Author: master

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Distinguished heads of delegations!

It is a great pleasure to meet with you in the ancient land of Karabakh, in the beautiful city of Khankendi, which embodies a unique historical and cultural heritage.

As true brothers, we are delighted to witness this region becoming a place of peace and development.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to His Excellency, Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for the high-level organization of the Economic Cooperation Organization’s summit on this land and warm hospitality.

Since our historic meeting in Tashkent, significant progress has been made in strengthening the Organization’s institutional capacity and establishing cooperation in new areas.

I would like to take this opportunity to underline the effective chairmanship of the Republic of Kazakhstan in our Organization.

We are also pleased by the fact that after a long break the delegation of the Interim Government of Afghanistan is taking part in our summit. Indeed, we consider neighboring Afghanistan as an integral part of our Organization’s space, important member of broad economic cooperation and regional transport connectivity processes, and we widely support this.

Dear participants of the meeting!

Our summit is taking place amid difficult circumstances, when the world community is going through a critical stage.

This is particularly evident given that most conflicts and disputes are occurring within the very space of our Organization. The events that have occurred in South Asia and the Middle East in recent months have caused deep concern for all of us.

The erosion of international law and global security institutions is further weakening the room for dialogue and cooperation, paving the way for the use of force and violence. In particular, the military actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, a member of our Organization, created the danger of dragging the entire region into war and triggering a large-scale environmental catastrophe.

We therefore support the ceasefire agreement reached between Iran and Israel. We consider this decision as an important step towards reducing the tension in the region and restoring the stability.

We believe that this agreement will provide a solid foundation for resolving all issues through diplomatic and constructive negotiations.

Given that the non-proliferation and non-use of weapons of mass destruction are becoming one of the most pressing international security issues, we once again call on the global community to expand the geography of the nuclear-weapon-free zones.

It must be noted that endurable peace and stability in the Middle East cannot be achieved without a fair and just resolution
of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

We call for the end of military actions in the Gaza Strip, the removal of all obstacles to providing humanitarian assistance to those suffering from hunger and inhumane conditions, and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine in accordance with the UN resolutions.

Distinguished participants of the summit!

The foundation of any peace and development is based, first and foremost, on economic cooperation. Therefore, our partnership within the Organization is not only natural, but also of great strategic importance.

In accordance with the agenda of the meeting, I would like to draw your attention to a number of issues.

First of all, we need to clearly define the medium and long-term development priorities of our Organization.

To this end, it is necessary to adopt the concept of “Strategic Goals of Economic Cooperation – 2035”. Along with the traditional areas, such as trade, investment, transport, energy, industry, agriculture, ecology, tourism and education, we should also pay a special attention to strengthening cooperation in innovation, artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

Simplifying trade in goods and services, gradually eliminating technical and non-tariff barriers, and developing e-commerce are particularly relevant.

I would also like to highlight that the current volume of our mutual trade remains low. In 2024, this figure stood at $95 billion, accounting for 10% of our countries’ total trade turnover.

We propose holding a meeting of our trade ministers in Tashkent this year to discuss the strategic issues in this area and conclude Agreement on Trade Facilitation.

Besides, it is very important to create a system of “Green Corridors” for the rapid data sharing on agricultural trade and unrestricted supply of goods.

We put forward an initiative to adopt a long-term “Eco-Invest” Program to take our investment cooperation to a new level, and make the investment climate more transparent and attractive. The main goal of this program is to captivate private investors, banks, and international financial institutions to promising projects in our region.

There is another priority area. The recent geopolitical events have once again demonstrated the risks of disruption of the supply chains, highlighting the strategic importance of establishing alternative transport corridors.

The launch of the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway project last year was a significant event. In the future, this railway will be connected with the Trans-Afghan corridor, effectively integrating transit networks across our vast region.

We believe that it is time to implement the initiative to create a Digital Transport and Customs Office in order to systematically organize the digitalization of the transport and logistics sector, and we support intensifying negotiations at the expert level.

Our important tasks also include launching new air routes in the region, implementing innovative cooperation between airlines, and developing integrated marketing strategies between the tourism and aviation sectors. We propose organizing the National Airlines Forum in Samarkand to discuss these issues.

