taken by the European Union regarding the use of water resources of transnational rivers in Central Asia. The EU has made it clear that the regional states should coordinate their efforts to work out a sustainable and transparent mechanism for cooperation on water and energy issues with an eye to preserving the existent environmental balance and built on the principles of fair, sustainable and reasonable use of transnational water resources.

Jose Manuel Barroso said that with great consideration and interest has the EU leadership welcomed the Concept of Intensifying the Democratic Reforms and Forming Civil Society presented by President Islam Karimov at the joint session of higher and lower houses of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis on November 12, 2010. He expressed the EU’s willingness to provide essential assistance in the Concept’s implementation, including in particular the drafting of normative and regulatory projects aimed at fostering the democratic processes, encouraging the development of independent media, further liberalization of judicial system. The sides noted the shared interest in maintaining the dialogue on issues related to human rights and the rule of law.

The Commission President expressed his profound reverence for the evenhanded and constructive approach by President Islam Karimov during the tragic events in southern Kyrgyzstan that broke out last June. President Barroso noted that Uzbekistan’s discerning strategy in this critical situation has helped prevent the conflict from escalation and reaffirm Uzbekistan’s key role in maintaining and consolidating the stability and security in Central Asia.

During the talks, the sides expressed shared interest in achieving a durable stability in Kyrgyzstan. The EU leadership has reiterated its unwavering position on the need for a comprehensive, impartial and independent international inquiry into the tragic events of last June, critical to secure an enduring stability in that country.

Presidents Karimov and Barroso have used the negotiations to evaluate the prospects of Afghanistan and discussed issues concerning intra-Afghan settlement by the engagement of interested sides in a dialogue.
The Commission President expressed gratitude to President of Uzbekistan for the goal-bound projects aimed at restoring Afghanistan’s economy and infrastructure.

Agreement on Establishing European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan signed during the visit has received an encouraging approval from the two sides who expressed confidence that the document will provide with a solid ground for implementing agreements and strengthening mutual confidence.

President Islam Karimov’s meeting with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has reaffirmed the common interest of the parties to intensify the bilateral constructive partnership. At the same time, priority on this front has been placed on cooperation within Individual Partnership Program and the Process of Planning and Analysis of Decisions, countering threats to security from the proliferation of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, bolstering interaction in combating terrorism and drugs trafficking.

The two sides agreed that in so extremely intricate a situation prevailing in Afghanistan, it is imperative to seek alternative ways to attain peace and stability in that country. In accordance with Uzbekistan’s viewpoint, creation of a “6+3” contact group composed of representatives of Afghanistan’s neighboring nations as well as the United States, NATO and Russia – under a UN auspices, – could play an important role in this regard.

During Uzbekistan-NATO talks, the position of the Uzbek side on a range of cooperation issues has been given an essential and sufficiently comprehensive explanation.
NATO’s Secretary General gave his high appreciation of Uzbekistan’s significant contribution to the socio-economic development of Afghanistan and called for the continuation of coordinated efforts in stabilizing that country.

The visit by President Islam Karimov to Brussels has demonstrated the common interest of the European Union, NATO, and Uzbekistan to expand cooperation in various spheres built on principles of equality and mutual benefit. As it was repeatedly put throughout the visit, the parties possess a considerable potential, the realization of which would prove mutually advantageous.

 

 

Uzbekistan marks 19th anniversary of Armed Forces

15.01.2011, UzA

Uzbekistan celebrates the Day of Defenders of the Motherland and the 19th anniversary of the Armed Forces on 14 January.

On the eve of the holiday, a solemn meeting was held at Turkiston palace in Tashkent with participation of the soldiers and sergeants, officers and generals, military veterans and members of the public, UzA informs.

Hokim (mayor) of the capital A.Tukhtayev opened the meeting.

The state anthem of Uzbekistan was played.

Minister of defense K.Berdiyev read the congratulation of the President Islam Karimov to the country’s military.

Widescale work has been carried out in Uzbekistan to create the national army corresponding to modern requirements and standards, which is a reliable guarantor of independence, security and territorial integrity of the country.

