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                                              LATEST NEWS : June 2011                     ARCHIVES

Uzbekistan juniors football team beat Australia 4:0 and will now play in the quarterfinal of the world cup in Mexico.

Eleventh minutes in the game Uzbek player Abbos Makhsitaliyev hit one goal. Temur Hakimov hit the second goal few minutes before the end of the first half.

The third goal came in the 66th minute, when Connor Chapman was under pressure to clear a cross from the right and forced his clearance into his own net.

Uzbekistan completed the scoring in the 87th minute, when the players passed the ball around the Australian defence before substitute Davlatbek Yarbekov placed his shot beyond Izzo’s reach.

Uzbekistan juniors football team will now play with Urugvay on 3 July.

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The session of the Computerization and ICT Development Coordination Council of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan was held.

The meeting participants considered development of the software industry in Uzbekistan. In particular, the activity of the Software.uz portal was discussed. The resource was created to demonstrate the software products developed in Uzbekistan.

The council also considered the activities related to introduction of the single protected electronic mail and electronic document turnover system at the Cabinet’s executive staff, as well as the state and economic management bodies and the local authorities.

In the education sphere, the session participants discussed the implementation across the country of the Students’ Electronic Records Book and the Uzbekistan Electronic Book (Jet Book) projects.

They considered the activities of the State Customs Committee, State Tax Committee and the State Statistics Committee related to joint use of the single automated information system, as well as full digitization of the periodical reports provided by economic entities to the tax and statistics bodies.

The council reviewed the draft Program of further development of the digital signature infrastructure in Uzbekistan.

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National Export-Import Insurance Company Uzbekinvest held a seminar on the role of insurance in providing financial services to small businesses and private entrepreneurship.

Minimization of business risks and potential losses is one of the effective mechanisms that can support small businesses and private entrepreneurship in Uzbekistan.

Considering that 2011 was proclaimed the Year of Small Business and Private Entrepreneurship, intensifying activities in insurance of small business is one of the priorities of the country’s insurers today.

These and other issues were the main topic of discussion at the seminar, which gathered deputies of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis, representatives of the Ministry of Economy, State Customs Committee, State Insurance Inspectorate under the Finance Ministry, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other organizations.

Director general of Uzbekinvest F.Saidahmedov noted his company had set the goals to expand insurance of the small business and modernize the existing insurance products to match them to the preferences of the small businesses.

Today, Uzbekinvest offers more than 70 kinds of insurance services, 21 of them focused on insurance coverage for small businesses and private entrepreneurship.

The company has 14 territorial branches and over 80 insurance offices throughout Uzbekistan. This year, 4 new insurance offices started activity in Samarkand, Kashkadarya and Syrdarya regions and Tashkent city.

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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.

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.

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Tashkent International Business Center hosted the forum of business circles of Uzbekistan and Germany on 24 June.

The event, organized by the Ministry for foreign economic relations, investments and trade and the Chamber of commerce and industry of Uzbekistan, focused on expansion of Uzbek-German economic, trade and investment cooperation.

Deputy minister for foreign economic relations, investments and trade Shavkat Tulaganov highlighted the active development of mutual relations between Uzbekistan and Germany in all fields, including financial and technical areas.

Germany is one of the important trade partners of Uzbekistan in Europe and an active investor in the Uzbek economy. Numerous investment projects worth over EUR 1 billion were realized in Uzbekistan with the participation of German investors. Relations between the two countries are based on more than 100 documents of interstate, intergovernmental and interdepartmental levels. Among them are agreements on cooperation in investment, financial and technical spheres, privatization and state property management, as well as personnel training.

In 2010, mutual trade exceeded USD 483 million, and in January-April 2011 the figure made up USD 184.4 million. There are 116 joint ventures created with participation of German investors, and 50 representative offices of German companies in Uzbekistan. They operate in areas like light industry, medicine and pharmaceuticals, scientific research, trade, agricultural processing, transportation of passengers and goods, automotive services, etc.

In various sectors of economy of Uzbekistan, large investment projects with participation of German banks are implemented. The universities and research institutes of the two countries have established a mutually beneficial partnership. Joint research is conducted in industry, agriculture, natural resource management and other areas.

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President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov visited Kashkadarya region on 22-23 June to familiarize with socio-economic reforms and improvement works in progress on the ground. On the second day of his trip to this province, the head of state toured the fields of Ramz Norov farm in Karshi district. Farmers of the region reported making sure that the grain yield grown on 145,000 hectares of land was harvested in time and harmless.

Simultaneously, cultivation of cotton has been underway on the more than 160,000 hectares adhering to agrotechnical requirements, while the technologies available have been used efficiently to preserve moisture in soil.

“Our experienced dehkans (specific term for Uzbek cultivators) know well that cashing in the summer’s every fine day, especially so in July and August, is critical to the fate of harvest,” Islam Karimov implied.

“In spite of some complications created for our farmers by this year’s relatively dry weather, they have been persevering in taking due measures to harvest projected volumes of yield thanks to their expertise, craftsmanship and assiduous diligence.”

Underscoring the need for eliminating the shortcomings at hand, for timely addressing the problems, Uzbekistan’s leader insisted that methods worked out by our skilled dehkans to conserve moisture be employed, including by saturating the soil with local fertilizers and effectively applying sherbet irrigation.

In line with Uzbekistan’s Cabinet of Ministers Resolution “On Additional Measures to Introduce Water Saving Technologies and Retrenchment of Irrigation Water in June-September 2011” signed 16 June, 2011, tangible efforts have been undertaken in Kashkadarya region to ensure rational use of water resources, refine the cultivation system and thus secure reduction in water consumption in farming, modernization of water economy infrastructure, extensive application of water saving cutting-edge technologies.

