DOWNLOADS

Visa Form (PDF file)

National Anthem

Web

uzbekembassy.in

USEFUL LINKS

President's Press-office

http://www.press-service.uz 

Portal of the State Authority Republic of Uzbekistan

http://www.gov.uz

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Uzbekistan

http://www.mfa.uz

Uzbek National Information Agency

http:///eng/

Jahon Information Agency

http://www.jahon.mfa.uz

EXPLORE UZBEKISTAN

EXPLORE UZBEKISTAN

                                              LATEST NEWS : May 2011                     ARCHIVES

 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received US President’s Deputy National Security Advisor Denis McDonough at Oqsaroy residence in Tashkent on 31 May. Welcoming the guest, Islam Karimov said the Uzbek-US relations were developing stably and consistently in all directions. During the meeting, the present state and perspectives of relations between the two countries were discussed. The sides also considered issues of regional security and stability, as well as other topics of mutual interest.

Denis McDonough passed the personal message of the US President Barack Obama to President Islam Karimov and noted that the United States highly valued the participation of Uzbekistan in the socioeconomic revival of Afghanistan. The US representative expressed sincere gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan for warm welcome and underlined his country’s interest in development of long-term relations with Uzbekistan.

www.uza.uz

On 27-28 May, VI meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Forum was held in Tashkent. Delegations of national research centers of the Member States, experts from SCO observer-countries, representatives of the Secretariat and the Executive Committee of RATS, the diplomatic corps in Uzbekistan took part in it.

The Forum is a multilateral public consultation and expert mechanism established to facilitate and support the scientific activities of the SCO.

During the meeting, forum participants focused on the results of the SCO summit held in Tashkent in June, last year. The sides exchanged views on further development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, stabilization the situation in Afghanistan, security in the region of Central Asia, implementation of mutually beneficial investment and trade-economic projects.
At the forum, the chairmanship of Uzbekistan in the organization aimed at improving the efficiency and international prestige of the SCO was highly appreciated.

In particular, it was noted that Uzbekistan marked the clear and specific priorities of the SCO since the early days of its chairmanship.

The basic documents adopted at the Tashkent summit were discussed in detail at the forum.

Milestone event in the development of the SCO was the Joint Declaration on cooperation between the SCO Secretariat and the UN, signed in Tashkent in April 2010 during the visit of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, which defines the main principles and areas of bilateral cooperation between the competent international bodies.

The forum participants expressed their conviction that the adoption of this document actively to engage the UN rostrum to address the problems faced by the SCO and the joint promotion of interests of the members of organization in its framework.

The plenary discussions were supported by the main approaches of Uzbekistan to the Afghan settlement. The parties were unanimous that the problem of Afghanistan can not be solved solely by military means. It requires a compromise between the warring parties, the involvement of the Afghans themselves, socio-economic revival of the country. Ultimately, the problem of Afghanistan must be solved by the Afghan people.

Participants also recognized the need to create favorable conditions in trade, economic and investment fields, the implementation of joint regional and interregional projects on the development of transport and communications infrastructure.

At the forum, the need for further dynamic development and strengthening the organization was highlighted to improve implementation of the decisions on the basis of strict compliance with the SCO Charter and other arrangements and procedures accepted within the organization.

www.uza.uz

The first Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Australia, with residence in Singapore, Alisher Kurmanov presented credential letters to Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce.

In a conversation after the ceremony, the sides discussed the prospects of bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Australia in political, economic, trade and other spheres.

Governor-General of Australia welcomed the decision of the Uzbek leadership to appoint the first ambassador to Australia, which is seen as a historic contribution to the strengthening of bilateral cooperation.

Bryce expressed satisfaction with the intensification of cooperation between the two countries over the past few years. According to her, Canberra attaches great importance to strengthening relations with the young and dynamically developing country such as Uzbekistan.

The head of Australia expressed interest in further development and deepening of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Australia in areas of mutual interest.

www.jahonnews.uz

Business forum of business circles of Uzbekistan and Poland was held at the International Business Centre of Tashkent on 26 May.

Representatives of several ministries and agencies, firms and companies of both countries, working in the fields of foreign economic relations, trade, investment, banking and finance, customs, insurance, pharmaceuticals, tourism, sports, transport and transport communications, food processing, chemical industry, agriculture and water, construction materials, environmental protection attended the event.

The First Deputy Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan A.Kamolov noted the consistent development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Poland in all spheres, particularly in trade and economy, important legal basis of the arrangements reached during meetings of heads of the two countries.

Favorable investment climate created in Uzbekistan for cooperation with foreign investors, the necessary conditions and facilities to continue the privatization process increased the interest of business circles of Poland in cooperation with Uzbekistan.

Uzbek-Polish relations are developing successfully in many fields, particularly in economy, trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Fruitful talks are conducted on a wide range of issues, employees increase the mutually beneficial cooperation to a qualitatively new level.

Uzbek-Polish economic relations are based on more than 40 documents, in particular, agreements on trade and economic cooperation, mutual protection and promotion of investments. In 2010, the volume of trade between the two countries totaled USD $104.7 million. There are more than 20 joint ventures in Uzbekistan with participation of foreign investors of Poland. Seven large Polish companies opened in their country offices.

At the forum it was noted that Uzbekistan achieved high rates of economic growth, which reinforced the interest of foreign investors to cooperate with Uzbekistan despite the ongoing global financial crisis, thanks to the socio-political and economic stability, as well as the timely implementation of anti-crisis measures.

“Uzbekistan is an important partner of Poland,” said Deputy Minister of Economy of Poland Rafal Banyak. “Your country could achieve high rates of economic growth even in the global economic crisis. Both Uzbekistan and Poland are countries with enormous economic potential. Steady increase in trade turnover may serve as a vivid example of the dynamic development of the relationship between the two countries. Various activities conducted within the framework of our visit, have become a good opportunity to discover new facets of bilateral cooperation to address issues over the full utilization of existing capacity. We are interested in further development of mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.”

During the event, a special attention was paid to the increase of mutual trade volume, increasing the number of joint ventures and products. The implementation of a joint project at the free industrial zone of Navoi was discussed.

Cooperation exchange with representatives of business circles of Uzbekistan and Poland was held as a part of the business forum. Issues of broad involvement of Polish companies in the privatization process in Uzbekistan, increase the number of joint ventures, the volume of bilateral trade, joint development and implementation of mutually beneficial projects were examined in it.

