29 August, 2011

POLICY

Welcoming address by H.E. Mr. Islam Karimov, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, at the opening ceremony of the 8th “Sharq Taronalari” International Music Festival

Dear guests!

Distinguished participants of the festival!

Ladies and gentlemen!

First of all, it gives me a great pleasure to welcome the participants of the “Sharq Taronalari” (‘Melodies of Orient’) International Music Festival, our distinguished guests from abroad and the representatives of the public of Samarkand gathered in this magnificent square, and I would like to express my boundless respect and esteem to all of you.

Today as we are participating at the opening ceremony of the “Sharq Taronalari” festival in the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand – the majestic and incomparable Registan Square, all of us take a great contentment and pride of the fact that year by year this forum of art has been gaining more respect and prestige, as well as securing a solid and deserved niche among the most prestigious music festivals in the world.

We can vividly see the confirmation of the aforesaid in the following exemplary fact: the representatives of 31 countries took part at the first festival held in 1997 and now the talented people of art of 56 countries from various parts of the world, i.e. the states of the Asian, African, European and American continents, both of the East and West, have come to participate in this year’s forum.

In a word, all of us are witnessing that the glory and fame of this festival continue widely spreading around the world attracting to its scenes more and more new talented singers and musicians.

Holding our festival under the auspices and patronage of the leading United Nations education, science and culture organization – UNESCO confers even higher status and prestige on this forum.

Dear friends and esteemed brothers!

Holding this festival in one of the most ancient cities of the world – the beautiful and legendary Samarkand which embodies the eternal Oriental spirit, its both ancient and everlasting blooming image, where the Eastern charm and beauty are felt at every step, - bestows a deep meaning, substance and magnificence on this festival. And I believe you will all share this view.

As we welcome you, our dear guests, who have arrived to this holiday of art from near and far states of the world, we see in your person the brilliant representatives of the classical music of different nations, connoisseurs of art and masters.

I believe that with your rare talent, the melodies and songs touching the people’s hearts and masterly performance you will bring joy and pleasure to millions and millions of admirers of music and make a worthy contribution to further enrich the festival’s treasure-house.
In this context, I deem it necessary to touch upon one important idea. Nowadays, when we live through the restless and extremely complex times, all of us see the positive impact, essence and significance of this festival in the way how it serves the noble goals of strengthening the cooperative ties among different nations and nationalities, awakening the sincere human feelings in the hearts of people through enlivening art of music and making the common roots even closer to one another.

Furthermore, I would like to emphasize yet another opinion. It would be quite true to say that it is music, its sound and melodies, classical tunes and songs that stand as a rather influential tool and strong power which unites all the peoples on Earth irrespective of their language, nationality, religion, customs and rites, and above all, this is a phenomenon deeply echoing in the minds and souls of our young people.

In this sense, the “Sharq taronalari” festival being opened today does serve these very high ideas and, naturally, this grants all of us a sublime spirit, makes us stronger and gives us more inspiration.
On behalf of all music-lovers and our entire nation allow me to express a sincere gratitude to you, our dear guests, who came to the great Samarkand from different regions of the world to realize such noble goals and demonstrate your unique talent.

Distinguished guests!

I do understand that during the coming days you will be focusing all your attention, spending your time, concentrating your actions and aspirations to secure higher places in the exciting creative contests of the festival and contend for its prizes and awards. I wish success and good luck to accompany all of you in obtaining the decisive victory and awards.

Certainly, during these festive days using the available opportunities you will get closer acquainted with the open-hearted and hospitable people of Samarkand, see its unique architectural sights and historical monuments, the Samarkand bazaars which are the symbol of the legendary East. And I believe you will be charmed with this incomparably beautiful city and the land of Uzbekistan.

Dear compatriots!