Cotton plant of Bukhoro-102 species is cultivated on 83 hectares of Ramz Norov farm land, while wheat of Selyanka genus is grown on another 13 hectares. The latter sort of grain is distinct with its high productivity and early maturation. It can yield up to 70 metric centners of harvest on irrigated lands. This very genus amounts to 25% of all grain grown in the region.

President Karimov had a talk with combine operators.

The experienced machine operator, the operator of Klaas-dominator combine Qobil Latipov spoke on advantages of the combine manufactured in cooperation with German partners, including high labor productivity, possibility of harvesting without loss of grain, neat cock hay and other rewarding features. Combine operators include many youths.

Expounding on contemporary youth, on their intellectual abilities, the head of state stressed the necessity for further perfection of learning and internship system in professional colleges, provision of them with latest technical equipment, profound study by college students of modern disciplines like information technologies, foreign languages.

The country’s leader got acquainted with the activities of Center for Scientific and Practical Consultation for Farmers instituted at the Bakht farm in Karshi district. The head of state had a conversation with farmers, region’s elite, and youths on the field camp of the farm.

Speaking on prospects of farmer movement in the country, Islam Karimov said that farmers are becoming a fulcrum of not merely the nation’s economy, but also of socio-political life.

“A hundred people work in our farm,” Bakht farm chief Ibrohim Kholiyorov said. “We got USD 160,000 of loan at the regional branch of Uzsanoatqurilishbank and purchased a milk processing technology. Thus a new direction of our work has been established. This device is capable of processing three tons of milk a day. Our livestock comprises 520 cattle. Dairy products, namely, kefir, cream, cheese, are sold in our trading shops in district center.”

During the talk, President Islam Karimov placed emphasis on transformation in the mind and reasoning, the lifestyle of our people. He thus illustrated the effects of reforms undertaken in social and spiritual sphere, in nurturing children, in elevating the role of women in the family and society.

“The most advanced scientific achievements, cutting-edge technologies, the high intellectual potential of youth are crucial in ensuring a great future for our nation,” the head of state suggested.

“Our youth should command latest knowledge and skills even more extensively in order to compete with confidence with their counterparts in developed countries. Since our growing generation is second to no one in anything.”

Preparing to widely celebrate the greatest, the dearest event – the 20th anniversary of national independence – Uzbek people are deeply aware of the fact that the immense construction efforts, transformation in our mind and thinking, the wellbeing and the growing standards of life – all of this has been possible owing to independence. Bright evidence to this truism has been the large-scale creative work in Kashkadarya region.

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The festive event on Honoring the Soldiers’ Mothers, devoted to 20th anniversary of Independence of Uzbekistan was held at the House of Officers in Fergana city.
The event, organized by the command of the Eastern Military District in conjunction with the Regional Women’s Committee, was attended by officers and soldiers serving in the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan and members of their families.
In Uzbekistan, under the leadership of President Islam Karimov a large-scale work is being implemented on forming a professional army and creation of decent living conditions for servicemen. Service in the Armed Forces of the country is a sacred duty for every man. Seeing a son in the national army is cherished dream of parents. This was discussed at the event, whose purpose was to express gratitude to mothers raising guards loyal to the country and people.
“Carrying out such activities to commemorate the soldiers’ mothers is becoming a good tradition,” said chairman of a committee of women M. Hujaeva. “We must respect and honor the mothers, whose sons provide peace and tranquility in the country and inviolability of the borders of our country.”
The concert program was presented at the event. Soldiers, artists and art bands performed at the concert. Group of mothers and sergeants were awarded gifts by the organizers of the event.

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A briefing on the prospects of development of automobile industry in Uzbekistan was held at the National Press Center of Uzbekistan. The event, organized by Uzavtosanoat the joint-stock company, was attended by specialists of this sphere and the media.

“On the initiative of President Islam Karimov automotive industry was founded in Uzbekistan, which became one of the outstanding achievements of our people in the years of independence,” said the deputy chairman of Uzavtosanoat Shuhrat Yusupov. “Today, automobile industry is a rapidly growing sector of the national economy, which combines a lot of enterprises equipped with modern technologies. Development strategy based on establishing equal and mutually beneficial relationships with leading companies in the world promotes the production of competitive products of world standards.”

In the shops located in the town of Asaka, GM-Uzbekistan produces available-to-date cars, capable of successfully competing with foreign counterparts on comfort, safety, reliability and efficiency. Produced by SamAuto Samarkand plant, Isuzu buses, trucks, special vehicles – vans, water trucks, milk transport, cranes, tow trucks – are in great demand among consumers for their reliability and ease of use. JV MAN Auto-Uzbekistan produces modern trucks.

Constant updating of models of production cars, the improvement of their quality characteristics is the requirement of time. In a competitive environment it is not easy to take place in the world market. Cars Damas, Tico and Nexia were the first “swallows” of Uzavtosanoat. The company later arranged production of Matiz and Lacetti, modified Damas and Nexia. In 2008, automobile industry of Uzbekistan established a partnership with a new partner and major investor – the corporation General Motors. The production of Chevrolet brand Lacetti, Captiva and Epica started at Asaka plant. In August 2010 GM-Uzbekistan motorists introduced a new model – Chevrolet Spark. At present, the company is working on a project to produce a new vehicle of class Nexia.

Today, cars produced in Uzbekistan occupy a worthy place not only in domestic market, but in overseas are in high demand and gain the trust of consumers. Through an extensive network of industry-dealer trading enterprises, vehicles are exported to Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Turkmenistan and Ukraine.

Extensive work is carried out to localize the required registration details for the Asaka car. Well-established production of spare parts, along with foreign currency savings and time reduction in production costs also makes it possible to create many new jobs. According to the program of localization, many joint ventures specializing in manufacturing quality parts and complex parts were established. Thus, there are companies in the manufacture of bumpers, mufflers, fuel tanks, automotive glass, batteries, harnesses for power, interior trim parts for the car, pipes, paints and other products. Over the past five or six years, the number of local suppliers from 20 reached 200.