Also, the representatives of business circles of Poland held talks in various ministries and departments of Uzbekistan.

www.uza.uz

 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received the UN Under-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.

www.uza.uz

 

In the metropolitan recreational park named after Gafur Gulam, the Second Youth Festival “Istiqlol umidlari” (Hopes of indepence) was held. In the decree of President Islam Karimov “On preparing and holding the celebration of 20 years of state independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan” dated 6 April of this year, special attention is given to a worthy celebration of the 20th anniversary of independence, the historic date of great importance in the socio-political and spiritual life.

Based on these objectives, Tashkent city administration held plenty of festivals, art weeks, educational projects, conferences, sports and recreational tournaments.

One of such events was the Second Festival of Youth, held in the park. The Ministry of Culture and Sports of Uzbekistan, Uzbeknavo, Republican fund “Mahalla” and Public Youth Movement Kamolot contributed to the organization of the event.

The students of secondary and secondary special educational institutions, orphanages of Tashkent, children from families in need of social support were invited to the festival.
 

The main aim of the festival, dedicated to the very great, the most expensive holiday, is a broad and comprehensive explanation of importance of wide-ranging reforms in the direction of upbringing harmonically developed generation, and spiritual spheres.   During the event, special attention was paid to assist students in the manifestation of creative and intellectual abilities, effective organization of children, increased cooperation between the school, neighborhood and preschool education.

Professional College of Construction and the National Handicraft in Almazar district in the metropolitan area is one of the modern educational institutions. College students actively participate in the competition Kelajak Ovozi (Voice of future), in exhibition of fine arts, national and international exhibitions and festivals. In this institution, attended more than two hundred students, sports and recreational activities, arts and craft circles are established. According to director of college Hasan Yuldashev, additional courses in embroidery and carving will be organized during the summer vacation.

Within the festival, meetings with writers and poets, advocates of spirituality and masters of sports were held with students. Quizzes on general subjects, creative competitions and sporting events were organized. Art and photo exhibitions and concert with the masters of art gave the festival a particular solemnity.

The children, who won at competitions and art contests, received gifts.

www.uza.uz

 

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. 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.

www.uza.uz

 

Asian Championship on Freestyle, Greco-Roman and women’s wrestling started in Tashkent. It was organized by Ministry of Culture and Sports jointly with Wrestling Association of Uzbekistan. More than 200 athletes from over 20 countries of the continent will fight for the victory at the Uzbekistan sports complex. Most of the participants are winners of Olympics, Asian Games, Continent and World Championships.

In Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, along with experience fighters, young athletes will defend the honor of Uzbekistan.

“I witnessed a high level of organization of sporting events in Uzbekistan for many times,” said the President of the International Federation of Wrestling Raphael Martinetti. “The current championship, which brought together many talented fighters of Asia, is also one of these big tournaments.”

Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling are among the most popular Olympic sports. At different times Uzbekistan hosted the world championship in freestyle and Greco-Roman and women’s wrestling among juniors, Asian Championship among cadets, the Asian qualifying tournament of Junior Olympics and other major competitions. “Cup of Independence of Uzbekistan” held in Tashkent since 1997, included series of “Golden Grand Prix at the International Federation of Wrestling.

Uzbek fighters regularly win prizes at the Olympic and Asian Games, World and Continent Championships. Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers of the country were awarded three gold and three silver medals at the Summer Olympic Games.

“Created by President Islam Karimov opportunities for the harmonious development of young people are important factor for athletes in achieving high success at the international scene,” said the world champion in Greco-Roman wrestling Dilshod Aripov. “It inspires us to win, gives us more strength and energy. It is our duty to justify the confidence and dignity to defend the honor of our country.”

Uzbekistan has established a unique system of training highly skilled athletes. Modern sports facilities are built and equipped in accordance with international standards not only in cities and district centers, but also in remote villages. Secrets of the sport taught by experienced teachers and specialists to boys and girls. Young athletes, especially wrestlers, surrounded by such attention and care, defend the honor of Uzbekistan in the international arena.

Last year at the Youth Olympic Games, first held in Singapore, the Greco-Roman wrestlers Nurbek Hakkulov and Ruslan Komilov won silver and bronze medals respectively, free fighter Dierbek Ergashev and Nilufar Gadoeva in women’s wrestling were awarded bronze medals.

The opening of the championship was attended by Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan A. Aripov.

www.uza.uz  
 

 

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. 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.
 

www.uza.uz

1. At the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, His Excellency Islam Abduganievich Karimov, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan paid a State visit to India on 17-18 May 2011. During the State visit, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan held talks with Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of the Republic of India and with Dr.Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India. Mr. Hamid Ansari, Vice-President of India, Mr. S.M.Krishna, External Affairs Minister and Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha called on President Islam A. Karimov.

2. The sides noted that the visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to India was a welcome continuation of the tradition of regular exchange of high level visits between India and Uzbekistan and was testimony to the close historical and deep cultural ties between the two countries. The sides noted with satisfaction that the discussions took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

3. The sides reviewed the current status of the entire gamut of bilateral relations and exchanged views on important regional and international issues. They noted the similarity of their positions on bilateral, regional and global issues. The sides agreed that the Foreign Ministries of both countries would continue to hold regular consultations, including exchange of visits by their Ministers.

4. The sides noted with satisfaction that their relations serve their long term national interest and at the same time strengthen bilateral cooperation in accordance with the provisions of the UN Charter, the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs.

5. The sides noted that India and Uzbekistan have stakes in mutual progress and prosperity, and expressed their determination to imbue greater dynamism to the relationship through all-round cooperation and engagement. Both leaders declared that bilateral relations had been elevated to the level of a long term and strategic partnership based on equality and mutual understanding. This strategic partnership would encompass active cooperation in a wide spectrum of areas including political, economic, counter-terrorism, education, health, human resource development, science and technology, tourism and culture.

6. The sides noted with satisfaction the conclusion of bilateral documents during the visit on cooperation in a range of areas including Information Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Standardization, Small and Medium Enterprises, Coal gasification, Oil & Gas, Science &Technology, Textiles and Banking.