The main goal of the Armed Forces reforms is to increase the defense capability of the army. The structure and dislocation of the army, which unites units of the Defense ministry, Border troops and military structures of other ministries and departments, have been improved.

A special attention is being paid to increasing professional training of the military servicemen. Sergeant schools have been created, which prepare highly qualified professionals with high intellectual potential.

The term of the military service was reduced to one year, and the call up is being held once per year on a contest basis.

The state has been paying attention to improving the living conditions of the military people and their families, providing them with housing, constructing and reconstructing residential areas, as well as implementing complex programs to provide the military with qualified medical aid.

In accordance with the President’s decree, a group of the staff of the law-enforcement bodies, as well as defense and emergency ministries were awarded with honorary titles, orders and medals. These persons received their awards at the solemn meeting.

At the event, winners of the three-stage Armed Forces contest of 2010 were also awarded, including the best commanders and the best sergeants, as well as the best sergeant school, best defense department, best military school and the best military unit.

Chairman of the Senate of Oliy Majlis I.Sobirov, Speaker of the Legislative Chamber D.Tashmuhamedova and Prime minister Sh.Mirziyoyev participated in the meeting.

Issues of security and cooperation considered

11.12.2010, Jahon News

 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov participated in the sessions of the Collective Security Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the CIS Heads of States Council in Moscow on 10 December.

At the CSTO Collective Security Council, held in Kremlin, Presidents of the member states discussed issues of cooperation within the organization in strengthening security, preventing international terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and transnational organized crime, UzA informs.

They considered development of relations in creating the collective security system and enhancing information security. The leaders also exchanged views on the events that took place in June in the south of Kyrgyzstan.

The Presidents discussed the documents on quick prevention of common threats to CSTO member states. In particular, they considered the CSTO actions in emergency situations that represent threat to security. They also touched upon issues of prevention of threats to security.

President of Uzbekistan said the main purpose of the CSTO was primarily to protect member states from external threats. Any kind of participation of the organization in various violent actions within the country is unacceptable – this is Uzbekistan’s principal position, Islam Karimov stressed.

Violent actions within the countries may happen according to various internal scenarios or with direct participation and financing of the external forces. The focus should be on identifying the organizers of the events, and only then any decisions should be made.

The events in the south of Kyrgyzstan on 10-14 June 2010 have taught us a lot, the head of the state said. During those tragic days, over 100,000 refugees had to be provided with shelter, medicaments, food and other urgent needs.

At the same time, there was a task to ensure security of Ferghana Valley of Uzbekistan, which is the country’s densely populated and multinational region, as well as manage control of the situation on the border. Otherwise it would be hard to avoid larger bloodshed.

There have been many examples in the history of the Commonwealth of Independent States, too. Azerbaijan and Armenia have for more than 20 years been unable to agree on the ways of peaceful settlement of the Karabakh problem.

In Islam Karimov’s opinion, the CSTO as an important regional organization should firstly identify the reasons of the problem and the potential organizers, give an evaluation of the consequences of the actions and make correct conclusions before taking any measures in relation to an emergency situation.

At the session, the CSTO presidents also considered organizational issues related to the activity of the organization.

The CIS Heads of States Council session took place after the CSTO meeting. The presidents of the CIS member countries discussed issues of development of the Commonwealth and improvement of its bodies.

The leaders also exchanged views on the important problems of regional and international character.

 

 

Statement of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov at the meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)

As it has been previously reported, on December 10 this year the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov participated and made a statement at the meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization in Moscow.

Distinguished Heads of States!

Allow me welcome you and express my gratitude to the Russian side, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for the warm greeting and traditional hospitality.
High on the agenda of today’s summit is to further improve the system of the CSTO.

We suppose that the initiatives in ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of the CSTO decision-making, strengthening the capacity of responding effectively to crisis situations are reasonable and timely.

Moreover, I would like to reiterate the firm conviction and the position of Uzbekistan that the mission of the CSTO is, first and foremost, the protection of the Organization’s participating states from an external threat, but not the participation in the resolution of the conflict and various clashes between the states of the CSTO and the CIS.

We believe that we must also exclude the interference or influence by the CSTO in the cases of occurring in some CSTO member-states of the so-called “violent actions” inside the country. This is our principal position and the reason why we do not sign the Agreement on Collective Rapid Reaction Force.