We have enough potential to double tourist arrivals. Developing a Roadmap for the Expansion of Tourism Services within the Organization will help to achieve this goal.

I would also like to draw your attention to another important issue.

It is essential that our contries coordinate and combine their efforts on the global climate agenda. We firmly support the full implementation of commitments and agreements reached at the successfully held COP-29 Global Climate Summit in Baku.

We propose developing a Transboundary “Green Initiative” within the Organization aimed at planting forests in desert areas and establishing recreational zones.

Distinguished heads of delegations!

We appreciate the High-Level Committee’s efforts to enhance the activity of our Organization. I believe you will support the idea of assigning the Committee to develop by the next summit proposals and recommendations to reform and boost the Organization’s functions.

These reforms will undoubtedly elevate our collaboration to a new level, strengthen the Organization’s international prestige and influence, and improve its work to meet modern requirements.

I am convinced that today’s summit will give a new impetus to achieve our commitments and plans in elevating multifaceted and practical cooperation to a new level.

Thank you for your attention!

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On July 3, on the second day of the program of a state visit to Azerbaijan, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Alley of Honor – a memorial resting place of the Nationwide leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev. 

The President laid flowers to the grave of Heydar Aliyev paying a tribute of deep respect to the memory of a great state and political figure of Azerbaijan.
Heydar Aliyev is rightfully perceived as a founder of the independent Azerbaijan. Under his leadership a strong foundation was laid for the dynamic development of the country and growth of its international authority. 

His contribution to the creation of a state and strengthening the national sovereignty has a special place in the history of Azerbaijan.

Heydar Aliyev was deeply respected and recognized in Uzbekistan as a statesman who attached great importance to the development and strengthening of friendly ties between the two brotherly states.

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At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in the city of Baku on a state visit.

In the capital’s airport named after Heydar Aliyev, the Head of our state was met by the first deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Yagub Eyubov and other officials. 

In honor of the distinguished guest the state flags of the two countries were raised and a guard of honor was lined up.

In according with the program, the second meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council and other high-level events will be held today. 

Указом президента Узбекистана Мирзиёева Саида Шавкатовна, работавшая с конца августа 2023 года на посту помощника главы государства, официально назначена на должность руководителя Администрации президента:

На этот пост назначена Саида Шавкатовна Мирзиёева.

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President Shavkat Mirziyoyev got acquainted with the major creative work in the administrative center of Kukdala district in Kashkadarya region.

This district was established three years ago at the initiative of the Head of State with an aim to streamline urbanization and create favorable conditions for the population. From that moment the development of the territory noticeably accelerated. Today a new city is being formed near the Yettitom village.

Firstly, the necessary infrastructure was created: 120 kilometers of water pipelines and 210 kilometers of power supply lines were laid. Roads were widened and repaired. Administrative buildings, 19 schools, 22 kindergartens, a multidisciplinary hospital and a family polyclinic were built.

The new building of the khokimiyat deserves special attention, which has become the beginning of a new practice in the country: 38 state institutions are located here, which creates convenience for citizens.

Previously, residents had to travel long distances to get to the administrative institutions of Chirakchi district. Now all necessary state services are available locally.

The President emphasized that the conditions created in Kukdala and the comprehensive approach to construction are exemplary for all districts of the country.

In particular, the hokimiyat building also houses the “Inson” Center, where social services and support are provided in one place. The center’s software is integrated with the databases of 55 relevant organizations. The systems of services for children, persons with disabilities, elderly citizens and social payments are mutually connected.

The Head of State also visited the small industrial zone “Yettitom” located in the district center.

Nine small industries in the areas of textiles, food, construction and household goods with a total value of $10 million are located here on four hectares. For example, “Komfort Star New” company produces heating boilers and metal products, while “Komfort Industrial Aria” established the production of ceramic tableware. Overall, the industrial zone will create more than 600 permanent jobs.

The President also toured the new Palace of Arts built in the center of the district.

The building includes a 250-seat auditorium and numerous rooms for clubs. The palace is equipped with modern musical instruments, a recording studio, a sound reinforcement system, as well as high-quality heating and cooling.

