The summit of the SCO in Astana.. 1
Message to the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. 4
Message to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway. 5
Education Novelties in Uzbekistan. 5
The summit of the SCO in Astana
On 8-9 June President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in summit of the Council of the Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana
The Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states continued with a meeting in extended session, joined by representative of observer states and international organizations.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev.
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Almazbek Atambayev, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, the heads of delegations from observer states, President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani, President of Belarus Alyaksandr Lukashenka, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, President of Mongolia Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, Foreign Affairs Minister of Iran Javad Zarif and SCO Secretary General Rashid Olimov participated in the meeting.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee – Executive Secretary Sergey Lebedev, Deputy Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization Amanzhol Zhankuliyev and ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh were present at the meeting.
In the past years, the SCO took up a firm position in the international arena as a prestigious inter-state organization and became an effective mechanism for multi-lateral cooperation.
At the Tashkent summit of the SCO that took place in the year 2016, memorandums were signed on obligations of India and Pakistan for gaining the status of SCO member states.
At the Astana summit of the SCO, India and Pakistan officially became members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. India and Pakistan gaining the status of SCO member states will increase the SCO’s potential and will help to further raise its role in the international arena as a multi-lateral mechanism for solving topical problems of the modern era, for ensuring security, stability and sustainable development in the region and the rest of the world.
The summit’s participants heard reports on the work of the Business Council and the Interbank Consortium of the SCO, and they praised it and recommended that these structures step up the work directed towards providing practical help in ensuring steady socio-economic development within the SCO, including through macroeconomic financial stability, industrial infrastructure modernization, an improvement in mechanisms of financing investment projects and the development of direct contacts between business circles and financial structures of SCO member states.
In his speech, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev drew the attention of the summit’s participants to the need to improve the situation in Afghanistan, and said that all the countries of the world were threatened by the ongoing violence in that country.
It is necessary to counter this threat by consolidating the world community’s efforts and stepping up the joint fight against it.
Inter-state cooperation is of important significance to protecting young people from various alien ideas and to creating conditions for them to get modern education and upbringing.
The creation of an Imam Bukhari international scientific research centre in the city of Samarqand with help from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation will be an important step towards strengthening international and intercultural relations, said the Head of State.
The President said that Uzbekistan is in favour of the further strengthening of trade-economic links between SCO member states and the rapid development of the sphere of transportation and supply lines within the One Belt, One Road project.
The construction of a railway line China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan will help our countries gain access to the world market.
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted the necessity of holding meetings of the railway chiefs of the SCO member states.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization presidency passed to the People’s Republic of China.
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The Astana summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has concluded its work.
Following the meeting of the Council of Heads of State, the Astana declaration has been adopted, which reflects the main directions of further developing practical interactions and pronounces a common endeavour to undertake maximum efforts for enhancing and deepening multilateral cooperation.
At the meeting with the representatives of mass media, it was underlined that the summit meeting was productive, the signed documents will serve to further develop cooperation among the SCO member-states.
The Heads of State, underscoring that the SCO summit was organized on a high level, expressed gratitude to the Kazakh side for a warm welcome and hospitality.
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Within the frameworks of the SCO summit in Astana, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the allotted residence for him has met with President of the Kyrgyz Republic Almazbek Atambayev.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev has underlined that this meeting with the President of Kyrgyzstan serves to reinforce and enhance cooperation between our countries, enrich the agreements, reached during the meeting in Samarkand, with a new content.
Almazbek Atambayev has noted that the fraternal relations of the Uzbek and Kyrgyz nations, common customs and traditions are an important factor in steady development of the mutual cooperation.
The exchanges between the two countries has increased in recent times. The Heads of State regularly conduct telephone conversations, the governmental and regional delegations are exchanged. The reciprocal visits of the civil society representatives of our countries to Andijan and Osh have been organized.