It is also necessary to remember that the so-called “violent actions” in some countries happen in different scenarios and can occur with direct participation and funding from external forces.

The organizers of the so-called “violent actions” should be carefully sorted out and only after that one should take one decision or another.

The events in southern Kyrgyzstan on June 10-14 this year, which must teach us a lot, once again demonstrated that the involvement of the Organization in the resolution of intra-state conflicts and crisis situations is absolutely unacceptable, without carefully analyzing their true reasons and thinking ahead all possible consequences of engaging or intervening in these processes.

On June 11-12 more than 100,000 people, primarily women, children and helpless elderly of the Uzbek nationality crossed the Uzbek border in the Ferghana Valley, escaping from the ethnic slaughter in the Osh and Jalal-Abad regions of Kyrgyzstan.

I am not going to talk about the enormous problems, what resources and means had to be mobilized in order to accommodate, feed and comfort these people to preserve order in the border area and provide them safety.

The reason of crossing the border by these people was not a good life and they did so not because they didn’t like the south of Kyrgyzstan. They lived there for centuries and shall live together with the Kyrgyz. We are convinced of this as well as the President of Kyrgyzstan Roza Otunbayeva. I am sure that this is the way out of the continuing tension in southern Kyrgyzstan.

I am not going to speak about what would have taken place on the territory of the Ferghana Valley of Uzbekistan, where about 300,000 ethnic Kyrgyz people live, if had we not kept peace amongst our nation and allowed to commit illegal actions towards them. Early in the morning of June 11 I have had a long phone conversation with Rosa Otunbayeva on her initiative. In response to her request, I assured her that no one from our side under any circumstances would cross the border of Kyrgyzstan. And I kept my word.

Osh is at a distance of just 40 kilometers from Andijan city, at a maximum, while from the border - in all 15 kilometers. I am convinced that if at this critical period had we not kept the situation under control then the inter-ethnic conflict in the southern Kyrgyzstan could have turned into an interstate conflict between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

In other words, the bloody events in the south of Kyrgyzstan could have been transformed into a huge fire, the consequences of which would have been difficult to predict.

The question of what were the reason, organizers and executives of these tragic events is a separate topic.

Once again I would like to draw your attention to the following fact - if even one serviceman, regardless would he be Uzbek, Kazakh or Russian, has crossed the border of Kyrgyzstan it would have given a rise to a conflict, which would be very difficult to cease.

We have enough such analogues in the CIS area. For example, more than 20 years passed, and still Armenia and Azerbaijan cannot come to a mutually acceptable agreement. While it was highly significant to prevent the escalation of the crises in those years, now both parties could have resolved the situation and reached a compromise.

I cite these examples as an evidence of the fact that in each concrete situation the true reasons of events, the so-called “violent actions” must be seriously examined.

This is exactly why Uzbekistan refrains from signing the Regulations on procedure of responding to crisis situations of the Collective Security Treaty Organization.

We also do not sign the Statement on the CSTO Peacekeeping Forces. The essence of our decision is in the fact that participation in the so-called peacekeeping forces is always a voluntary, and Uzbekistan does not intend to participate in peacekeeping operations outside its territory.

Thank you for your attention.

 

The Concept of further deepening the democratic reforms and establishing the civil society in the country

Dear friends!

The year of 2010 is coming to end and we stand on the eve of 2011 – the year of the 20th Anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Independence.

On the occasion of this landmark date it is quite natural that there is a need to assess the following: how the quality of our life and image of the country have changed and are changing now; what achievements we have made for over the past period; how fast we are advancing along the path of building an open democratic state with socially oriented market economy, and establishing the civil society.

Briefly speaking, it is put forward the task from today’s perspective to objectively assess the course of implementing the long-term objective that we set, i.e. to join the ranks of the modern developed and democratic states, ensure our people the decent living standards and worthy place in the world community.

Full version at   http://mfa.uz/eng/press_and_media_service/news_and_events/11132010_4.mgr

 

 

Uzbekistan and US sign Science - Technology Cooperation Agreement

03.12.2010, UzA

Uzbekistan and the United States signed an Intergovernmental Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation on 2 December in Tashkent.