7. The sides agreed that the current level of bilateral trade was below the existing potential and underlined the need for increasing the volume of mutual trade and expanding its range. They expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the 9th session of the India-Uzbek Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation held on May 4-5, 2011 in Tashkent, and declared the necessity of enhancing bilateral trade, economic and investment cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

8. The sides noted opportunities for further significant growth of volumes and diversification of the basket of mutual trade and agreed that the organization of trade fairs in the territories of the two states shall also contribute to the growth of mutual trade. They called upon their respective business communities to avail opportunities for mutually beneficial investments for implementation of major joint projects in promising sectors such as information technology and telecommunications ; pharmaceuticals and biotechnology; production of finished textile, silk and leather goods ; exploration and mining of hydrocarbons; production of household chemicals and plant protection chemicals ; and tourism.

9. The sides noted the importance of strengthening the financial infrastructure for promoting trade and investment. They welcomed in this context the MoU between the EXIM Bank of India and the National Bank of Uzbekistan, aimed at streamlining the flow of credit. They also welcomed the initialling of the Protocol amending the bilateral Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement which would help promote investment and cross-border movement of goods, services and technology between the two countries.

10. The Uzbek side welcomed the desire of Indian companies to expand investment cooperation in sectors with advanced industrial potential corresponding to international standards. The Uzbek side informed the Indian side of opportunities for investment in joint projects of mutual interest, in the Free Industrial-Economic Zone "Navoi", where unprecedented favourable conditions for foreign investors had been created. Both sides also noted the capacities of the transcontinental intermodal hub at Navoi airport as a transshipment transit point, which provided favourable terms of transportation of cargo to the countries of Europe, CIS, the Middle East and other regions. More than 40 flights in a week originated from this international hub to key transit centers of the world, including such industrial centers of India as Delhi and Mumbai.

11. The sides highlighted the absence of surface transport connectivity as one of the reasons for the low level of trade between the two countries. To resolve these connectivity problems, the sides discussed implementation of such projects as the Trans-Afghan corridor and the project to establish the Central Asia-Persian Gulf corridor. The implementation of these projects may considerably cut down the distance and costs for transportation of goods between Uzbekistan and India, as well as provide Afghanistan the opportunity to integrate into the regional system of transport connectivity. The sides agreed to continue their work in terms of looking for various options for surface connectivity between India and Uzbekistan.

12. The sides noted the prospects of scientific and technical cooperation between the scientific centers of the two countries on organization of joint researches in the spheres of biotechnology, material science, solar power, laser technologies, and automation of production process.

13. The sides noted the potential of information technology for the improvement of people's lives. The Uzbek side welcomed activities of the Jawaharlal Nehru Uzbek-Indian Centre for Information Technology in Tashkent and noted that the sides had enormous potential to promote cooperation in this sphere.

14. The sides agreed to intensify contacts between educational institutions of both countries and to increase cooperation in human resources development.

15. The sides stressed the need to further intensify cultural cooperation, which would contribute to strengthening ties between their peoples.

16. The sides resolutely condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and reaffirmed that international terrorism was a threat to global peace and security. It was noted with satisfaction that the fourth meeting of the Indo-Uzbek Joint Working Group on combating international terrorism (February 2011, New Delhi) discussed several issues of security and counter-terrorism including exchange of information, data, financing of terrorism and related matters. They emphasized the need for adoption of the "Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism" in the near future. The sides expressed the intention in this context to continue consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and to coordinate their efforts within the framework of the JWG on Combating International Terrorism.

17. The sides discussed the continuing unstable situation in Afghanistan and the challenges emanating from the region, including drug trafficking, and reaffirmed the importance of early establishment of peace and stability in the country.

18. The sides expressed their strong commitment to multilateralism, with the United Nations playing a central role in dealing with global challenges and threats. They reaffirmed their commitment to the reform of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, through its expansion in the permanent and non-permanent categories, with increased representation of developing countries in both, in order to improve its efficiency, representativeness, and legitimacy, and for it to better meet the contemporary challenges faced by the international community. The Uzbek side reiterated its support for India’s candidature for permanent membership of an expanded Security Council.

19. The Sides underscored the importance of further strengthening mutual cooperation in the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, taking into account the active participation of the sides in the activity of this Organization.

20. India welcomed the entry into force of the Nuclear Weapon Free Zone in Central Asia and was prepared to extend the necessary security assurances.

21. H.E. Mr. Islam Karimov, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, expressed gratitude to the Indian leadership and to the peoples of India for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to him and to the Uzbekistan delegation during his State visit to the Republic of India. He invited Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the President of the Republic of India, to visit the Republic of Uzbekistan. The President of Uzbekistan also invited Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India, to visit Uzbekistan. The invitations were accepted with pleasure.

New Delhi
May 18, 2011

On 17-18 May, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov will pay a state visit to India at the invitation of President of India Pratibha Patil.

The International conference “Towards the 6th World Water Forum – joint action towards water security” opened in Tashkent on 12 May. It is supported by the World Water Council in the framework of the global process of preparation to the forthcoming forum, to take place in March 2012 in Marseille (France).

Preserving the environment and its resources, including one of the most important one – water, has acquired special urgency in the recent years. The entire international community is looking for solution of the problem of provision the population and the economy with water. According to official figures, over 1 billion people on the planet today lack access to clean water. In the future, this situation may become even more acute, because due to continuous population growth and climate changes, water shortages will only worsen.

The environmental challenges in Central Asia, associated with the drying Aral Sea, are known around the world. However, the bitter experience has not been a lesson for all regional countries.

Attempts to implement projects with construction of giant dams on trans-border rivers, and to transfer existing and constructed hydro structures to energy mode are causing justified concerns among the majority of population in the region. Negative consequences of such actions will affect the lives of millions of people living here. Moreover, their influence is already becoming global in nature. This was emphasized by President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov in his speech at the UN Millennium Summit in September 2010.

The international conference in Tashkent, which is an important step in preparation for the World Water Forum, is being attended by over 350 experts, prominent scientists, environmentalists and specialists in water management from 32 countries, as well as representatives of about 30 influential international organizations and financial institutions, including the UN and its member agencies, the World Water Council, Global Water Partnership, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Economic Commission for Europe, International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, USAID, International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, International Commission on Large Dams, and others.