Noting the convenient location of an art school, a general education institution and a sports complex near the palace, the President instructed to consider this approach when developing future projects.

The Head of State watched with interest the creative performances of young performers.

– Looking at you, I am once again convinced that the land of Amir Temur is rich in talents. If you do not lose your aspiration for knowledge and persevere, you will be the foundation of Uzbekistan’s greatness, – said Shavkat Mirziyoyev in his conversation with the youth.

Children’s playgrounds, green areas, shopping and service centers are being built in the district center in accordance with a unified plan. In total, more than 200 objects have been built, and the population appreciates the conveniences created.

The construction of social facilities, libraries, sports grounds and cultural centers continues. 

With this, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Kashkadarya concluded.

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On June 20 a meeting was held in Kukdala district under the chairmanship of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev dedicated to the issues of socio-economic development of Kashkadarya region.

The Head of State emphasized that the region is going through major transformations, and reforms are reflected in the people’s lives.

Previously, oil and gas and chemical industries accounted for more than half of the region’s industry. In recent years, a qualitative leap has been made in the spheres of electrical engineering, production of construction materials, textile and furniture industries. The share of these industries in the region’s industry has now reached 54 percent.

However, the development does not stand still – there are still many tasks to be solved. It is estimated that Kashkadarya has an untapped potential of at least $15 billion. Even if one-third of this potential is utilized, the gross regional product could be increased to $10 billion over the next five years.

As is known, reform centers are being established in the districts included in the accelerated development program. It was emphasized that new projects launched in Shahrisabz, Yakkabag and Kukdala can serve as a model for these centers. Now a similar center will be established in Kashkadarya region.

The President outlined additional reserves for comprehensive development of the region. The greatest potential lies in agricultural lands. Thus, irrigated lands in the region amount to 515 thousand hectares, lands for homesteads and gardens – 45 thousand hectares, which is the highest indicator in the country.

In addition, the region has 1.3 million hectares of pastures and forest lands. A special company will be created for their effective utilization.

It will be granted joint stock company status and appropriate financing, including investments. The leadership of the supervisory board is entrusted to the Prime Minister. At the initial stage the company will be allocated $100 million. At the expense of these funds and attracted investments it is planned to carry out laser leveling of at least 200 thousand hectares of pastures and forest lands and introduce water saving technologies within two years.

A comprehensive livestock breeding development program will be launched. For these purposes, soft loans will be provided from the Fund for Agriculture for up to 12 months at 14 percent. Thanks to this, 127 farms in the region will reach full capacity. Additional financial support will be provided to livestock breeders.

Since the beginning of the year the export of fruits and vegetables in the region has doubled and amounted to $62 million. Watermelons from Kukdala are especially famous. There is a similar export potential for tomatoes. In this regard, industrial cultivation of tomatoes will be established on 6 thousand hectares in 13 districts.

For potato growing, soft loans will be granted for up to 12 months at 10 percent per annum. The import of necessary equipment will be exempted from customs duties, and 50 percent of VAT will be reimbursed for the purchase of high reproduction seeds.

Employment and poverty reduction remain priorities. Despite the fact that 284 thousand people have been employed since the beginning of the year, unemployment remains high in the region. Therefore, it is planned to employ 470 thousand people in Kashkadarya this year, lift 150 thousand families out of poverty and turn Kitab district, as well as the cities of Karshi and Shakhrisabz into “territories without unemployment and poverty”.

In particular, tourist zones will be created in the picturesque corners of Shakhrisabz, Kamashi, Guzar and Chirakchi districts. Conditions will improve at the Chiyal market in Kukdala district for suppliers of the traditional dish, yahna, which will contribute to the development of gastronomic tourism. A blacksmith craft center will appear in Karasuv mahalla of Shakhrisabz city.

Unemployed citizens will be trained in foreign languages and sent to work in high-income countries. On the basis of more than 120 objects and 400 hectares of lands put up for auction, enterprises for 70 thousand jobs will be created.

This year the region is to attract investments worth $3.5 billion. For five months the volume of investments has almost doubled in Kasan, Kitab and Chirakchi.