The document envisages cooperation between the Uzbek and the US government bodies, higher educational institutions, scientific research centers and private companies in the fields of science and technology.

The agreement aims at fuller use of scientific and technical potential of the two countries, expansion and strengthening of the ties between the Uzbek and the US scientific and technical communities and supporting mutual cooperation in this sphere.

The sides have agreed for mutual exchange of information, experience and technologies, organizing joint seminars, conferences and meetings, training scientists, experts and technical specialists, as well as joint implementation of projects.

The scientific and technical cooperation between Uzbekistan and the US covers areas like energy, information and communication technologies, biotechnology, healthcare, nanotechnologies, agriculture and water management, environmental protection and other areas.

The agreement was signed by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Uzbekistan Rustam Azimov and the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, UzA informs.

President of Uzbekistan receives US Secretary of State

03.12.2010, Jahon News

US Central Command Commander James Mattis visits Uzbekistan

17/11/2010, UzReport

Commander of the US Central Command (USCENTCOM) General James Mattis visited Uzbekistan on 15-17 November. He came to Uzbekistan on his initial round of visits to the region to see and hear personally from Uzbek officials.

In Tashkent, General Mattis met with Uzbek government officials and exchanged views on regional security issues, including the situation in Afghanistan.

During his visit, General Mattis and the Uzbek Minister of Defense, General-Major Kabul Berdiev, signed the 2011 Program of Security Cooperation between USCENTCOM and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Similar to last year, the program outlines a series of mutually agreed-upon engagements and training opportunities for fiscal year 2011.

 

 

US President congratulates Uzbek president, people with Eid al Adha

17/11/2010, UzDaily

President of the United States Barack Obama congratulated his Uzbek counterpart and people of Uzbekistan with Eid al Adha.

“The American people join me and my wife Michel in expressing our best wishes to you and the people of Uzbekistan on the occasion of celebration of Eid al-Adha,” the message reads.

“I hope people everywhere share the spirit, devotion and donation, embodied in the holiday Eid al Adha and would continue their efforts in achieving peace and kindness for the whole humanity on the basis of compassion and unselfishness,” Obama noted.

Barack Obama concluded: “I wish you and people of Uzbekistan all the good in coming new year.”

 

The Central Asian Transport Corridor: Prospects for Attracting International Transit Freight Flows

On November 18, 2010 Tashkent hosted an international conference “The Central Asian Transport Corridor: Prospects for Attracting International Transit Freight Flows”. The event was organized by the Centre for Political Studies (Uzbekistan).

The conference was attended by experts specializing in transport communications and regional freight transportation from the countries of Central Asia (CA), CIS, Europe, North America, the Middle East, South Asia and Asia Pacific, and representatives of international companies and organizations as well as diplomatic corps accredited in Tashkent.

The conference discussed issues related to the development of new ideas in the field of logistics and management: strategies of companies to attract freight flows; specificity of the work with shippers; assessment of economic prospects of major economies and international transport; attraction of investment into the transport sector of Central Asia.

Particular attention was paid to the ongoing efforts of Uzbekistan in the development of regional transport infrastructure, particularly in the context of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov’s initiative on creation of the transport corridor Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman-Qatar.

It was noted that through this corridor, countries of Central Asia will have access to one of the most attractive markets of the Persian Gulf, which has more than 335 billion U.S. dollars from the total annual imports.
Participants stressed the importance of Uzbekistan’s steps in the development of transport corridor through Afghanistan. First of all, construction of the railroad Hairaton - Mazar-e Sharif will become a significant contribution of Uzbekistan into the economic revival of its Afghan neighbor.

Measures related to operation and expansion of potential of Free Industrial-Economic Zone in the city of Navoi (FIEZ) which is designed to become a regional strategic hub of logistics to ensure efficient freight flow in the directions North-South and East-West have been discussed in the framework of the conference.

Taking into account that the theme of transportation is closely linked to aspects of economic development serious discussions were revolved around the issue of future global economy. It was noted that the rapid development of Asia becoming a major catalyst for the stabilization of the global economy, which, of course will have a beneficial impact on the world freight exchange, and on the transit of transport services across the Central Asian countries.