The participants of the conference listened to the welcome address of President Islam Karimov, in which he outlined fundamental approaches of Uzbekistan to the regional problems of rational use of water resources of transboundary rivers, which have always provided the vital needs of more than 50 million people living in six states of the region. The President called on the conference participants to establish a mechanism for effective regional cooperation to guarantee that the transboundary rivers are used according to generally accepted international rules and regulations to ensure equality, mutual benefit and fairness for all parties, since this issue is of a vital value for the residents of the region.

In his address, President of Uzbekistan stressed: “Today, humanity is facing an important task – to preserve nature for present and future generations, and to protect it from threats and challenges, which could affect the lives of people and disrupt the existing system of nature use.”

The times of “easy” water has ended, the humanity has entered a new era of shared water use, said the president of the World Water Council Loïc Fauchon in his video address to the conference. The vision is changing toward the concept of a more caring attitude towards nature.

Thanks to the efforts of several countries, including Central Asian states, the way is paved for a more responsible attitude towards water resources and their rational sharing. Everyone’s right to water has been proclaimed by the UN, and no one can deprive any person of this right, which is essential for life. Separation of water among countries, and between people and nature should be just. He noted that the peoples of Central Asia had the richest culture in the area of water management, and their experience was very important for solving water problems around the world.

World Water Forums have been held since 1997, once in every three years. They are the largest international meetings to discuss the state, preservation and use of water resources of the planet. The topic of the 6th World Water Forum of 2012 is “From goal to solutions”. Of 12 areas on its agenda, six most important issues were identified for the Central Asian region, to which the conference in Tashkent should find a common approach.

These issues are guaranteed access to water and water rights, promotion of cooperation and peace, balance of multiple use of water through the introduction of integrated water resources management (IWRM), food security, improving the quality of water resources and ecosystems, and adaptation to climate and global change in urbanizing world. The priority issue for the region is organizing the management of transboundary water objects based on international law, widespread introduction of IWRM and reforming agriculture, including irrigation.

Two transboundary rivers in Central Asia – Amu Darya and Syr Darya – have from ancient times provided the basis for hydrological, social and economic development of the peoples living in the region, thus contributing to the goals identified in the Millennium Declaration, said the head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia Miroslav Jenca. Therefore, there is a need for an effective and rational approach, responsibility and joint action through regional cooperation in water management and conservation.

The UN will continue to support the efforts of countries in the region to find an agreed solution to the problems of the Aral Sea and to develop a mutually acceptable mechanism for integrated management of water resources, taking into account the interests of all Central Asian states. The UN legal instruments ensure a sound basis for solving these problems, however, the situation in the area of water and energy resources in the region remains complex.

At the conference, it was stressed that Uzbekistan since the first years of independence has paid a great attention to improvement of the environment and public health, and environmental conditions not only in the country, but in the whole Central Asian region, including raising the quality of water resources management and promoting water saving. This area has become one of the most important directions of the socially-oriented state policy in Uzbekistan, where reforms are complex, gradual and consistent. The results of this policy are the country’s macroeconomic and social stability, sustainable economic growth and increasing incomes of the population.

The national environmental legislation of Uzbekistan fully meets international standards. A number of state programs and national action plans are being implemented. The country is signatory to all major international instruments in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development, in particular, the UN Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes and other documents related to use of transboundary water resources.

As foreign experts noted at the conference, the environmental catastrophe of the Aral Sea is now known throughout the world primarily thanks to the policy of Uzbekistan, which is aimed at overcoming its effects. The President of the country in his speeches at many high level international forums has repeatedly drawn international attention to the need for comprehensive measures with participation of the international community. On the initiative of the head of the state, a number of declarations were signed, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) was set up, and major international conferences on this topic were held, including the one on “Transboundary environmental problems in Central Asia: the use of international legal mechanisms” last November.

The outcome of this conference was adoption of the Tashkent Environmental Declaration, which notes that the regional states should strive for cross-border cooperation in accordance with key international documents defining the basic principles of management of transboundary rivers, in order to prevent harm to other basin states of these rivers.

It was Uzbekistan that initiated the development and implementation of the Program of Action to assist the Aral Sea region in the framework of the IFAS, two phases of which have already been implemented. At the meeting of IFAS heads of states in April 2009, President Islam Karimov put forward the concept of the third phase of this program designed for 2011-2015.

The conference participants noted that in Uzbekistan, enormous work was being carried out for the conservation and rational use of water resources. As part of reforms in agriculture, associations of water users were created, and the areas for cotton growing have been significantly reduced and now cover only about 25% of irrigated lands. Despite intensive development of the national economy, water use from rivers has been reduced from 63 cubic km in the 1990-s to 52 cubic km nowadays. More than USD 1 billion was used for land-reclamation in the recent years.

Thanks to this, the state of almost 740,000 hectares of irrigated land has been improved – drainage networks were reconstructed and cleaned, land leveling was carried out, and necessary equipment was purchased. Uzbekistan has widely introduced the most advanced approaches to solving water scarcity problems, including integrated water resources management. For example, only one of these projects has allowed reducing total water use of the Southern Fergana Canal by more than 20%. Today, integrated water resources management is carried out in the country for more than 250,000 hectares of irrigated areas.

The Central Asian nations have since ancient times appreciated water as the source of life, said the rector of Moscow State University of Environmental Engineering Dmitry Kozlov. Uzbekistan’s experience in the field of land reclamation, water conservation and water management is being studied and used successfully in many countries around the world. On behalf of the network of organizations in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia, he expressed gratitude to President Islam Karimov for his constant attention to environmental issues, and well-thought and balanced policy addressing the current complex situation in the region in the use of transboundary rivers resources.

This present conference with participation of all stakeholders is very important to identify the effective and concrete solutions in the field of joint water use, said regional coordinator of the European regional process to prepare for the World Water Forum, executive director of the International Network of Basin Organizations Jean-Francois Donzier (France). In Central Asia, serious problems in water supply are experienced. It is encouraging that the work to overcome these problems is completely transparent, he noted.

In their speeches, international experts emphasized that even extensive efforts of one state – Uzbekistan – were insufficient to solve the problem of preservation and rational use of scarce water resources in Central Asia. An integrated approach is required, which takes into account the interests of all countries and peoples in the region. Uzbekistan is showing an example of such approach.
In this regard, it was noted that the desire of countries located upstream of the region’s major rivers Amu Darya and Syr Darya to exploit cross-border water resources in violation of international standards was of a great concern. It was emphasized that issues of just water management in Central Asia have received considerable attention among the global community.