The Presidents have discussed the issues of developing the political dialogue and boosting social-economic relations, exchanged views on several regional and international issues of mutual interest.
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President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has met with Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi at the SCO summit in Astana.
The Head of our state has congratulated the Prime Minister of India on the upcoming adoption of India as a full-fledged member of the SCO during the summit.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev has highlighted that this meeting is a good opportunity to discuss the pace of implementing the agreements, reached during the visit of the Prime Minister of India to our country in 2016 and to determine prospects of further developing bilateral cooperation.
Narendra Modi expressed sincere gratitude for Uzbekistan’s firm support of the membership of India in the SCO. He underlined that this historical event will create principally new opportunities for developing further multifaceted bilateral partnership, allow to enhance regional cooperation in the sphere of security, trade-economic and investment spheres.
The Prime Minister of India once again has congratulated Shavkat Mirziyoyev on his election as the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and expressed confidence in further development of the cooperation between our countries, based on mutual trust.
The parties have discussed the issues of further enhancing relations between Uzbekistan and India.
It was underscored that a significance is attached to political dialogue. Mutual willingness to further develop contacts on the highest and high levels, regularly conduct political consultations, continue mutual support within the frameworks of international organizations has been re-affirmed.
The sides have highlighted that in 2016 the trade turnover increased by 15 per cents and reached 366 million US dollars. However, this indicator is far below the potential of the two countries, Uzbekistan and India are able to increase the volumes and diversify the structure of the mutual trade.
Car parts manufacturing with “Minda” company at the Navoi free economic zone, modern full-cycle enterprises, manufacturing medicines and injection drugs in Surkhandarya and ashkent regions with “Novafarm” and “Ultra Heathcare” companies are successful examples of the investment cooperation.
The parties have considered the possibilities of joint implementation of prospective projects in such spheres as development of joint software products and manufacturing telecommunications equipment, processing of fruits and vegetables, deep processing of raw silk and leather, manufacturing and exporting finished products, production of wide assortment of car parts, electrotechnical goods, household chemicals and plant protection products.
Uzbekistan, considering rich experience of India, has expressed interest in establishing long-term cooperation in pharmaceuticals.
(Source: UzA)
Export
Fund for Support of Exports of Small Businesses and Private Enterprises of Uzbekistan is getting prepared to open its representative office in China in the near future
This step ranks among the most important areas of the Action Strategy, and is aimed at promoting products of small-scale economic entities in foreign markets.
Specialists of the Fund have already held negotiations with representatives of the Chamber of Importers of Weihai City and ShinDaDong Company, where the Chinese side expressed a special interest in importing food products produced in Uzbekistan.
“Today, the Fund runs its representative offices in Russia, South Korea, Italy, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Germany and Spain. Aiming to expand the map of exports of small and private businesses of Uzbekistan, the Fund intends to open representative offices in Latvia, Singapore, Portugal, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Poland, the UK, Kuwait and other countries in the near future,” its press service reported.
Major functions of FSESBPE representative offices abroad include the conduct of market research, search for potential importers of domestic products, promotion of our brands in foreign markets, assistance to Uzbek entrepreneurs with participation in exhibitions, fairs, tenders and other events.
In addition, they organize visits of foreign importers to our country for negotiations with local suppliers of products, assist in obtaining international certificates, licenses and other permits, as well as organize foreign internships for specialists of Uzbek industrial enterprises.
This March, a Fund’s representative in Dresden, Germany, initiated an event on trade, economic and investment capacity of Uzbekistan. It was organized by the Economic Development Agency of Saxony, Commerzbank, and other German organizations.
The guests were detailed on trade and economic potential of Uzbekistan, the conditions for doing business, on the activities of the fund and its services that are aimed at increasing export capacity of small and private business entities and full support for their export activities, as well as on the opportunities of supplies of Uzbek products to the German market.
German companies expressed interest in FSESBPE activities and pre-export financing services for small businesses, assistance to entrepreneurs with participation in exhibitions and fairs abroad and with the implementation of projects aimed at the manufacture of export-oriented products.