During the conference, representatives of leading logistics companies and hubs in Europe and Asia shared their experiences. They highlighted key positions of the strategies to improve efficiency, including through innovations within the conditions of increasing competition for freight flows.

European Parliament delegation visits Uzbekistan

28.10.2010, UzA

The delegation of the European Parliament, which is on a visit in Uzbekistan, held talks with the Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan Dilorom Tashmuhamedova.

The sides considered issues of expansion of cooperation between the Uzbek and European parliaments.

At the session of the Uzbekistan-European Union parliamentary cooperation committee, the current state and prospects of cooperation between the country and the EU were considered.

Among the issues discussed were relations between Uzbekistan and the EU in the financial, economic, humanitarian and legal fields.

The EU has been actively cooperating with the Central Asian states, including Uzbekistan. In 2004, the EU initiated the regional dialogue mechanism EU-Central Asia.

Uzbekistan cooperates with the EU in the areas of economy, politics, law, agriculture, energy, transport, education, know how, drug control, reconstruction of Afghanistan, regional security and stability.

The Uzbekistan-EU committee was set up in 2000 to boost parliamentary cooperation.

The members of the EU delegation also met the Ombudsman of Uzbekistan Sayyora Rashidova and held negotiations at the Foreign Ministry.

President of Uzbekistan receives Qatar Vice Prime Minister

27.10.2010, UzA

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry of Qatar Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah at Oqsaroy residence on 26 October.

Welcoming the guest, the President noted that Uzbekistan and Qatar had a huge potential to develop bilateral cooperation.

Islam Karimov expressed his deep respect to the Emir of Qatar and gratitude for welcoming him to visit Qatar.

The President said Qatar’s example of efficient and rational use of natural resources and successful modernization of economy with use of innovative technologies deserved attention.

Vice Prime Minister of Qatar said his country was interested in expansion of all-round cooperation with Uzbekistan.

“His Majesty Emir of Qatar expresses high interest in strengthening ties with Uzbekistan. We are expecting your visit to our state and have many expectations of it,” Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah said.

The State of Qatar considers its relations with Uzbekistan among priority directions, highly evaluating the constructive character of Uzbekistan’s policy on the regional and international levels.

The mutual partnership covers areas like rated, investments, energy, IT, telecommunications and tourism. A recent Uzbekistan-Qatar business forum held in Doha identified prospective directions of bilateral cooperation.

The book of President Karimov “High spirituality is an invincible power” was published in Qatar in the Arabic language. Its presentation was held at Doha University.

During his recent official visit to Turkmenistan, the head of Uzbekistan highlighted the importance of developing of the prospective project of transport and communication corridor Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman-Qatar. The initiative, that would link the Central Asian region with the Gulf states, has already drawn big interest in many states.

Another area of interest for businesses of Qatar is the free industrial and economic zone Navoi in central Uzbekistan, which offers attractive investment opportunities.

During the talks, the sides also considered other topics representing mutual interest.

On the development of friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

20.10.2010, JAHON News

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov arrived in Ashgabat with an official visit by invitation of President Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov on 19 October.

Turkmen President Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov welcomed Uzbek leader at official ceremony held at the international airport of Ashgabat. The honorary guard was formed in the honor of the high guest. The state anthems of the two states were played.

The President Islam Karimov and Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov passed the honorary guard.

In one-on-one, the two leaders had a conversation, exchanged views on the wide range issues concerning Uzbek-Turkmen relations, regional and international problems of mutual interest, UzA informs.

“Today, trade and economic cooperation between our two countries is priority,” Islam Karimov said. “We see Turkmenistan as a reliable and long-term economic partner. A dynamic and progressive development of economic and trade ties will provide a solid foundation for the development of our relations. Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan is developing in line with the interests of both parties, regional and international developments.”

“Turkmen-Uzbek relations are especially significant with similarities in views and approaches to the issues of bilateral cooperation, regional and international problems,” Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov said. “The mutual trust, friendship and good neighborliness, respect for national traditions and values of our peoples bring us together. Turkmenistan appreciates the developing relationship with Uzbekistan.”