The attempts to implement projects of construction of large dams in the headwaters of the two rivers may cause irreparable damage to the entire ecosystem of the region and lead to technological, social, environmental and humanitarian disasters. These projects were developed more than 40 years ago and have long been outdated in technical terms. Most importantly, these projects do not take into account the high seismicity of the planned construction zone, which is 8-9 on 12-point scale. In the last 110 years, more than 20 major earthquakes have occurred here.

The Rogun hydro power station project in Tajikistan envisages construction of the world’s highest dam with the height of 335 meters. Its construction could trigger a massive earthquake that will create a great danger to human life.

Moreover, as calculations of independent experts have shown, in the case the dam is broken up to 1,5 million hectares, and over 700 settlements in the territory of Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, where about 5 million people live, will be flooded. With transition of Rogun water reservoir to energy mode of operation, water shortages in the vegetation season will increase on average by more than 22%, and nearly twice in dry years. This will lead to drought and emergence of vast desert areas, and in winter to flooding of arable lands and settlements.

Thus, it was emphasized at the conference, the implementation of such projects is fraught with a new environmental disaster, much more dangerous in its scope than the Aral Sea crisis.

In this regard, the participants highlighted the wise and visionary approach of President Islam Karimov to address issues related to use of transboundary river resources. As the head of the state repeatedly stressed, an independent environmental and technical expertise of such projects with participation of international experts needs to be conducted to clearly define their compliance with the principles and norms of international law on use of transboundary watercourses, as well as identify any possible negative consequences of their implementation for the population, economy and ecosystems of all countries in the basins of these rivers.

The conference program, in addition to plenary sessions, includes seven round tables on key topics of particular relevance to the Central Asian region. Two of them – “Guaranteeing water for future generations” and “Achieving sustainable water supply for drinking needs” – were held on the first day of the forum.

The international conference continues its work on 13 May.

www.uza.uz

On 12 May, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received the deputy of the lower house of the Spanish Parliament (Congress of Deputies), former Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos at Oqsaroy Residence in Tashkent.

Uzbek president welcomed the guest noting that Uzbekistan paid great importance to the further development of partnership with Spain in political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres as well as the strengthening of cooperation within the frame of international organizations.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on Uzbek-Spanish relations including the interaction within international structures.

The importance of intense cooperation in trade, economic and investment spheres were highlighted during talks. Taking into account the political stability in Uzbekistan and ongoing large-scale transformations, a number of Spanish companies are enrolled in joint projects on launching high-speed passenger trains in Tashkent-Samarqand route, etc.

The cooperation for implementation of joint projects on the territory of Navoi free industrial economic zone, where investors are provided preference for payment of taxes and customs fees, was considered at the meeting.

The sides also discussed other issues of mutual interest.

www.uza.uz 

 

Pronounced on President Islam Karimov’s initiative, 9 May – Day of Memory and Glory is widely celebrated in Uzbekistan as a nation-wide holiday. Everything on this sacred land and every endeavor serves the people, their interests and aspirations. This earnest goal has rested decisively in Uzbek people’s life during the nation’s independent development years. It has found its solid expression in our compatriots’ spirit as the principal thread of steadfast reforms and the country’s development path in general. Since Uzbekistan has today become a great independent nation where human life, human freedoms, dignity, and esteem are attached a high regard.

Commemoration and glorification of those who lived and served this blessed soil is one of the ages-old traditions and splendid virtues of the Uzbek people. Those who fought for the peace, harmony, freedom and liberty of this nation have always been at the forefront of honoring by the living generations. Venerating and immortalizing the memory of forefathers who displayed exemplary courage and heroism, who sacrificed their lives on battlegrounds, as much as the saintly mothers who endured tough times with incredible perseverance – affording them care and consideration has enriched this tradition with new sense and significance during independence years.

This new meaning and essence has been more clearly evident in organizing ceremonial events devoted to the Day of Memory and Glory, in tribute and respect paid for the selfless compatriots who protected our nation’s free and prosperous life with valor and audacity.

Notably, President Islam Karimov’s April 22, 2011, Decree ordering to support World War II veterans has come to be another bright reflection of reverence shown toward participants of war. The directive established to ceremonially honor the veterans in every other town and district, village and neighborhood with cash reward.

Official commemorative events timed to the Day of Memory and Glory with President Karimov attending the occasion took place in the morning of May 9, in Tashkent. Veterans of war and work, members of government, deputies and senators, military service people, public figures gathered at the Memory Square in the heart of Uzbekistan’s capital from very early hours of this day, with tender music on air at the square.

The head of state laid wrath to the Monument of Mourning Mother under the sounds of military orchestra. Islam Karimov paid tribute to the memory of thousands of fellow countrymen and women who perished in the Second World War.

“Today, the entire nation marks the 66th anniversary of the great victory over Nazism”, President of Uzbekistan declared. “First and foremost, I express my heartfelt greetings to war veterans who live beside us safe and sound, to our dear honored ones, and all our compatriots on this sacred date.
“Starting from the year 1999, we celebrate the 9th of May as the Day of Memory and Glory. Notions of commemoration and glorification have long been an integral part of our nation’s consciousness and cultural verve, so long as one can hardly imagine a human being oblivious and insensible to the history of their own people, and of oneself in the end.”

President Islam Karimov pointed out that the Uzbek people refer to commemoration as a sacred feeling inherent deep in their “very veins and bones”. Undeniable as it is, paying tribute to those in the kingdom of heaven has been a solemn practice for our people from times immemorial.

According to the head of state, historical commemoration implies primarily the meaning of life, the sense of succession between generations. It means learning the lessons and making appropriate conclusions from events of bygone days for the ones to come. It means delivering the feeling of respect and reverence for the ancestors to one’s children and their state of mind.

“Our people are going to keep the memory of the Second World War, its victims and injuries, forever. The long-suffering Uzbek nation got deprived of its ablest and greatest sons at the war,” Islam Karimov suggested.