The FSESBPE Representative Office in Germany and the German company Orchidee Europe BVBA reached an agreement on the distribution of domestic textile products in an annual volume of $10 million.
The last year’s visit of the delegation of South Korea’s largest retail company Lotte Mart to Uzbekistan is another good example of effective operation of FSESBPE representative offices abroad. They hosted meetings in interested organizations and visited the companies engaged in the textile and food industry, as well as alcohol production.
The business relations established during the last visit have brought fruits: a Bofanda textile company is exporting its textile products in Lotte Mart as early as this year. To enable the supplies, the Fund has provided pre-export financing to Bofanda in the form of an interest-free financial loan for the purchase and manufacture of finished textile products, as well as exports to the Republic of Korea.
This suggests that FSESBPE representative offices abroad support export initiatives of domestic business entities.
(Source: «Uzbekistan Today» newspaper)
International cooperation
Message to the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
His Excellency Mr. Jean Asselborn, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Your Excellency,
It gives me great pleasure to cordially congratulate you on the remarkable date in the history of our countries – the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
We highly value the relations between our states based on strong traditions of friendship, mutual understanding and respect.
I am confident that the further expansion of political contacts, mutual support on the international arena, deepening of trade and economic cooperation corresponds to the interests of both sides. In particular, we are interested in expanding ties in investment, banking and finance sectors, where Luxembourg is justifiably viewed as one of the world leaders.
The Uzbek side stands for continuation of a trustworthy and constructive dialogue with Luxembourg in order to strengthen the existing foundation of relations and define new benchmarks for effective partnership in all areas of mutual interest.
Taking this opportunity, I wish Your Excellency good health, well-being and every success in your endeavors.
Respectfully Yours,
Abdulaziz Kamilov,
Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan
(Source: Press Service of the MFA of the Republic of Uzbekistan)
Message to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway
His Excellency Mr. Børge Brende
Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway
Your Excellency,
It gives me great pleasure to congratulate you on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Kingdom of Norway.
We attach significant importance to developing a comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation with Norway whom we consider as our promising partner in Europe.
Uzbekistan is committed to further strengthening partnership with Norway in the spheres of political dialogue, inter-parliamentary cooperation, economy and industry, advanced technologies, culture and arts.
I am confident that the Uzbek-Norwegian relations based on the principles of mutual respect and equal consideration of interests will continue to develop for the benefit and in the interests of our nations.
Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
Respectfully Yours,
Abdulaziz Kamilov,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan
(Source: Press Service of the MFA of the Republic of Uzbekistan)
EDUCATION
Education Novelties in Uzbekistan
Admission commissions will start their work in higher education institutions of Uzbekistan. The total quota for enrolling with undergraduate courses in 2017 is 66,316 students, 8.4 thousand more than last year. At the same time, a new concept has been introduced – an additional admission of those wishing on enlarged tuition fee rates.
In accordance with the Strategy of Actions, extensive efforts have been in progress to improve the system of higher education in terms of updating the training of personnel to cater to the needs of the economy’s sectors. Representatives of the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Special Education and heads of universities spoke about these and other innovations during the regular meeting of the International Press Club with journalists.
The total quota for admission to the baccalaureate in this year increased by 8.4 thousand places and this is due to the needs for the staff in the sectors of the economy. However, this year the universities will accept more than the total quota set, that is, over 66,316 people. This will be derived from the introduction of an additional reception at higher contract rates.
“Many people think that with this innovation the universities will accept all comers”, said the head of the department of higher educational institutions of the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Special Education, Barno Rajabova. “However, it is not like this. In introducing an additional set of higher rates, universities will decide according their capabilities: the availability of teachers, places in classrooms, student dormitories. To enter the higher education institution under these conditions will be possible only on competition. This innovation is made in order to provide more ambitious young people with the opportunity to receive higher education, while higher education institutions should enhance their financial and material position and effectively use available resources. Concrete numbers of admission under these terms are being clarified. At the same time, the restrictions were set to ensure the quality for training of specialists. Additional admission at higher contract rates is strictly in accordance with the queue of entrants who do not get a passing score (at least 68), taking into account their ability to pay the contract amount at higher rates.