It is of a deep symbolical meaning that the present “Sharq taronalari” festival is held on the revered days of celebrations of the historical 20th anniversary of Independence of our Homeland on the soil of Samarkand which day by day has been becoming even more beautiful and prosperous, deserving the title “the face of the Earth”. Since, the “Sharq taronalari” International Music Festival was particularly founded in the years of independence and it is growing along with our sovereignty.

Availing myself of this opportunity, I am truly pleased to once again express my sincere sympathy and respect that I always preserve in the bottom of my heart to the people of Samarkand who are so dear and beloved to me.

Every time when I visit Samarkand on the occasion of this festival I am happy to enjoy yet another opportunity to meet once again with you, my dears, and have a heart-to-heart conversation.

At this unforgettable moment I am boundlessly glad that we are blessed to relish together the unique art of the world-known talents and share the bliss of the holiday.

On behalf of you allow me to express a profound respect and gratitude to the representatives of such prestigious international institutions as UNESCO, International Organization of Folk Art (IOV), the ambassadors of foreign states, as well as our guest of honor – the famous Italian singer Mr. Albano Carrisi, who are participating in the festival.

Welcome to the land of Samarkand!

Welcome to our Uzbekistan, dear guests!

I once again congratulate you on this holiday and wish you, my dears, a sound health, many new successes and good luck.

Thank you for your attention. (Source: mfa.uz)

President awards foreign citizens

President Islam Karimov signed a decree on 26 August on awarding a number of foreign citizens in connection with the 20th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan.

For huge contribution to the development of relations of friendship and partnership, cooperation with Uzbekistan and strengthening mutual understanding between the nations, Dostlik (Friendship) order was awarded to:

Andre Dulet, senator of the parliament of France, chairman of France – Central Asia friendship group,

Irnerio Seminatore, president of the European Institute of International Relations (Belgium),

Iosiro Mori, deputy of the chamber of representatives of the parliament of Japan,

Kim Yong Gu, deputy of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea,
Santiago Ruis-Morales, honorary council of Uzbekistan in Madrid (Spain),

Son Kyong Shik, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Korea,

Udo Fulker, independent consultant of CLAAS, member of observers board of MAN Auto Uzbekistan (Germany),

Hartley Booth, chairman of the British-Uzbek society, co-chairman of the Uzbek-British Council for Trade and Industry,

Chzhan Deguan, chairman of the China and Central Asian countries friendship society,

Cho Yang Ho, chairman of Korean Air company.

For active and fruitful activity to develop bilateral and multilateral trade, economic, investment, cultural, scientific, educational cooperation with Uzbekistan, the following persons were awarded with “Ozbekiston Respublikasi mustaqilligiga 20 yil” (20 years of independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan) memorable sign:

Abdulla Khodja, chairman of the Turkestan-American Association,

Antonio Loke, secretary general of the Italian Institute for Asian and Mediterranean Countries Studies,

Joseph Goldblat, UN Institute for Disarmament Research,

Jacques Barr, professor of Pantheon-Assas Paris II university,

Carlos Palacio i de Oriol, chairman of Patentes Talgo company (Spain),

Carolyn Lamm, chairman of the American-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce,

Sergey Lebedev, chairman of the CIS Executive Committee, CIS Executive Secretary,

Metropolitan Vladimir IIkim Vladimir Zakharovich), bishop of the Russian Othodox Church, Metropolitan of Omsk and Tarsk,

Michel Kazatchkine, executive director of the Global Fund for Fighting Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria,

Patrick Ollier, minister for relations with French parliament, mayor of Rueil-Malmaison,

Ramanatan Teivendran, secretary general of the Singapore Management Development Institute,

Siddharth Saxena, chairman of the Cambridge Forum for Central Asia,

Frederick Starr, chairman of the Central Asia and Caucasus Institute of the Johns Hopkins University (USA),

Jose Fernando Sanchez-Junco Mans, president of Maxam company (Spain),

Yui Hunjun, deputy head, International Department, Central Council of the Chinese Communist Party. (Source: UzA News Agency)

President signs resolution on celebration of Ramazan Hayit

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a resolution on 25 August on celebrating Ramazan Hayit holiday.