It was noted that the subsoil of the region has great potential for attracting investments and creating products with high added value. Thus, in five promising deposits of Kitab, reserves of 39 tons of gold have been discovered, and in Chirakchi – 10 thousand tons of rare earth metals. In the field of construction materials, 16 projects worth $150 million have been prepared.

A 200-hectare innovative industrial zone will be created around the gas processing plant in Mubarek, using existing infrastructure. Five major projects in the fields of petrochemicals, electrical engineering, robotics and building materials will be implemented in this zone using a cluster system.

Despite the region’s leadership in cotton production, the region’s share in the country’s textile industry remains less than 10 percent. It is planned to launch 35 projects worth $400 million in this field. Cotton processing will reach 51 percent this year and 100 percent next year.

Such large-scale economic projects require developed infrastructure. Thus, the reconstruction of 100 kilometers of the highway “Guzar – Bukhara – Nukus – Beineu” passing through the region will allow to increase transit potential three times.

A 106-kilometer section of the highway “Karshi – Shakhrisabz – Kitab” will also be reconstructed and widened from two to four lanes. A new 34-kilometer bypass road around Kamashi and Yakkabagh district centers will be constructed under the project. With the participation of the Islamic Development Bank, a 60-kilometer section of the Tashkent-Termez highway through the oblast will become four-lane and receive a cement concrete pavement.

To improve the living conditions of the population, 7700 apartments will be built. This year it is planned to build 183 kilometers of water supply and sewerage networks, as well as 8 water structures.

The issues of youth employment and organization of their leisure time were also considered at the meeting. The objective was set to cover young people with the program “Youth Business”, and university graduates with the program “Step into the Future”, providing them with support in entrepreneurship and employment.

– As you can see, many tasks are planned in Kashkadarya. I am sure that hardworking, sincere and noble residents of this region, who inherited courage, fortitude and generosity from their great ancestor Amir Temur, will achieve all the set goals. I believe that the people of Kashkadarya will be at the forefront of our reforms, – said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

At the end of the meeting, regional and district khokims, heads of industries made reports on the issues discussed, and an open dialogue was held with entrepreneurs and representatives of the public.

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French and Italian landscape gardens and wineries on the hills are known in the entire world and attract thousand of tourists. Today a similar picturesque corner has appeared in Shakhrisabz.

During the trip to Kashkadarya region the Head of our state visited a new agritourism complex.

Earlier there were arid hills and wastelands. After the implementation of a drip irrigation system the area was completely transformed with greenery. 

The complex is 520 hectares. Vineyards, cherry and apple trees have been planted on the slopes using terrace technology, and forest plantations have been created. All seedlings were imported from France and are of high-yielding varieties.

– Those who doubted that we would be able to develop hilly and steppe lands, let them look at this garden, – said the President.

The complex is designed to produce 7.5 thousand tons of products per year. The export potential is estimated at $5 million. 100 permanent and over a thousand seasonal jobs have already been created. A visiting French agronomist is overseeing the development of seedlings, who also teaches local youth about agrarian business and market requirements.

To attract tourists and develop the local economy, a 120-seat restaurant and a 100-person hotel have been built in the complex. An agro-logistic and training center, as well as processing and storage facilities are under construction.

The responsible persons reported to the President on plans to create similar complexes in other mountainous regions.

The President instructed to organize irrigation at the new sites and transfer land to the population for planting gardens, thus creating sources of income for the people.

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President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Parkent district of Tashkent region to review living conditions of the population, progress of socio-economic development and implementation of new infrastructure projects. The first object of the visit was the “Parkentsoy” housing estate under construction.

Development of regions on the basis of growth points and creation of decent living conditions for the population is one of the priorities of the state policy. These principles are clearly reflected in the transformations taking place in the Parkent district.

The residential area being built on the bank of the Parkentsoy creek flowing through the district center can rightfully be called an eco-town. On the area of 6 hectares it is planned to build 125 apartment houses for 5200 apartments. All buildings will be provided with modern engineering communications and energy-efficient technologies. In particular, geocollectors will be installed on the roofs of the houses, allowing to use renewable energy sources for water heating.