As part of the development of Uzavtosanoat in 2008-2010, more than 40 investment projects were implemented worth USD 770 million. In 2011-2012 it is planned to master USD 470 million within the frame of 30 projects.

In 2009, in cooperation with General Motors, a joint venture to produce engines was founded. Only 18 countries produce engines for passenger cars. Starting in November of 2011, the new plant General Motors Powertrain Uzbekistan in Tashkent region will allow to occupy a worthy place among these states. In addition, in Djambay district of Samarkand region Uzavtosanoat in cooperation with MAN Truck & Bus AG (Germany) continues to build a new plant to produce trucks for JV MAN Auto-Uzbekistan.

Particular attention is paid to training qualified personnel for the industry – engineers, workers and employees. In accordance with the decree of the President on 27 April 27 of 2009 Politecnico di Torino was established in Tashkent. The youth is enrolled in faculties such as engineering technology, automotive, industrial and economic construction, design, architecture and industry, information and communication technologies and automatic control system in industry, energy.

At the briefing it was noted that the dynamic development of the domestic automotive industry contributed to the development of other high-tech sectors of national economy and overall growth of economic potential of Uzbekistan.

www.uza.uz

 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov arrived in Kashkadarya region on 22 June to get acquainted with the undertaken socio-economic reforms and creative and beautification work in the area. As in all regions of the country, large-scale reforms are being implemented in Kashkadarya region, too. Cities and villages are being improved, changing their image. New businesses, educational and medical institutions, large and modern roads, parks and plazas are built.

Industry and agriculture are dynamically developing in Kashkadarya. In the 1Q of the year, the growth of regional product amounted 105.9%. The stable growth is ensured in industrial production, consumer goods, services and other fields.

As a result of the formation of stable households on the basis of gradual reform of agriculture, optimization of acreage of farms, the efficiency is steadily increasing, improving financial and economic situation. Opportunities are expanding to increase income and living standards, appearance of villages are improving, modern infrastructure is developing.

Today, each of 7,139 farmers has an average of 102 hectares of land. As a result of consistent reforms, providing full support to farmers and protecting their rights and interests, profitability and productivity have increased in the region.

President Islam Karimov visited Kashkadarya Research Institute of selection and seed-grain cereals, and talked with scientists and young researchers.

Founded on the initiative of the head of state, this institute performs tasks such as improving grain yield in irrigated areas and improving their quality in accordance with international standards, creating varieties of wheat resistant to water shortage and salinization of land struggle with agricultural pests and plant diseases.

“Kashkadarya region has great economic potential and opportunities,” President said. “This institution was created in Kashkadarya in order to effectively use this potential and in-depth study of soil characteristics and climatic conditions of the region on a scientific basis, opening opportunities to search for young scientists.”

At this institute, where more than 100 scientists and researchers are currently studying early-maturing, resistant to diseases and pests of wheat which fits into climatic conditions of the region. The test fields are located in Karshi, Kasbiy and Shakhrisabz and Kamashi districts of the region. Such sort of wheat created by the scientists as “Turkistan,”, “Jayhun” and “Yaksart” are totally zoned.

“In addition to increasing productivity, we must create more high-quality varieties of wheat,” Islam Karimov said. “Last year our country raised 7.3 million tons of grain. Year after year, productivity is increasing. In the first years of independence the country cultivated only 800 million tons of grain, five million tons of wheat was imported from abroad. In a short time, Uzbekistan has taken a worthy place among the states that export grain. In 2010, we exported more than 400 thousand tons.”

Speaking about the current problems of the institute, the head of state noted the need for extensive use of capacity and knowledge of young people, creating all necessary conditions for scientific research, effective use of biological methods of pest control.

Great attention paid under the leadership of President Islam Karimov to development of sports, particularly football, is yielding good results. Presidential decree “On additional measures to further strengthen the material base and the development of football in the Republic for 2011-2013” dated 19 January of 2011 serves as an important guide to action in the future development of football in our country.

Three teams presenting Kashkadarya region, Nasaf (Karshi), Shurtan (Guzar) and Mashal (Muborak), are located in the country’s top league on football.

President viewed the modern football club base Nasaf in the city of Karshi and talked to the players and coaches. Islam Karimov congratulated Nasaf team with success in the competition for the cup of the Asian Football Confederation.

“There are sports in which the individual skills of the athlete play an important role. Football is a team game. It’s a well-organized game of team members and their high self-giving is crucial,” said Islam Karimov.

Particular attention paid to development of football in the country, including Kashkadarya, can be seen in the conditions created by the football club base “Nasaf.”

“I witnessed the rapid development of football in Uzbekistan,” said the head coach of Nasaf, a renowned expert of Ukraine Anatoliy Demyanenko. “This is the result of your great attention to the promotion of sports, particularly football, to attract youth to the sport and development of children’s sports.”

President Islam Karimov presented a modern bus to Nasaf football club.

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Ancient traditions and schools of national crafts have been revived and are being developed along with other spheres in Uzbekistan.
A special attention under the leadership of President Islam Karimov is given to support and stimulation of work of craftsmen, which contributes to development of folk art traditions.
Margilan silk, Khiva carpets, embroideries of Nurota, Bukhara’s gold embroidery products are famous in the world. Products made by Uzbek craftsmen are exhibited in many museums and international exhibitions, which confirms the identity and richness of Uzbek national traditions and the creative potential of the Uzbek people.
The “master-apprentice” schools organized across the country help emergence of new generation of craftsmen.