The Presidents discussed issues related to political, trade-economic and humanitarian cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, the strengthening of regional security and stability.

The Presidents exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan. Islam Karimov stressed that the situation in Afghanistan can not be stabilized by using only military force in the country, turned into ruins in the years of war, they need restoring essential economic and social spheres, involving large-scale international assistance, strengthening of statehood, the provision of employment.

Islam Karimov and Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov also exchanged views on the efficient use of water energy resources in Central Asia, further development of regional cooperation to mitigate the negative impact of the global economic crisis. Particularly similar and close views of the parties were on the management of shared water resources, which are vital and relevant to the entire region.

Bilateral economic cooperation is also wide. Both countries are rapidly developing oil and gas industry, expanding a partnership with foreign investors in the fuel and energy complex. In this sphere, our countries are also actively participating in multilateral projects along with bilateral cooperation. The pipeline “Central Asia – China” opened in 2009 serves as an example.

The sphere of transport is an important element of economic cooperation. Transportation of cargoes to Turkmenistan is carried out through the territory of Uzbekistan and through the territory of Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan. Communication of our countries operates a transit function for third-country nationals. It was noted that better use of transport and transit potential of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, the possibilities of opening new lines of transportation will be beneficial not only for the two countries, but many other states.

Presidents continued the negotiations with the participation of official delegations of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. The discussions focused on issues of trade-economic and humanitarian nature.

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are among the leading countries in producing and transporting natural gas. The close cooperation of our countries is important in the context of ever increasing energy demand and the ongoing global economic crisis sphere. The issues of improving the products with high added value through joint involvement in investment, that is a major international consortia and in Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan’s gas industry. This will provide an opportunity to raise the income derived from oil and gas industry. This serves to strengthen the cooperation between our countries, create jobs and build new infrastructures.

As noted, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have great potential in terms of international transit of goods. Thanks to close cooperation in this regard the volume of export and import of goods of the two states transported through the territories of our countries, reached almost 2.5 million tons per year.

Tourism as one of the most high-income areas is one of the priority areas of cooperation. Relationship in this area along with the development of the bilateral exchange of tourists also serves to attract tourists from other states.

Uzbekistan exports services, food, mechanical equipment, vehicles, glass, ferrous metals and articles thereof, optical, chemical products to Turkmenistan. From Turkmenistan Uzbekistan imports plastic and plastic products, services, products of inorganic chemistry. In 2009, the volume of trade amounted to $185.7 million USD. However, as noted in the course of negotiations, this figure does not fully reflect the real opportunities.

The number of joint ventures also can not correspond to the potential parties. It is possible to create joint ventures along with the oil and gas, agriculture, transport, tourism and other areas. These include information technology, construction materials, agro-processing, textile and other industries.

Development of measures trigger untapped opportunities, discovery and development of new areas of cooperation are assigned to the intergovernmental joint commission on trade-economic, scientific-technical and cultural cooperation. In recent years, this committee initiated by the Presidents meets regularly. National exhibitions of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are organized in Tashkent and Ashgabat.

Issues on humanitarian cooperation also were discussed within the negotiations. Undoubtedly, the spiritual closeness, traditional friendly ties between our peoples are important in the development of this direction.

Workers of culture and arts of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan regularly participate in organized festivals, exhibitions and forums in both countries. In particular, the Turkmen artists regularly participate in international music festival “Sharq taronalari” held in Samarkand. In 2009, the representatives of Turkmenistan L.Begnazarova won the Grand Prix of the festival.

The 200-year anniversary of the prominent Turkmen poet Mollanepes is widely celebrated in Uzbekistan in March of this year.

Uzbek-Turkmen Friendship Festival passing these days in the Turkmen city of Dashoguz is another example of cooperation in the cultural sphere.

Following the talks, President Islam Karimov and Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov signed the joint Uzbek-Turkmen statement. The two governments had signed a program of cooperation in cultural and humanitarian sphere for 2011-2013.

At the meeting with representatives of the media, Islam Karimov and Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov noted that the talks were held openly, constructively and in a spirit of mutual trust and respect, and stressed that the agreements serve for further development of Uzbek-Turkmen relations and the interests of both peoples.