Such complexes are especially relevant for densely populated areas: they provide high-quality, comfortable and at the same time affordable housing for the population.

The project also includes the construction of two schools, eight kindergartens, children’s and sports grounds, a 10-hectare park, an artificial lake, recreation areas and bicycle paths. The road infrastructure will be strengthened by repairing 17 kilometers of roads.

In addition, the new massif creates conditions not only for comfortable living, but also for the development of entrepreneurship. 58 non-residential buildings will be built here, which will house trade and service facilities. It is planned to create more than 700 new jobs.

The President also got acquainted with the presentation on the prospective development of the district. One of the key projects is the construction of electrified railroad “Baytkurgan – Parkent”. Almost 24 kilometers of rails have already been laid. After the line is put into operation, access to the picturesque corners of the district will be significantly facilitated, and the tourist flow will increase. According to calculations, up to 275 thousand passengers a day will be able to move along this route.

Information was provided on the improvement of the Parkentsoy riverbed and strengthening of its banks. At the first stage 4 kilometers of the riverbed were completely concreted. This provided opportunities for new construction projects. A 5-kilometer road parallel to the main street of the district with a capacity of up to 10 thousand cars per day was laid along the creek. This will significantly relieve traffic flow in the center and reduce congestion. Also sidewalks, an overpass and a bridge were built.

At the second stage it is planned to improve the riverbed up to the settlement of Kumushkon, as well as to create tourist facilities on the opening 100 hectares of the territory.

The President gave instructions to finalize all the submitted projects considering the best urban planning practices and modern requirements for sustainable development.

During the visit, Shavkat Mirziyoyev also talked to the district’s activists.

– Our greatest wealth is peace and stability in the country, – said the President. – Where there is stability, there will be development and creation. We are mobilizing all state structures, unlocking the potential of each region and striving for the harmonious development of all territories. I am glad to see that the breath of renewal has reached Parkent, and the results of reforms are already bearing tangible fruit here. Our people deserve to live in prosperous, modern and comfortable conditions.

The representatives of the older generation spoke about the large-scale opportunities created for the development of the district and the changes taking place in the life of the population.

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On June 18 President Shavkat Mirziyoyev got acquainted with the progress of construction works at “Tashkent-Eastern” airport. 

With the country’s sustainable development and increasing its international attractiveness, the intensity of external economic ties and investment flow is growing. In such conditions priority attention is paid to modernizing all areas of transport infrastructure in Uzbekistan as a key factor of future growth.

One of such strategic projects is reconstruction of “Tashkent-Eastern” airport. It is designed to ensure fast, safe and comfortable air communication in line with high international standards, and relieve the main international airport of the capital.  

In the framework of the first stage the runway complex with the length of 4 kilometers was completely renewed, allowing to receive aircrafts of all classes, including the heaviest ones. 

Currently the construction of the two terminals is ongoing – for receiving official delegations and providing maintenance to business aviation, as well as apron and hangar complexes. The airport will be supplied with modern radio-technical and meteorological equipment of III-А category according to ICAO standards, which will ensure reliable flight and landing operations in the conditions of unfavorable weather.

All necessary conditions are being created in the closed hangars for safe and quality maintenance and storage of aircrafts. 

Due to its favorable location, the new airport will become an important transportation hub for Tashkent and the city of New Tashkent, as well as serve as an additional incentive for the development of the tourism industry in Tashkent region. Most importantly, opportunities for international visits and business trips will expand, and conditions for receiving foreign investors will improve. As a result, economic activity will increase, the service sector will become more active, new jobs will be created, and the investment attractiveness of our country will significantly improve.

The Head of State familiarized himself with the technical characteristics of the project, architectural solutions of the terminals and gave specific instructions to expedite construction work and improve the level of service.

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The program of the working visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Kazakhstan is concluded.

The Head of our state held a meeting in Astana with the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping to discuss topical issues of bilateral, international and regional agenda. 

The Leader of Uzbekistan took part in the second “Central Asia – China” summit. In his address, the President of our country presented his vision for further development of regional cooperation. 

In conclusion of the events the Head of our state departed to Tashkent. The high guest was seen off at the airport by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov and other officials.