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The feast of Uzbek bread and sweets, devoted to the 20th anniversary of Independence, was held in the capital’s Bobur recreation park. The event, which reflected national spirit, unique traditions and customs, values, abundance and prosperity, was organized by the State Unitary Enterprise “Intourist-Tashkent” at the National Company “Uzbektourism”, the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent City Municipality and funds “Mahalla,” “Oltin Meros,” Uzbek Association of chefs, Uzbek Association of the bread “Toshkent-non,” Republican International Culture Center, Uzbektheater and several other organizations.

It was attended by representatives of various ministries and departments, NGOs, national cultural centers, diplomatic corps and international organizations, foreign guests, chefs and bakers and general public.

Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan B. Akhmedov, director of the Republican International Culture Center N. Muhammadiev, director of the State Unitary Enterprise “Intourist-Tashkent” J. Mirzarahmedova and others noted that under the leadership of President Islam Karimov, the work to improve the standard of living, recovery and enrichment of national traditions and customs was yielding good results.

Along with spiritual, educational, social and economic spheres, radical reforms have been carried out in agricultural sector, rapidly evolving business and farmers’ movement. Uzbekistan has achieved grain self-sufficiency, and established cultivation of the natural and climatic conditions of high, disease-resistant varieties of wheat and flour production, and grain products.

Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of 7 October, 2010 on approval of state program for protection, preservation, promotion and use of intangible cultural heritage in 2010-2020, serves as an important guide to action in preserving our invaluable spiritual heritage, a comprehensive explanation of their nature and importance to young generation.

The feast of breads and sweets, carried out in order to enforce the outlined tasks in this document, also helps promote our national traditions and values, spirituality and raising national awareness of young people. Bakers, chefs and culinary experts from the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regions and Tashkent city offered baked breads, delicious cakes and national dishes to the guests and participants of the event.

“Today you can see dozens of species of bread products in the market,” says elder of Mahalla “Bogkucha” of Sheyhantaur district of the capital Hamidulla Zahidov. “Different regions of our country bake their own unique types of bread, which indicate the deep roots and identity of our people and at the same time the welfare and prosperity of the country. Prior to independence, one could buy only two or three types of bread products. It was hard to imagine that we would have a wide range of differing in taste, composition, form of bread.”

“Diverse range of products and special flavor of Uzbek bread amazes and delights,” said the chef from India Sylvester Gomez. “I am delighted with the hospitality of Uzbek people, their special attitude to bread. These celebrations of abundance and prosperity can take place only in a peaceful and tranquil country.”

“At the celebration of bread and sweets we discovered Uzbekistan from new sight,” said a tourist from Spain Merce Batet Alcon. “This great triumph is a clear demonstration of generosity, kindness and hospitality of Uzbek people.

Within the event, the trade show of bread and bakery products and the workshops on national dishes were held.

Also, the best bakers, confectioners and chefs were awarded with diplomas.

The event resumed with a concert featuring artists and creative young people, collectives of national cultural centers.

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Tashkent hosted a seminar on 17 June 17 devoted to World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. The seminar, organized by the Centre of Hydrometeorological Service at Cabinet of Ministers and State Committee for Nature Protection, was attended by scientists, experts, representatives of relevant ministries and international organizations.

First Deputy General Director of the Centre of Hydrometeorological Service of Uzbekistan B.Kadyrov, deputy chairman of the State Committee for Nature Protection K. Sodikov and others noted the impact of ongoing work of the rational use of land resources, improvement of soil fertility, attraction of modern technologies in Uzbekistan. Specific activities are undertaken to improve land reclamation, rehabilitation of drainage networks, and reduction of erosion of pastures.

In accordance with the decree of President Islam Karimov of 31 October, 2007, the Ministry of Finance established the Fund for the amelioration of irrigated lands, which serves to increase the efficiency of work in this direction.

As a result of work in the construction, reconstruction, repair of irrigation facilities, improving soil fertility, 12,893 kilometers of drainage networks were cleared in 2010, improving reclamation of 266,000 hectares of irrigated land.

Drying of the Aral Sea is a major cause of desertification in the region. In 1995 Uzbekistan signed the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. Center of Hydrometeorological Service at Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan is considered the national executive agent of the convention.

On the basis of national programs, established by the relevant government, community organizations in collaboration with environmental programs and UNDP, large-scale projects are being implemented. Scientists and specialists conduct effective research in order to stabilize the environmental situation in the Aral Sea and to prevent the vanishing of sand dunes in the steppe regions, by improving soil fertility and application of advanced technologies in agriculture.

The workshop heard presentations on the accomplishments in the fight against soil erosion and desertification, the execution of tasks on the prevention of desertification identified in the national program strategies and activities on regional cooperation in land management, information systems implementation in water resources use.

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Kazakhstan’s capital of Astana has hosted Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State session on 14-15 June. Program of SCO summit on 15 June started with meeting at the Independence Palace in Astana. President Nursultan Nazarbaev of the Republic of Kazakhstan, President Hu Jintao of the People’s Republic of China, President Roza Otunbaeva of Kyrgyz Republic, President Dmitriy Medvedev of the Russian Federation, President Emomali Rahmon of the Republic of Tajikistan and President Islam Karimov of the Republic of Uzbekistan took part in the session.

The heads of member states extensively exchanged views on the current state and prospective directions of interaction within SCO along with pressing issues of regional and international politics.

Keeping with the established tradition in SCO summits, the session continued in extended format that included also the heads of observer nations, namely, President of Iran Mahmud Ahmadinejad, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, Minister of External Affairs of India S.M. Krishna, head of Mongolian President’s administration Battulga Dashzhamts, President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai (invited as a guest by the chair country), as well as representatives of international institutions like the UN, CIS, CSTO.

Participants of the session voiced their visions with regard to ways of advancing the cooperation in SCO realm, with a special consideration attached to regional agenda, events in the world, and the situation in Afghanistan in particular.

Assessing SCO’s activity for the past ten years, President Islam Karimov noted the Organization has come to be considered an influential international structure for a relatively short period of time span, if historically measured.

