Uzbekistan calls on the parties involved in the Middle East conflict for restraint and political settlement. “Escalating tensions in the region could lead to more serious consequences and a broad military confrontation,” the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
World Bank revised Uzbekistan’s 2024 GDP growth forecast down from 5.5% to 5.3%. Inflation is expected to rise due to higher energy prices. WB also identifies such risks as reduced growth in Russia and China, and increase in potential financial liabilities for state-owned enterprises and banks.
Tashkent hokimiyat plans to undertake renovation of mahallas and streets using a unified code based on the practices of Sydney, Australia. Hokim Shavkat Umurzakov announced the initiative. “Ideal conditions should extend beyond the city center, in the most challenging and remote mahallas,” he said.
In the initial quarter of the current year, 4,477 individuals faced administrative and criminal charges under domestic violence statutes in Uzbekistan. Among them, 318 were convicted of sexual harassment, while 40 were found guilty of disseminating intimate information.
Mosques in Uzbekistan held morning prayers marking the conclusion of Ramadan. This year’s namaz was conducted under heightened security measures. Photo report from Khoja Ahrar Vali and Minor mosques in Tashkent.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in his Ramadan Hayit (Eid al-Fitr) message to the people of Uzbekistan, emphasized the importance of preserving “peace and tranquility, to fortify out unity and bring our reforms to a new level to serve the interests of the people” amidst ongoing global tensions.
In Uzbekistan, labor migrants are expected to be compensated for professional and language certificate expenses and assisted in times of difficulty abroad. Upon return, they’ll receive employment support, with subsidies available for their employers.
President of Uzbekistan met with the youth at the newly opened cyber sports arena in Jizzakh, launched last December at a cost of 30 billion soums. The arena is capable of hosting international competitions in boxing, wrestling, basketball, table tennis, chess, and other sports.
Ahead of Ramadan Hayit (Eid al-Fitr), the president of Uzbekistan granted clemency to 426 individuals. Among them, 135 are fully released from their main sentences, while 200 are released on parole. 11 foreigners and three minors are among the pardoned.
President of Uzbekistan participated in the ceremony launching construction of an industrial zone specializing in metallurgy and a solar power plant in the Jizzakh region.
By 2026−2027, Uzbekistan aims to transition its state budget fully to “result-oriented budgeting”, first deputy advisor to the president Timur Ishmetov stated. The primary objective for 2024 is to ensure macroeconomic stability, he added.
In March, Uzbekistan’s foreign exchange reserves grew to $34.2 billion, amid record-breaking increases in gold prices. Meanwhile, the physical volume of precious metal in the reserves fell by 10.9 tons, marking its lowest level since May 2022.
Presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan discussed Central Asian security and supported the establishment of a joint venture between the countries' railway administrations. It will be involved in the development of the trans-Afghan railway.
During talks with the head of Uzbekistan, the president of Kazakhstan noted that the “Kazakh-Uzbek tandem is a vital necessity, and only through joint efforts is it possible to ensure sustainable development of our countries”. The presidents discussed enhancing cooperation across various sectors.
President initiated construction of first facilities in New Tashkent, including campuses of New Uzbekistan University and Tashkent State University, National Library and National Theater. “Initiation of the new city’s construction with centers of knowledge and spirituality is deliberate,” he noted.
Four Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan expect to hold large-scale joint military exercises on the territory of Kazakhstan in July.
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is set to visit Uzbekistan on April 5, upon the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The discussions are scheduled to be held in Khiva.
President of Uzbekistan visited Gulbozor mahalla in the historic district of Tashkent, where a dedicated tourist street has been established. The street may evolve into a 24/7 destination and will be integrated into the “tourist circle” under development in the Shaykhontokhur district.
Amid global tensions, including the conflict in the Middle East “between the main partners” of Uzbekistan, the president noted the need to reduce adverse impacts on the economy and people’s incomes. He noted the situation’s gravity, particularly in the aftermath of the terrorist attack near Moscow.
Shavkat Umurzakov, who has been serving as the acting hokim (mayor) of the capital city for more than a year, has been appointed as the hokim of Tashkent.
Sign up for additional features