By the presidential decree, it was adopted the proposals of the Ministries of Economics and Higher and Secondary Special Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan which was agreed with interested government agencies on the transformation of one university and the establishment of branches of two metropolitan universities.
Based on the needs of the branches of the economy this year, the Namangan Engineering and Pedagogical Institute was transformed into the Namangan Engineering and Construction Institute. Now this university fully focuses on training a specialty in construction. Namangan State University will continue preparing the teachers in this region.
This year in Termez, branches of two metropolitan universities – Tashkent State Technical University and Tashkent State Agrarian University – launch their work. Until today, only one university has been functioned in the region – Termez State University, which was specialized mainly in the training of pedagogical personnel. By the way, already for many years Termez State University is not inferior to other higher educational institutions both in terms of the number of applicants and a high competition among them. The creation of the branches will not only allow a greater number of young people to achieve their dream of obtaining higher education, but also give impetus to the advancement of the main branches of the region’s economy through the further training.
“The opening of the branch of our university in the south of the country is a necessity conditioned by the development of the regions’ economy”, said rector of the Islam Karimov Tashkent State Technical University Sadriddin Turabjanov. “There is an active development of industry in this area, and the training of specialists for new enterprises is necessary for both employers and students”.
Journalists were interested in new directions and specialties opened this year.
New specialties in the Tashkent Institute of Design, Construction and Maintenance of Roads are more than others. This year, here in the bachelor’s program, training of specialists will begin in such areas of education, as “Operation of road transport, road construction machines and equipment”, “Roads and streets of cities”, “Transport logistics (road transport)”. And the magistracy will prepare the personnel for the specialties “Operation of vehicles and road construction equipment”, “Design and construction of highways”, “Transport logistics”, “Construction of bridges, tunnels and overpasses”, “Roads and streets of cities”.
Several new directions of bachelor’s degree were opened this year in other universities of the country. Thus, the direction “Corporate finance” appeared in the Tashkent Financial Institute, “Meliorative Hydrogeology” in the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Mechanization of Agriculture.
The traditionally popular question about the possibility of obtaining correspondence education in domestic universities was in the center of attention. On this issue, the adjustments were made in the needs of enterprises and industries. In particular, there will be no recruitment in the Kungrad branch of the Tashkent Chemical Technology Institute which is focused on training the specialists for the local soda plant and the Ustyurt geochemical complex. At the same time, the need to increase the number of specialists with higher education in railway transport and in mining industry led to the opening of special correspondence departments at the Tashkent Institute of Railway Transport Engineers and the Navoi State Mining Institute. As in previous years, a reception was announced for a special correspondence department of the Tashkent University of Information Technologies which is focused on training the specialists for television.
(Source: «Uzbekistan Today» newspaper)
CINEMA
Zulfiqor Musoqov, a well-known filmmaker, is getting ready to shoot another motion picture about the Second World War, involving foreign actors in addition to Uzbek ones
During the discussion of the script of the film on the arts council, the director announced that, according to plans, Konstantin Rotov from Germany will be cast in the role of Hitler. At the same time, Musoqov has not yet fully determined the entire cast of his military epic.
“The flick touches on the period beginning in 1930, and also in 1939, 1942. The acting characters in the film are Stalin, Hitler, Churchill, Hess, Ribbentrop, Molotov and our Uzbek heroes,” Musoqov said. “This is a great epic picture.”
In general, it will be devoted to Uzbekistan’s contribution to the great victory and will be released on the country’s screens by the end of this year.
(Source: «Uzbekistan Today» newspaper)
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