A robust normative and institutional base has been created within the establishment, its structural bodies have been steadily functioning, consistent expansion and intensification of cooperation in political, economic and humanitarian spheres has been secured, transport and communications ties have been consolidating. All of this suggests an open character of the Organization willing for dialogue with all the interested countries and international institutions.

“In this respect, I would especially like to point out the following factors facilitating the growth in SCO’s international standing,” Islam Karimov said.

“First and foremost, building on its underlying founding principles, the SCO makes itself known as a reliable guarantor of preserving stability and security in the region, a critically important task at this point of the rapidly changing and volatile world.

“Second, urgently relevant have been the objectives set out and addressed by the Organization to arrange multilateral productive cooperation in socio-political, socio-economic and humanitarian spheres, shaping a necessary normative and agreement foundation for this and implementing major projects significant for each participating state.

“Third, as an association of nations with equal rights, SCO has manifested clearly that its activities are not directed against interests of other countries, nor is it a confrontation-oriented bloc.”

Speaking of prospects of interaction within the Organization, the head of our state singled out such priorities of its work as keeping with the approved and tested policy course that has strictly adhered to goals, objectives and principles of the Organization’s Charter, realizing principal dimensions of cooperation equally meeting the interests of all the participants of ‘Shanghai Process’.

President Islam Karimov expressed confidence in that the further thriving of SCO will be contingent on the will of member nations to attain tangible results and, above all, secure sustainable development and growth in the wellbeing of population residing in the region’s countries.

Only when the peoples of SCO states do feel the fruits of joint work on concrete examples, will the SCO become even more attractive as an organization.

Uzbekistan advocates materialization of investment projects in SCO region to construct and modernize automotive, railway and air communications both of intrastate and interstate significance, along with establishing modern logistics centers and hubs. Uzbekistan believes their implementation will help advance trade and economic relations of SCO member countries with those of the European Union, South and South-East Asia.

In this vein, Uzbekistan considers important to put into action the proposal of China to institute SCO Development Bank, one that will aim to shape a multilateral mechanism of funding priority socio-economic and infrastructure schemes within the framework of the Organization, to allow for a more effective addressing of common challenges faced by participating nations.

Realization of interstate agreement on establishing Central Asia-Persian Gulf international transport corridor can prove paramount in this regard. The project would in the future help link the SCO expanse with ports of the Persian and Oman Gulfs via land routes.

Evaluating the state of affairs in Central Asia, Uzbekistan’s leader underscored that the region, given its geostrategic significance and abundant natural resources, continues to remain in the spotlight of global community in the context of growing threats and challenges to security and stability in the world.

Ongoing for more than thirty years, the war in Afghanistan is still the most formidable destabilizing factor in the region as much as the wider world. The situation in that country remains distressingly tense despite all the measures being undertaken by the international community.

“Today, no one entertains any doubt that there is no military solution to the Afghan crisis. Basically all leaders of nations across the globe, including those involved in resolving the crisis per se as well as the very military command of Coalition forces in Afghanistan, have adhered to this notion,” head of Uzbek state reiterated.

“We are positively convinced that the problems in that country should be addressed by the Afghan people themselves. Only through a compromise between the confronting parties, by engaging Afghans themselves in this process, and socio-economic reconstruction of Afghanistan backed by the global community, can we find a way out of this deadlock. Uzbekistan spoke about this as early as April 2008 in Bucharest.

“We see Afghanistan’s future as a peaceful and steadily developing country with posing no threat to the surrounding nations, in order for the peoples living in this part of the world to be able, as it used to be in the past, to cash in the opportunities of friendly, mutually advantageous and equal relations. Uzbekistan is going to stick to its policy of good neighborliness and cooperation with regard to Afghanistan in its bilateral interaction, building on shared national interests.”

During the session, the sides noted their approaches to addressing global and regional issues are similar and confirmed willingness to intensify cooperation.

Following the session, a package of documents has been signed aiming at further enhancing the cooperation within SCO. The sides inked Declaration of Decade that includes basic accomplishments made by the SCO in the past period, views of member nations to contemporary affairs in the region and world at large, along with approaches to addressing pressing issues of regional security and bolstering cooperation within SCO in priority dimensions.

Anti-Narcotics Strategy 2011-2016 has also been approved along with the Action Plan to execute it, to facilitate lifting up the efficiency of joint efforts to counter drugs threat in SCO area.

Standard Memorandum on commitments by the applicant state to be granted a status of SCO member nation has been signed in order to regulate the procedure of accession of countries into the Organization based on the Regulations on the Rules of Admitting New Members to the SCO approved during the 2010 Tashkent summit.

Authorized representatives of SCO member states penned an inter-governmental agreement on cooperation in healthcare that provides for interaction in such aspects as prevention and oversight of infectious diseases, safety and quality of medicines, protection of mother and child health, provision of medical assistance in emergency situations and a range of other stipulations.

Revisiting the work of the summit, President Islam Karimov expressed confidence in that “the outcomes of the current candid and constructive exchange of views on issues urgent for us, along with the decisions adopted today concerning cooperation in combating drugs business and SCO expansion, will prove another important stride toward ensuring the security and stability of the Organization’s member countries and to raising the structure’s effectiveness.”

It has been noted during the press conference that followed the negotiations that the remarkable transformation in regional and international politics notwithstanding, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has for the last ten years withstood with dignity all the tests and proved itself as an essential mechanism for intensification of neighborly, friendly and partnership relations among participating nations.

Chairmanship in the SCO has been passed on to the Chinese side at the summit. Heads of state supported the proposal by the People’s Republic of China to announce the period of its presidency as the Year of Neighborliness and Friendship in SCO area.

That put an end to the eleventh session of SCO Council of Heads of State.

