Politics
Uzbekistan ranks 148th in democracy index
Uzbekistan ranked 148th out of 167 in EIU’s Democracy Index 2023. China took the same place. For several years in a row the country’s democracy has been rated 2.12 out of 10. Like other Central Asian countries, Uzbekistan maintains its classification as an authoritarian regime.
Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan announce 15-day registration-free visits for citizens
Citizens of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan can now enter the territory of each other’s countries for up to 15 days without a temporary registration.
“My duty as minister of ecology is to advocate for ban on coal and fuel oil,” claims Aziz Abdukhakimov
Minister of Ecology of Uzbekistan Aziz Abdukhakimov asserted in an interview with Gazeta.uz his responsibility to advocate for the prohibition of coal and fuel oil, despite the forced conversion of greenhouses and social facilities to coal fuel. “People's support empowers us,” he stated.
President directs prime minister to sign year-long contracts with social sphere ministers and set KPIs
President of Uzbekistan has directed the prime minister to establish year-long contracts with ministers in the social spheres, as well as their deputies and deputy hokims and set KPIs for them. He criticized the state of affairs in healthcare, education and science.
Head of Uzbekistan’s State Security Service meets acting defense minister of Afghanistan
Head of the State Security Service of Uzbekistan Abdusalom Azizov met with acting Defense Minister of Afghanistan Mohammad Yaqoob to discuss border issues and strengthening of bilateral relations.
Uzbekistan rises in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index
Uzbekistan secured 121st position out of 180 in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. The country has risen five positions over the year. Experts from the organization outlined the necessity of “comprehensive reforms” to further fight corruption.
Head of Senate explains delay in signing law “On Conflict of Interests” into effect
In June 2023, Senate passed the law “On Conflict of Interest”, forwarding it to the president of Uzbekistan. Despite the 30-day window for the president to sign or return the document, a decision is pending. Head of the Senate Tanzila Narbayeva revealed ongoing examination of the law by AP experts.
Uzbekistan, China announce “all-weather” strategic partnership
Presidents of Uzbekistan and China signed a joint statement as an outcome of a summit in Beijing that declared an “all-weather” comprehensive strategic partnership.
Uzbekistan, EU eager to speed up signing Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement
Special representative of the president of Uzbekistan on foreign policy Abdulaziz Kamilov and representative of the European Commission Zivka Petkova expressed interest in promptly signing the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Uzbekistan and the EU during a meeting in Brussels.
Tashkent khokimiyat claims to be developing measures for environmental improvement
Tashkent khokimiyat asserts its commitment to developing measures for improvement of the city’s environmental situation involving foreign experts. Some clauses might be considered as “robust,” the administration noted, referring to the research-based strategy to be presented to the public soon.
“2024 will be year of efficiency and cost reduction in economy,” says President Mirziyoyev
Uzbekistan embarks on a year of efficiency and cost reduction for managers of the economic complex and all state-owned enterprises in 2024, the president stated. The plan aims for a minimum economic growth of 6% and 20 trillion soums reduction in production costs across major industries.
Uzbekistan plans 15% reduction in deputies within government’s economic sector
President directed a 15% reduction in the number of deputies within the economic sector of Uzbekistan’s government, currently comprising 40 such members, citing a lack of “modern thinking and efficiency in decision-making.” KPIs will be introduced for managers, influencing their salaries.
“We firmly support ‘One China' policy,” MFA of Uzbekistan on Taiwan’s elections
Uzbekistan stands for the “one China” policy and believes in Taiwan being an integral part of the PRC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan states. Vice President Lai Ching-te, who stands for the island’s independence, won the presidential elections in Taiwan last Saturday.
President Mirziyoyev: “If we do not satisfy demand for news and analytics, others will do it for us”
If people’s demand in news and analysis is not satisfied by local sources, this will be done by foreign ones, president of Uzbekistan told the Security Council. “This is impermissible,” he stressed.
Laws must be executed, not just penned, urged Shavkat Mirziyoyev
People of Uzbekistan will be confident about their future if the country will strictly adhere to the rule of law, President Mirziyoyev stated, addressing the employees of the prosecutor’s office. “This goal is attainable,” he shared in his message.
Chairperson of Senate: ‘Uzbekistan will never be anyone’s colony
Uzbekistan “will never be anyone’s colony,” head of Senate Tanzila Narbayeva stated at a meeting with young people in Tashkent.
National commission on issues of combating human trafficking and decent work being established
The national commission on combating human trafficking and forced labor of Uzbekistan has been transformed into the National commission on the issues of combating human trafficking and decent work. Its tasks have been expanded to deal with irregular labor migration and other issues.
President orders to establish patronage as 'consistently operating system'
Friends Club has allocated 85 billion Uzbek soums to cultural institutions in Uzbekistan, the president stated. He emphasized the importance of transforming the patronage movement into a consistently functioning system.
Defense and security expenditures of Uzbekistan increase by 3.2 trillion soums in 2023
Defense and security expenditures of Uzbekistan for the year 2023 have been increased by 3.2 trillion soums, according to an updated state budget. This has been achieved by cutting other expenditures.
‘Powerful centers which once used to protect their interests through diplomacy now resort to confrontation,' says Shavkat Mirziyoyev
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev commented on the international situation. “We are witnessing powerful world centers, which once used to protect their goals and interests through diplomacy and politics, now resorting to open pressure, confrontation and conflicts.”
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