Author: Mukhabhat Babakhozhayeva

On Wednesday May 29, the top Tajik diplomat Sirojiddin Muhriddin, heading a government delegation, participated in the Third Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs “Central Asia – Italy” in the C5+1 format, which took place in Rome. According to the Tajik MFA information department, the parties discussed the prospects for the expansion of cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Italy in the political, economic, trade, water and energy, environmental protection, transport, tourism and educational sectors. They reportedly also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues being of mutual interest, including current threats and challenges,…

Giant portraits of President Emomali Rahmon adorn even the most nondescript buildings in Tajikistan’s capital of Dushanbe. Throughout the country, his sayings are featured on posters and billboards. Their ubiquitous presence underscores the consolidation of power by Rahmon – officially described as “Founder of Peace and Unity, Leader of the Nation” – since he emerged victorious from the 1992-1997 Tajikistan civil war that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union. After three decades in power, he has established himself as an absolute ruler with no tolerance for dissent. Rahmon’s bid to centralize control includes efforts to silence political opponents, human rights activists, and independent…

Uzbekistan and China have signed a variety of commerce contracts and agreements for the implementation of joint funding tasks, Trend experiences. The doc was signed inside the framework of the Uzbek-Chinese enterprise discussion board held in Tashkent, aimed toward selling and supporting enterprise communication and the event of funding and commerce potential between the 2 nations. During the discussion board, attendees have been introduced with a variety of undertaking proposals and collaborative initiatives spanning a large vary of fields, which supplied a complete overview of potential joint ventures and cooperation alternatives. Forum members engaged in in-depth discussions relating to upcoming…

The Women’s IHF Trophy Continental Phase Asia, which started on 6 November in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, has already reached its midway point. The home teams lead the race at both the youth and the junior competitions. In the youth (U17) event, 10 goals from Ilmira Bayjanova propelled Uzbekistan to an opening 34:13 win against Hong Kong, and the Uzbeks went on to take another commanding win against Bangladesh, 43:26. Besides, Hong Kong defeated Bangladesh 29:22, so Uzbekistan have four points, Hong Kong two, and Bangladesh are yet to claim their maiden points. The tournament is held in a double round-robin format,…

Italy stands ready to support Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and to adopt an enhanced partnership agreement between the EU and Uzbekistan, Italian President Sergio Mattarella said during a visit to Tashkent, Azernews reports, citing Interfax. “Italy voiced its readiness to support Uzbekistan’s soonest accession to the World Trade Organization and the adoption of an enhanced partnership agreement with the European Union,” the Uzbek presidential press service said following Uzbek President Shavkat Mirzioyev’s talks with Mattarella. The parties agreed to hold the first Strategic Dialogue meeting at the level of the two countries’ foreign ministers next year, the press…

BEIJING : China and Uzbekistan should implement medium and long term cooperation plans on economy, trade and investment, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement, citing a meeting between both nation’s leaders. “Both sides should create conditions for early commencement of the China-Japan-Uzbekistan railway project,” the statement, released late Tuesday, said following the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum. It also said China supports expanding cooperation in new energy, innovation and local areas, and is willing to import more quality products from Uzbekistan. Source: CNA

Berlin (24/10 – 67) UN Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Nazila Ghanea, visited Tajikistan from April 11 to April 21 to conduct research on issues in this field. The UN expert will assess religious freedom and its interaction with the right to freedom of expression, discuss gender equality, women’s rights, and children’s rights. She stated that the implementation of religious freedom and belief in the country is a cause for concern. Ghanea, the newly appointed UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, called on Tajikistan to adapt and review its laws, policies, and practices regarding religion…

Berlin (22/10 – 75) UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, Fernand de Varennes, reported during his trip to the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region in Tajikistan, he met with representatives of civil society and residents of the region. Varennes arrived in Tajikistan for a working visit on October 9 till October 20. The UN Special Rapporteur told journalists that the residents of Gorno-Badakhshan informed him about violations of their rights in 2021-2022, particularly concerning the rights of detainees and cases of harsh treatment by law enforcement agencies. He stated, “People are complaining about religious restrictions as well as limitations on the use…

Uzbekistan has embarked on an ambitious process to modernize its health system and make progress towards universal health coverage. A new WHO/Europe report outlines a series of recommendations for nationwide reform, supporting the Government’s plans to expand health reforms achieved in the region of Syrdarya. “Transforming the health system in Uzbekistan: two-year implementation review” focuses on 3 key areas: At a national policy dialogue in Tashkent on 15 September 2023, over 100 participants, including representatives from government institutions, regional authorities and development partners, concluded that the plan provides practical guidance and timely recommendations on how to proceed with the health…

At first glance, the streets of Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, look more like a typical Central Asian city. There are not many high rises. Most of the street signs are in Uzbek or Russian, though some newer restaurants also carried English names. However, a closer look shows that the city, and the country as a whole, is full of vitality. Construction sites for high rise buildings were ubiquitous. By a river, construction for an office building was underway. Outside the construction site, one sign reads: Dream City. On the street nearby parked a brand new black car. On the back of the…