Uzbekistan had approximately 6.5 million inhabitants at the dawn of War. One and a half million subsequently left for combat. Except for babies and children, women and the elderly, in excess of 40 percent of Uzbekistan’s population took up arms and fought battles. Significantly, that nearly 500,000 of our fellow countrymen – or 30% of all war participants from this land – fell in the brutal bloodbath is indicative of how important the Victory has been to the Uzbeks, of how enormous the contribution of Uzbekistan’s people was to the effort to overwhelm Nazism.

President Islam Karimov said he would like – or even demand – that no one forget this truth.
“I am confident that those courageous and daring compatriots went to fight and die to protect their Motherland, their people, their parents, loved ones and dearest kids, friends.

“That is the reason why the heavy blow, the incurable wound caused by that horrible war is never going to wipe away from our memory. There is scarcely any family, any household in this country who had no one of them to go to that war, who did not suffer incredible grief and pain. That disastrous slaughter left myriads of soldiers disabled, wives widowed, and kids as orphans.”

As the head of state put it, this day has all of us standing with our heads down, bowing to the sweet memory of those who perished in the War with dignity, and those heroes who labored strenuously day and night behind the front.

“In a word, the true meaning of memory is that it shall always remind us of the ever taxing days and inconceivable difficulties that we and our ancestors have had to go through to reach today’s peaceful and harmonious and free life, these bright days.

“Today’s commemorative holiday is critical also in making us exhibit due reverence to each other, and above all to the war veterans living with us.”

More than 8,600 participants of war currently live in Uzbekistan. All of us, and leaders first and foremost, “should not forget that it is our duty to do our best to make life for the dear veterans longer, more meaningful, to demonstrate warm care and compassion to them, not merely on this day, but also every other time,” President Karimov insisted.

Crucially, the Day of Memory and Glory ought to remind us time and again to be constantly vigilant and cautious in these turbulent times, to value our peaceful life, clear skies, the leader of Uzbekistan suggested. “In this respect, we should bear in mind the ongoing conflicts and confrontations taking place in some countries. For instance, the neighboring Afghanistan has suffered war for more than thirty years.

“We ought to draw lessons from these kinds of conflicts, all of us must find our sacred duty to further consolidate the peace and inter-ethnic harmony reigning in this country. Tolerance, sympathy and compassion are the greatest wealth of our people, ones that we should always cherish.

“As we talk of goals and objectives we set out to achieve, of gaining a well-deserved place among the world’s most advanced democratic nations, it is imperative that we nurture our youth in the spirit of national idea, as a generation second to no one.

“During my recent trip to Surkhandarya region, I had a chat with young people and felt the imposing sense of pride and delight at the sight of our juvenile boys and girls with their flaring eyes, their spirits full of energy, vigor and inspiration. The same feelings occurred to me when subsequently watching the Barkamol Avlod (Comprehensively Advanced Generation) sports games on TV, along with every one else.”

President Islam Karimov added, “We all take pleasure in seeing the latest knowledge and modern worldview, solid sense of self-esteem, resolute aspiration to live with highest possible inspirations embed into our growing generation’s inner world.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate again all war veterans, our dearest elderly, and our entire people on this blessed holiday. I wish all compatriots peace and wellbeing, the best of luck and happiness,” Islam Karimov said.

A symbol of our people’s courage and heroism, selflessness and endurance, the Monument of Mourning Mother has come to be flooded with fine-looking flowers on this day. Toward the end of day, the sanctified square got crowded with pilgrims keen to pay due tribute to the memory of compatriots who sacrificed themselves for Motherland’s peace and liberty, for the bright future of their posterity.
* * *
On the same day, President Islam Karimov traveled to Alisher Navoi Uzbekistan National Library’s new building being erected in the center of the country’s capital to review the ongoing construction works.

Built on the initiative and idea of the head of state, the edifice is unique in its architectural engineering solution.

“This structure must be robust and luxurious enough to the extent it can serve the current generation and posterity”, President of Uzbekistan persisted.

www.uza.uz 

 

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov and President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited Bukhara on May 6. Bukhara is one of the sacred cities of Uzbekistan, one that has injected a remarkable input into the development of world civilization. With its grand thinkers, peerless historical shrines and architectural masterpieces, Bukhara has helped fame Uzbekistan to the entire globe. Islam Karimov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov traveled to the memorial complex of splendid scholar Bahouddin Naqshband.

Wide-scale efforts in the wake of independence were designed to reinstate the national cultural and spiritual values, to revamp historic monuments – with what tourists have said a startling outcome.

As early as in 1993, President Islam Karimov initiated the reconstruction of this celebrated monument timed to the 675th birthday anniversary of Bahouddin Naqshband. As a result, the original appearance of tombs, mosques, madrassahs was re-established, and the complex became a shrine for worship.

The two Presidents journeyed to Samanids mausoleum. This premier sample of the Eastern art of building has an exceptional architectural solution: the catacomb is erected on extraordinarily accurate geometrical calculation.

Then the two heads of state visited Poyi Kalon complex. The ensemble comprising Masjidi Kalon, Minorayi Kalon and Mir Arab madrassah, has impressed the leader of Turkmenistan to the end, he declared.

Once at Labi Hovuz complex, Islam Karimov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov toured the Nodir Devonbegi madrassah, where they appraised the goods of national crafts masters, namely, embroidered skullcaps and golden-embellished robes, carpets and apparels, elegant products of ceramics and metals, national miniatures, music instruments, and much other merchandise.

The Presidents had a talk with local craftspeople who noted that small business and private entrepreneurship, including national handiworks, have been afforded titanic impetus in Uzbekistan.
The chief of Turkmen state mentioned in particular that Bukhara has attained a modern image along with restored historic monuments in the wake of independence, stimulating tourism to thrive a great deal.

Uzbek-Turkmen summits have had their own traditions established. For instance, during his visit to Turkmenistan in 2010, President Islam Karimov was presented gift – a pedigree racer horse. This time around, the head of Uzbek state has presented Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with a Captiva off-roader manufactured at Asaka automotive factory.

The two leaders traveled to Bukhoro Madaniy Markazi (Bukhara Cultural Center) constructed at President Karimov’s initiative, on a 107-hectare land. Unique trees as much as the assortment of flowers growing here amuse the eye. A magnificent monument ‘Ancient and Eternal Bukhara’, a symbol of the marvelous past and the current prosperity of the city, dominates the complex in its center. The memorial has names of glorious thinkers inscribed on it, ones who the Uzbek people have taken pride in.