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In October, Tashkent will host the First International Festival of Contemporary Cinema, organized by the Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan and Uzbekkino National Agency.

At a press conference, held at the Fund Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan, the media representatives were provided with detailed information about preparations for the event.

In the years of independence under the leadership of President Islam Karimov, special attention has been paid to the development of national cinema and the enrichment of distinctive traditions and schools and the creation of artistic works to improve the spirituality of youth. The First Tashkent International Festival of Contemporary Cinema is organized to further develop the national cinematography, familiarize viewers with the latest national and world cinema, promoting international cooperation in the field.

The Director-General of the festival art critic Akbar Khakimov said that films of various genres will be selected within the frame of the forum, to analyze creativity of young filmmakers in our country, examine trends in world cinema and increase the artistic taste of the audience.

During the preparation process, the Fund Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan held a show contest “Inception.” Over 30 short films made in 2009-1011 by young specialists competed at the contest. The works of the winners of the contest will be recommended to attend the festival in October.

The winners of the show contest were awarded with diplomas at the conference.

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As previously reported, at the invitation of President Islam Karimov, on 13 June, President of Russia Dmitriy Medvedev arrived in Uzbekistan on a working visit. On 14 June, meeting of President Islam Karimov and Russian President Dmitri Medvedev was held in suburban complex of Kuksaroy.   Welcoming the guest, Uzbek head of state noted that the visit of President of Russia to Uzbekistan was considered as conclusive evidence of the high level of mutual relations and served as embodiment of political commitment to strengthen cooperation in all areas based on long-term interests of both counties and their people.

The sides stated that today the cooperation between the two countries was developing steadily in all directions and mechanisms for effective cooperation in political, trade-economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres were launched.

Russia is the largest trade partner of Uzbekistan. Bilateral trade has a positive trend. Last year it grew by almost 50% to USD 6.4 billion.

During the meeting of Uzbek-Russian intergovernmental commission for economic cooperation on 31 May, the issues of expanding economic cooperation through the involvement of new industries and products were discussed.

Uzbekistan exports natural gas, agricultural products, transport and communication services, vehicles, textiles and more to Russia. Non-ferrous and ferrous metals, mechanical and electrical equipment, wood products and wood processing industry are imported to Uzbekistan from Russia.

The cooperation in agriculture is intensifying, increasing volumes of supplies of fruits and vegetables.

Dynamics and diversification of investment cooperation is evident in the increasing number of joint ventures. In Uzbekistan, there are 843 Uzbek-Russian JVs. In addition, 135 firms and companies of Russia have opened their offices in our country. The Russian Federation has 385 joint ventures created with Uzbek partners.

The scale of investment cooperation is expanding. In this regard, the implementation of large scale works in conjunction with such companies as Gazprom, Lukoil, Soyuzneftegaz, Stroytransgaz, Volgaburmash, etc., to develop the infrastructure of the fuel and energy complex geological prospecting, exploration and development, should be noted.

Also, extensive contacts in the area of humanitarian cooperation, covering the areas of education, culture, healthcare, tourism and others are established between the two countries.

Priority is given to contacts in the field of science and education. A vivid example is the activities of branches of Russian Economic University named after G. Plekhanov, Moscow State University named after Lomonosov and the Russian State Oil and Gas named after Gubkin in Tashkent.

At the Uzbek-Russian high level meeting, along with the most important issues of bilateral cooperation were also addressed topical issues of international politics, particularly, the management issues in Central Asia as well as water and energy resources were reviewed.

For construction of hydraulic structures in rivers in the region should be agreed with neighboring countries and an independent international review of such projects should be carried out.

The sides also discussed the situation in the region. They noted the importance of cooperation in strengthening security and stability. It was stressed that lasting peace in Afghanistan promote interaction between the interstate and interregional relations.

Islam Karimov and Dmitriy Medvedev discussed in detail the key issues of bilateral relations. Important job was held, which is usually figuratively called “reconciliation hours” at the highest level. It appears that the agreements reached in the near future will find real shape in the form of specific documents, mutually beneficial projects aimed at development of bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of Uzbekistan and Russia.

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On the invitation of President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, President of Russia Dmitriy Medvedev arrived in Tashkent with a working visit on 13 June. At Tashkent airport, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov and President of Russia Dmitriy Medvedev had a brief talk. This visit is part of the traditional political dialogue of the leaders of Uzbekistan and Russia, which meet regularly to exchange views on a wide range of issues of Uzbek-Russian cooperation.

At the upcoming negotiations on 14 June, the sides will discuss trade and economic relations, which are mutually beneficial and are steadily expanding even during the global financial crisis.

In 2010, bilateral trade between the two states increased almost 1.5 times reaching USD 6.4 billion. The same dynamics is observed in the current year.

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Wide-scale reforms implemented in the agricultural sector of Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Islam Karimov have served to the formation of the new class of owners in rural areas and increase of the agricultural production volumes.

The farmers of Uzbekistan are nowadays supplying quality produce to both local and external markets. They contribute to creation of new enterprises in the regions, raising the employment level and improvement of the living standards in the villages.

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Uzbekistan juniors football team left for Mexico for the world cup to be held during 10 June – 10 July. Twenty-four teams from across the world will participate in the championship. The team of Uzbekistan will play in group D with the US, Czech Republic and New Zealand. Teams winning the first two places in their groups, as well as four teams winning three places with the highest score will reach the play off stage. The head coach of the Uzbek team Alexei Yevstafyev called the participation of the country in the world cup a historical event. While preparing for the Mexico championship, the players of Uzbekistan held a number of friendly matches with teams of Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. The main stage of preparation was held in England.

In their first game, planned for 19 June, the Uzbek players will face New Zealand, in the second game on 22 June the US and in the third game on 25 June the Czech Republic.