Official visit of President Islam Karimov to Turkmenistan continues.

 

 

President Islam Karimov’s Greeting Address at Navruz Festive Occasion

23.03.2012

Dear compatriots!

Esteemed guests!

In these fabulous days filled with sunny warmth, when the nature awakens, the breath of spring is felt more plainly, when our wonderful land is dressed with green attire, I take a great pleasure to congratulate you, my dear friends, and the entire people of Uzbekistan, from the bottom of my heart, on the holiday of Navruz, a holiday of rebirth and rejuvenation.

For all of us, the Navruz is the start of a new year in the Eastern calendar, a symbol of noble aspirations and hopes for a rich harvest, abundance and prosperity, the most ancient, the most favorite holiday of our people, the one free of any political trends, an integral part of our spirituality and national values.

As far back as millennia ago, when Avesto came into being, our forefathers used to celebrate the coming of the new year – Navruz, by feeling themselves part of the nature, in such blissful spring days as we have right now, on the banks of Sirdarya and Amudarya, in wide spaces, in urban and rural areas of Turan. It was this period of the year when they used to start field works, sow the seeds in the blessed soil, and wished one another peace and prosperity, inspired by gracious thoughts and dreams.

The spirit and philosophy of the Navruz has always facilitated human life in harmony with native land and nature, the awakening of aspiration in the soul of everyone, irrespective of their ethnic origin and faith, for creation and wellbeing, consolidation of harmony and unity in society.

All this is being confirmed clearly today when the residents of our country are celebrating the Navruz with great joy and folk festivities, diverse performances; they enrich the table with traditional spring meals of sumalak, halim, kuk-somsa, gujja and the like.

The fine qualities distinct in our people – kindness and compassion, care and consideration to the honored aksakals and mothers, to those in need of support, the disabled, the orphans, the low-income families – are manifest even brighter in these days and are omnipresent.

These are the very reasons we look forward for this vivid and magnificent holiday, try to reveal our most splendid and infinite happiness.

This is the very reason why both in the antiquity and in the recent past, the evil forces, however formidable, failed to deprive us, our people from the Navruz.

One can state for sure, without any doubt, that owing primarily to the will and determination of the people, to its resolution to preserve its customs and traditions, the unfading values of ancestors, the Navruz has been endowing us with its vital force and beauty even today – across millennia.

I believe I will be voicing your common view, dear compatriots, if I say that our hearts are overfilled with a sense of tremendous pride for we are posterity and heirs of so great a people who values its virtue and honor, its national self-consciousness.

Dear friends!

Naturally, past the long and severe winter, every person is as if born anew, discovers the environment differently by feeling the tender warmth of sunray, by inhaling a light, clear spring air.

Indeed, all of us are meeting the current spring with greatest ever delight, special mood, and are confident that we will further also the set out high goals in 2012 announced as the Year of Family in our country.

The noble undertakings, wide-ranging reforms on democratization and liberalization of society will be continued, while the level of welfare and quality of life is to grow thanks to mounting population incomes, pensions, allowances, stipends.

Our people have from ancient times compared youth to spring, planted trees and gardens with kind thoughts about the future of their children. Today, looking at these energetic, goal-minded youths who have gathered here in this beautiful park where we are inspired by the image of the great Alisher Navoi, I would like to say:

Our dear and sacred Motherland believes in every one of you.

May this high confidence always inspire you and lend you power. And try to be always worth that trust, my dear kids!

Taking this opportunity, on this marvelous holiday, we cordially greet and express our kindest wishes to all our friends and partners, nations and peoples in near and far abroad, who have been cooperating with us and supporting our country on its path of dynamic development.

Allow me to convey gratitude to the respected ambassadors of foreign nations, representatives of international institutions present here, all the partners, overseas friends, and congratulate them sincerely on the Navruz holiday.

Dear compatriots!

I would like to express again my deep respect and earnest wishes to you who have gathered at this brilliant and glorious square, and to all our people in your person.

May peace and harmony, prosperity and abundance reign in every family and entire country!

I wish happiness and sound health to you all!

May the Almighty protect our people and country from various misfortunes and disasters!

Happy Navruz, my dear friends!