The commemorative has also the renowned monuments drawn on its walls. Moreover, the complex boasts an amphitheater and regional music drama theater. Obvious are the vast preparations for the festival with arts masters from the two nations – also an integral part of bilateral meeting at the highest level.

All in the theater welcomed the two heads of state with applause. Uzbek and Turkmen arts foremen and women superbly performed folk songs, melodies and dances unique to the two peoples.

Toward the end of concert, singers from the two countries together intoned a song about Motherland, testifying to the cultural and spiritual community of Uzbek and Turkmen peoples.
That occasion wound up President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Turkmenistan’s leader suggested the visit has proved fruitful, and expressed gratitude to President Islam Karimov for “a heartfelt and affable welcome”. The head of Turkmen state requested that his Uzbek counterpart visit Turkmenistan in time comfortable for him.

The two Presidents articulated that the deals reached and documents inked during the visit would ultimately serve advancement of the two countries, elevation of wellbeing of the two peoples and the further enrichment of the Uzbek-Turkmen cooperation.

www.uza.uz

 

At the invitation of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov arrived in Uzbekistan May 5 on official visit. Uzbek and Turkmen peoples are bound with a common history, language, culture, traditions and customs. The scientific, literary and spiritual heritage of our ancestors is considered common wealth of the two peoples. The Uzbeks and the Turkmen are dear guests in one another’s wedding parties.

The relations between the two republics acquired a new impetus, qualitatively higher level during the years of their independent development.

The Uzbek-Turkmen cooperation is currently developing in the spirit of Interstate Agreement on Consolidation of Friendship and Comprehensive Partnership signed in 2007. The regular summits are but a testimony to this reality.

This time’s Tashkent meeting of the heads of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan has come to be a logical extension of the highest-level practical and enthusiastic dialogue. During a tête-à-tête conversation, Islam Karimov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov exchanged views on a wide-scale of issues related to the bilateral interaction, on regional and international topics of mutual interest.

The sides noted that the current visit by Turkmenistan’s leader has confirmed the community of efforts and aspirations of the two nations in affording a new pace to the bilateral and multilateral cooperation built on principles of mutual confidence, respect, shared interest and good neighborliness.

It has been pointed out that the dynamic advancement of relations between the two countries in diverse spheres can be seen also in the effective implementation of documents signed.

The two heads of state said that Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have been cooperating effectively in the framework of the United Nations and other international institutions, and that the two countries’ views are similar in addressing regional and international issues. During the talks, Islam Karimov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also dwelled on matters concerning interaction in countering such threats as terrorism, extremism, organized crime, drugs trafficking.

Discussing the situation in Afghanistan, the two leaders agreed that it is impossible to establish peace with the use of military force alone. The Presidents noted the importance of initiatives aimed at creating new effective mechanisms of stepping up the negotiations process in addressing the conflict with the participation of nations neighboring Afghanistan.

Islam Karimov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov exchanged views on issues relating to the rational use of water and energy resources in Central Asia, to boosting regional cooperation. It is essential, the parties agreed, that problems concerning water and energy sphere be addressed building on universally accepted norms and principles of international law, with an eye to the interests of every country in the region and with international institutions involved in the process. The two leaders pointed to the necessity of adhering to provisions secured in UN conventions on protection and use of trans-boundary watercourses and international lakes, and the one on the right to use non-navigational international watercourses.

Presidents Karimov and Berdimuhamedov continued negotiations with the participation of delegation members. That officials from ministries and agencies, major companies and organizations from the two sides attended the extended talks were suggestive of the two parties’ solid willingness and enthusiasm to further expand and consolidate the cooperation in all directions. The major focus has been placed on trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian interaction.

The scale of economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan has been enhancing. Hydrocarbon industry and interaction with foreign investors in fuel energy complex have been dynamically advancing both in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Along with bilateral partnership, the two nations have been energetic also in multilateral projects in this sphere. A classic example of this is the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-China pipeline commissioned in 2009.

The sides underscored the importance of stepping up the cooperation in promoting this arterial direction as well as alternative routes that would enable to export energy resources from the region to Europe and other markets of the world. Uzbek and Turkmen officials agreed to keep with cooperation in jointly addressing the issues of diversifying the supply routes of Uzbekistan’s and Turkmenistan’s abundant natural resources to global markets, in setting up a global system of ensuring energy security in the transportation of these resources.

Transport and communications constitute another vital dimension of economic cooperation. Cargo is transported to Turkmenistan through Uzbekistan, and to Uzbekistan through Turkmenistan. The territories of the two countries and their advanced communications systems serve also as transit routes for third parties. These factors suggest that Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan wield a considerable potential in this sphere. Expansion of interaction on this front is considered critical in promoting international trade and wide-scale investment cooperation between the two nations as much as between regions and continents.

In their discussion, the two heads of state placed a particular emphasis on the topic of establishing Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman-Qatar transport corridor raised during President Islam Karimov’s official visit to Turkmenistan last October. The two countries are reliable partners in materializing this project promising to allow for colossal opportunities in reaching out to global markets. Ashgabat Agreement was signed recently to create this corridor. Along with helping bolster mutually advantageous trade and economic interaction among participating countries, the implementation of this project will serve to lift up the volumes of international transit cargo, to open up new communications networks for world markets.

Each country has attached a special prominence to augmenting the bilateral trade cooperation. It has been suggested by the growing mutual trade. The bilateral turnover has increased fourfold in the last four years, reaching 200m US dollars in 2010.

Uzbek-Turkmen intergovernmental commission on trade and economic, scientific and technological, cultural cooperation convenes on a regular basis. Under consistent discussion has been the elaboration of measures aimed at invigorating untouched opportunities, exploring and utilizing new dimensions of interaction. In addition, organization of national expositions of Turkmenistan in Tashkent and of Uzbekistan in Ashgabat has turned into a good tradition.

It is imperative, the two sides stressed, that the mutual trade assortment be expanded by goods and services originating in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. That would serve to boost mutually beneficial economic ties among the companies and enterprises of the two nations.

Cultural and humanitarian issues have also been deliberated in the course of negotiations. The critical role of spiritual proximity, traditional friendship bonds between the two peoples in developing the interaction on this front is worth noting in particular.