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Sportsmen of Uzbekistan won four gold, one silver and six bronze medals at the Asian cup in boat racing held in Singapore. Among them is Abubakir Uzakbayev, student of Nukus Olympic reserve college. President Islam Karimov during his visit to Karakalpakstan in October 2010 met a group of young people. The head of the state also met the silver medal winner of the 2010 Asian cup in Singapore Abubakir Uzakbayev. Congratulating the athlete with victory, the President presented him a racing boat, which was a great stimulus for Abubakir in his sports career. He promised to the head of the state to wrothiy defend the honor of the Motherland at the upcoming tournaments.

At the World cup in Singapore, held on 2-5 June, Abubakir kept his word, winning gold medal in singles among men.

Other athletes that also won gold in Singapore are Zafar Usmanov, Yakub Khamzayev, Dilshod Kudratov from Samarkand, Ernazar Hamidullayev from Karakalpakstan and Natalya Bagytova from Tashkent.
 

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The intergovernmental negotiations on financial and technical cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Federal Republic of Germany were held in Tashkent on 9 June.

The event was attended by the heads of ministries and departments related to foreign economic relations, trade, investment, economy, banking and finance, healthcare, tourism, education, agriculture and water management, high technologies and construction sectors, as well as companies of Uzbekistan and Germany.

Germany is an important trade partner of Uzbekistan in Europe. It is an active investor in the Uzbek economy. With participation of investors from Germany, investment projects worth over EUR 1 billion in were realized. Relations between the two countries are based on more than 100 documents of interstate, intergovernmental and interdepartmental levels. Among them are the agreements on cooperation in investment, financial and technical spheres, privatization and state property management, as well as personnel training.

In accordance with the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed between Uzbekistan and the European Union preferential treatment has been established in trade relations between the two countries. The volume of trade between Uzbekistan and Germany has been steadily growing. In 2010, this figure exceeded USD 483 million. There are 114 joint ventures created with participation of German investors, and 49 representative offices of German companies in Uzbekistan. They operate in such areas as light industry, medicine and pharmaceuticals, research, trade, agricultural processing, transportation of passengers and goods, automotive services, etc.

In various sectors of economy of Uzbekistan, large investment projects with participation of German banks are implemented. The universities and research institutes of the two countries have established a mutually beneficial partnership. Joint research is conducted in industry, agriculture, natural resource management and other areas.

At the talks in Tashkent, the guests from Germany got acquainted with the privatization process in Uzbekistan, reforms in the economy, favorable conditions and opportunities created in the free industrial zone Navoi.

The negotiations also touched upon issues of development and implementation of new joint projects, as well as investment, financial and technical cooperation, and promotion of direct contacts among businesses.

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The Ministry of Economy held a press conference in Tashkent on Wednesday on the investment cooperation of Uzbekistan with international financial institutions.

“Stable growth of the socioeconomic parameters in the country is the result of the balanced macroeconomic policy, economic liberalization and modernization and reconstruction of production,” head of the Main department for structural reforms of the economy and investment programs of the Economy Ministry Dilshod Azimov said.

In 2010, GDP growth rate made up 8.5% compared to 8.1% a year earlier. The volume of industrial production increased 1.3 times in the past three years. Investments in the country grew 1.8 times including foreign investments and credits 2.4 times.

Today, Uzbekistan is a full-fledged member of many leading international financial institutions, including the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank and others.

The total number of projects with their participation has comprised 198, of which 153 worth USD 1.45 billion have already been implemented.

45 more projects worth over USD 2.4 billion are currently under implementation with participation of the ADB, the WB and the IDB.

The credits and investments of the foreign financial institutions are used in implementing strategically important projects in healthcare, education, infrastructure and communications development, modernization of the power sector and other areas.

With the ADB, the agreement was signed on attraction of a USD 600 million credit for construction and reconstruction of more than 220 km of car roads on the Uzbek national highway.

The funds of the foreign institutions are used in the implementation of the Program of industrial development in Uzbekistan in 2011-2015. The program includes more than 500 investment projects worth USD 47.5 billion.

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The international festival “Silk and Spices” was held in the city of Bukhara, which is famous with its historical monuments, great thinkers and traditions of craftsmanship.

Representatives of all regions of Uzbekistan, as well as foreign countries participated in the event, organized by the regional administration, Uzbektourism company and various NGOs.

The festival visitors could get acquainted with natural silk fabrics and carpets, jewelry, ceramics, metal, wood items, samples of miniature art. Demonstrations of folk ensembles and rope walkers gave a peculiar spirit to the festival.

The event concluded with an ethnographic costumes show.

“I came to Uzbekistan for the first time,” Barbara Erne from Switzerland said. “This fairy tale city in wonderful. The samples of craftsmanship presented here show how deep the roots of the national traditions are.”

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The second international theatre festival Theatre.UZ will be held in October in the capital of Uzbekistan. The organizers of the event are Fund “Forum of culture and art of Uzbekistan”, Ministry of culture and sport, UzbekTheatre association and the Youth Theatre of Uzbekistan.

The festival, to be held during the Art Week Style.UZ, will demonstrate the best plays from Uzbekistan, as well as Germany, Island, Russia, Israel, Ukraine, Vietnam and other states.

Among the local theatres to participate in the event are the Youth theatre, National academic drama theatre, Alisher Navoi state academic theatre, and regional theatres.

An international forum on processes in the world theatre art, as well as master classes, concerts and other events will be held during the festival.

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The regular meeting of the Intergovernmental Joint Commission of Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia to monitor progress in implementing the Agreement on cooperation in trade, economy, science and technology, culture, sports and youth affairs was held on 6 June in Tashkent.

The event was attended by the heads of ministries and departments, companies and concerns of the two countries responsible for the sphere of external economic relations, investments, oil and gas, commerce and industry, science and education, tourism, chemical industry, health, agriculture and water resources.