Taking into consideration the proposal of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan that the first day of Ramazan Hayit is on 31 August, the President’s resolution proclaimed this day to be celebrated as a holiday and a day off.

The resolution states that the sacred Ramazan Hayit holiday has a great importance in the spiritual life of the people and in preserving the national and spiritual values.

Nuroniy and Mahalla funds, as well as Kamolot youth movement and other structures and organizations have been entrusted with organizing the events related to Ramazan Hayit in all regions of the country at a high level and in accordance with national values. (Source: UzA News Agency)

President Meets with US Senator

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met with US Republican Senator, member of several influential Senate committees Lindsey Graham, at the Oqsaroy August 25.

Welcoming the guest, the head of state said that relations with the United States are highly appreciated in Uzbekistan as much as the prospects of their consolidation are regarded with optimism.

Trade and economic, investment, scientific and technological ties have been essential in the bilateral cooperation. A substantial growth in the mutual trade is anticipated this year.

The talks at the Oqsaroy covered a wider range of regional and international issues. The discussion included crisis resolution in Afghanistan where Uzbekistan has been energetic in restoring peaceful life. It has been stressed that economic reconstruction in that country is critical for political stabilization and return to normal life of the population.

Lindsey Graham expressed gratitude to the leader of Uzbekistan for a warm welcome and a thorough exchange of views on pressing issues of bilateral agenda along with other topics of shared interest.

The Senator agreed that it is important for the two countries to interact in addressing the situation and imperative social problems in Afghanistan, along with securing economic renewal in that nation.

(Source: press-service.uz)

State budget in the first half year

On August 23, 2011 was held a meeting of the Committee on the Budget and Economic Reforms of the Legislative Chamber, which addressed the implementation of the State Budget of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the first half of this year. It was attended by representatives of ministries and agencies, the mass media.

It was noted that systemic and deliberate steps on implementation of the program of socio-economic development of the country in 2011, determined by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, I.A. Karimov at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on January 21 this year, secured in the first half of 2011 sustained economic growth and macroeconomic stability. The state budget during the reporting period is made in accordance with the parameters previously approved by the Oliy Majlis.

Growth of gross domestic product in the first half of 2011 amounted to 8 percent. Inflation rate did not exceed the forecast parameters. Economic growth was ensured by increasing the volume of industrial production, agriculture, retail trade and services. The most dynamically developed chemical, petrochemical, textile, food processing, engineering and metalworking. As a result of measures taken on development of the economy and the expansion of export capacity of the country, increase production of competitive goods with high added value volume of export of goods and services increased, a positive trade balance provided.

Participants of the meeting also noted the importance of implementing of Program of creating new jobs and providing employment, with particular attention paid to the employment of graduates of vocational colleges. As a result of taken measures more than 520,2 thousand new jobs, including 352,6 thousand or 68 percent were created - in rural areas. Speakers emphasized that the execution of the main financial document of the country has clear social orientation - timely financed spending on education, healthcare, targeted social support.

Following the meeting appropriate decision of the committee was made.

(Source: parliament.gov.uz)

European Investment Bank Officials Visit Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan was visited by delegation of the European Investment Bank (EIB). Meetings in the Ministries of Foreign Economic Relations and Trade, Economics, Finance, Central Bank and the Fund for Reconstruction and Development were held during the visit.

At a meeting in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the sides discussed bilateral and regional issues and exchanged views on promising areas of cooperation. EIB representative Marion Hoenike noted with satisfaction that the outcome of the visit of President Islam Karimov in January 2011 to Brussels opened new possibilities for broader cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union and its structures.

In this regard it was noted that currently there are great prospects for joint projects on modernization of fuel and energy complex, energy-efficient and alternative energy, development of transit routes and other areas. The Uzbek side expressed interest in bringing advanced European technologies in these areas. (Source: UT News Agency)

ECONOMY