Culture and arts representatives of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have regularly attended festivals, exhibitions and forums in the two countries. For instance, Turkmen artists are constant and active participants of Sharq Taronalari (Melodies of the East) international music festival organized every year in Samarqand.

Worth noting that as part of meeting at the highest level, friendship festivals of the two countries’ artists have become a good custom. The ancient and eternally young Bukhoro is serving these days as a venue for regular Uzbek-Turkmen festival of friendship.
A 2011-2013 cultural-humanitarian cooperation program comprises a few cultural events and programs.

It has been underscored that the two nations should further advance interaction in culture, arts, tourism and sports.

Following the negotiations, Islam Karimov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov penned Uzbek-Turkmen Joint Statement.

The governments of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan signed agreement on setting up trade representations on a reciprocal basis. This will facilitate the establishment of a new scheme in expanding the bilateral cooperation in this sphere, and grant an opportunity for economic entities from the two countries to interact with each other directly on online regime. That is, the scheme is to afford new convenience for customers and consumers in the two countries to conduct business dialogue, to reach mutual deals.

The intergovernmental agreement on scientific and technological cooperation stipulates to build up relations in such spheres as energy, agriculture and water resources, healthcare and environmental protection.

In addition, a memorandum of understanding has been inked between Alisher Navoi Uzbek National Library and the National Library of Turkmen National Cultural Center. This document envisions intensifying the ties in international book exchange, study and implementation of contemporary library technologies, mutual exchange of experience, joint revision of scientific achievements.

During a meeting with representatives of mass media, Presidents Islam Karimov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the talks passed in the spirit of openness, mutual confidence and respect, in a working mood, and that the reached agreements would serve to further elevate the Uzbek-Turkmen relations, to raise the wellbeing of the two peoples.

According to President Karimov, the constructive and practical negotiations have demonstrated the similarity and proximity of views concerning a broad range of issues relating to Uzbek-Turkmen cooperation as well as regional and international affairs.

Uzbekistan is Turkmenistan’s reliable friend, important and enthusiastic partner, President Berdimuhamedov said. Turkmenistan attaches a high value to its relations with Uzbekistan built on friendship, fraternity, spiritual closeness, according to the Turkmen leader. These talks have time and again confirmed the community of aspirations of the two sides towards fostering the mutual cooperation.

In the afternoon, Presidents Islam Karimov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov traveled to Independence Square. The high-ranking guest laid wrath to the Monument of Independence and Humanism that is the symbol of the Uzbek people’s freedom, bright future and heartfelt aspirations. President Berdimuhamedov highly evaluated the creative and beautifying efforts at Uzbekistan’s central square.

Presidents of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan visited also the capital’s ‘Uzbekiston’ palace of international forums erected at the initiative of President Islam Karimov in 2009. The venue meets the international standards for holding major international conferences, cultural and enlightenment events, concerts. The head of Turkmenistan expressed his high consideration to the architectural solution and design that has taken in national architectural traditions and modern dimensions.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov implied in particular that the magnificent palace is a testimony to Uzbekistan’s standing as a country with high potential in all domains.
The Turkmen President’s official visit to Uzbekistan continues.

www.uza.uz

The forum of business circles of Uzbekistan and India was held at the International Business Centre in the capital on 5 May.

The event, organized by the Ministry of foreign economic relations, investments and trade of Uzbekistan, focused on expansion of Uzbek-Indian trade-economic and investment cooperation.

The heads of ministries and departments, companies and concerns of the two countries responsible for economy, trade, investment, industry, information technologies and telecommunications, pharmaceutics, tourism, food processing, agriculture and water sectors, and textile industry attended the event.

Today, there are 62 joint ventures operating with Indian investments in Uzbekistan. About 20 companies of India have their offices in the country. They mainly specialize in industries like textile, food processing, tourism, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, trade and services.

Agreements on trade and economic cooperation, protection and promotion of investments, and avoidance of double taxation were signed between the two countries. In 2010, the trade turnover between the two countries increased by 21.1%.

Cooperation exchange with companies and enterprises of Uzbekistan and representatives of business circles of India was held at the end of the business forum.

www.uza.uz

 

The trade industrial fair opened at the Uzexpocenter national exhibition center in Tashkent. The event was organized in accordance with the resolution of Cabinet of Ministers “On measures on organization and holding of the International Industrial Fair and Cooperation Exchange in 2011,” dated March 3, 2011.

About 90 leading companies in automotive, agricultural engineering, electrical engineering, electronics, and furniture industry of Uzbekistan participated in the exposition. Small businesses and private entrepreneurs exposed their products, as well.

“Our company was launched in September of last year,” said the Deputy General Director of JV UzMinda Ashish Gupta. “We are engaged in manufacture of speedometers and security systems for automobiles.”

“The company’s production capacity is 250,000 automobile components a year. This year, we plan to expand the product range.   A favorable investment climate, as well as numerous tax and customs privileges and preferences help us increase the production growth rate.”

The largest exposure of the trade fair was organized by Uzavtosanoat companies such as JV MAN Auto Uzbekistan, GM-Uzbekistan and Uz Dong Von.

Within the fair, such enterprises as GM-Uzbekistan, JV MAN Auto Uzbekistan, Sino, Deutsche Kabel AG Tashkent, Neo Sun Light, as well as representatives of small and private businesses will hold their presentations and submit proposals for cooperation.

www.uza.uz 

 

The youth sports games Barkamol Avlod 2011 ended in Termez on Sunday. The annual games are held among students of academic lyceums and professional colleges in 12 kinds of sports. The team of Tashkent, which won the largest number of medals, received the original copy of the President’s greeting to the games participants, as well as the President’s gift – Damas car.

The teams of Surkhandarya and Khorezm regions, which won respectively the second and third places, also received Damas cars as the President’s gift.

A group of athletes which showed high results among other competitors was presented with prizes of the event organizers.

Barkamol Avlod competitions were a holiday of sport, friendship and harmony, gold medal winner Shakhboz Saidmurodov from Tashkent said.

“These games are a demonstration of the development of sport in all regions of the country. They make us sure that we can successfully defend the honor of Uzbekistan at international sports events,” he added.

The flag of Barkamol Avlod games was passed on.

www.uza.uz