First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, co-chairman of the joint commission, Rustam Azimov emphasized the consistent development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia in economy, trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian spheres at the forum.

Agreements between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia are in force on avoidance of double taxation, promotion and protection of investments. Intergovernmental joint commission meets regularly. Chambers of Commerce of the two countries signed a document on mutual cooperation.

Two countries are expanding cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, too. On 25-31 March of this year, days of culture of Uzbekistan took place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“Saudi Arabia is one of the states, actively investing in the economies of different countries,” said the chairman of the General Agency of Saudi Arabia on investment, the joint commission co-chairman Amr Abdullah Al-Dabbagh. “In cooperation with Uzbekistan, we intend to implement promising projects. Uzbekistan created all conditions for successful activities of foreign investors.”

During the meeting, sides exchanged views on further expanding and strengthening the scope of trade-economic and investment cooperation, development and implementation of mutually beneficial projects. The volume of bilateral trade, increase the number of joint ventures and expand the types of products were highlighted. The implementation of high-tech joint projects in the industrial free-trade zone “Navoi” was considered.

Within the event a business forum and cooperation exchange were held with representatives of companies and enterprises of Uzbekistan and the business community of Saudi Arabia.

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In Uzbekistan, a special attention is paid to the health of mothers and children and improvement of reproductive health of population. Resolution of the President Islam Karimov for the protection of motherhood and childhood on additional measures to raise a healthy generation, a program of activities to reinforce and enhance the effectiveness of efforts to strengthen reproductive health, birth of a healthy children and upbringing of comprehensively developed generation in 2009-2013 serve as significant policy in this direction.

Social organizations also make a worthy contribution to the execution of the work marked in these documents. For example, the International Charitable Foundation “Sog’lom Avlod Uchun” (For Healthy Generation) has been implementing joint projects with international organizations to protect maternal and child health. In particular, the interaction with the International Fund for Health of the Republic of Korea fully renovated main building and strengthened material-technical base of children’s hospital in Urtachirchik district of Tashkent region. Active work to improve the qualification of the medical sphere and the quality of medical services is also carried out in collaboration with the Foundation.

Under the cooperation agreement signed between the Ministry of Health, the International Charity Fund “Soglom Avlod Uchun” and the University of In Ha of the Republic of Korea, the doctors of this university, cardiologists, orthopedists, opticians, podiatrists, surgeons, together with the Uzbek colleagues conducted a medical examination of population in the capital’s health and social center of the fund, “Muruvvat” House of Yuqorichirchiq district of Tashkent region and the array of Malikrabot in industrial free-trade zone of Navoi.

“We have been impressed by reforms in the health system of Uzbekistan and the work to protect public health, and especially upbringing harmoniously developed generation,” said the professor of the University Hospital In Ha Li Hong Shik. “Attention to state maternal and child health – it is a huge concern for the future. This is confirmed by implementing a number of relevant programs, activities of the many centers. Within the project with the help of modern medical equipment, we conducted a medical examination of children mainly from low-income families, have given appropriate recommendations and provided essential medicine. Last year, three children with congenital heart disease from Uzbekistan were operated and underwent a course of rehabilitation in South Korea.”

“I suffered from arthrosis of the hip,” said Dilbar Tuhtayeva of Navoi. “Last year, In Ha did the surgery operation in the hospital of the University. Now, I feel good, busy with children and housework. I am grateful to the organizers of the shares and qualified doctors.”

Also, doctors from South Korea were acquainted with historical monuments and creative work carried out in Tashkent and Samarkand.

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Delegation headed by Přemysl Sobotka, first deputy chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, met chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan Ilgizar Sobirov on 2 June.

During the talks, it was noted that the relations between Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic are developing in all areas, including the parliamentary sphere.

The sides discussed development of relations between the parliaments of the two countries.

The Czech parliamentary delegation also held talks with the speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan Dilorom Tashmuhamedova and the chairman of the Commerce and Industry Chamber Alisher Shaikhov.

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The Central Election Commission held a round table discussion on issues of freedom of suffrage and development of electoral law, defined in the concept of further deepening of democratic reforms and formation of civil society in Uzbekistan.

Members of the CEC (Central Election Committee), the Tashkent regional and city election commissions and the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis, staff of the Constitutional Court, the Prosecutor General, Ministry of Justice, the Women’s Committee, representatives of political parties, the Ecology Movement, Public Youth Movement of Uzbekistan “Kamolot”, the Institute for Monitoring Current Legislation, Institute for the Study of Civil Society and Media participated at the round table.

Deputy Chairman of the CEC Kuchkar Togayev in his speech highlighted the need to improve national electoral legislation. Report of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov at the joint session of Legislative Chamber and Senate on “The Concept of the further deepening of democratic reforms and the formation of civil society in the country” of 12 November 2010 marked a new stage of reform and democratization of the country to further improve the scope of state and public construction, legal sphere, in particular, the electoral law.

Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber Ulugbek Muhammadiyev and others noted in their speeches that the results of elections carried out in Uzbekistan, strengthening inter-party competition suggested different forms, methods and scope of the campaign.

Inclusion of the rules in the electoral law, that is not allowed to conduct the campaign, not only on election day, but the day before the vote, is an important safeguard of the free expression of voters will in the voting process.

According to the participants of the round table, amending Article 6 of the Law “On elections to the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan”, which establishes the right of observers to attend the conference for this purpose, the Conference of the Ecology Movement, will undoubtedly contribute to transparency and openness of the election of deputies of the Ecology Movement.

It was noted at the event that a number of specific proposals in the Concept for the freedom of choice and the development of electoral law at the present stage of development of society is an important factor in the further liberalization of the electoral process, ensuring their openness to further improve the existing mechanisms of a free and independent will of the citizens.

The Round Table was held in the form of active discussion and questions-answers.

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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.

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