September 29, 2010

Politics:
Official visit of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Uzbekistan
British parliamentary delegation visiting Uzbekistan
President of Uzbekistan holds talks in New York

Economics:
Tashkent to host International Tourism Fair
Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan intergovernmental commission meets
Central Asian Industrial Week start

Society:
Uzbek judoists on winners podium
Murod Inoyatov wins International tournament


POLICY

Official visit of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Uzbekistan

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in Tashkent on an official visit on 27 September on the invitation of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov.

The strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood of peoples of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, the proximity of cultures, languages, religions and traditions provide a good basis for a broad and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. The relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan after their independence rose to a new, qualitatively higher level. The relations based on the principles of trust, mutual understanding and respect are valued in Tashkent and Baku. The heads of the two states hold meetings on a regular basis.

The ceremony of the official meeting of the President of Azerbaijan was held in Kuksaroy residence on 27 September. The guard of honor was lined up to welcome the honorary guest. Islam Karimov and Ilham Aliyev rose to the podium. The national anthems of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan were glorified, after which the heads of the states reviewed the guard of honor.

In one-on-one, the two leaders had a conversation, exchanged views on the status and prospects of bilateral relations and discussed the bilateral cooperation within the frame of international organizations, problems of regional and international significance, as well as many other issues of mutual interest.

“We see your visit to Uzbekistan as a landmark event, a natural continuation of the dynamically developing relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan,” Islam Karimov said. “In my view, our meeting with you and exchange of views, discussion of extremely important and sensitive issues, in which our countries are interested, are of great importance. There are still untapped opportunities that are important to the interests of both Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Of course, we will find the opportunity to exchange views on a wide range of issues of regional and international importance.”

In turn, the leader of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude to Islam Karimov for the invitation to visit Uzbekistan and highlighted the mutual understanding of the relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

“We are very please with the success of your country,” Ilham Aliyev said. “During the period of independence of Uzbekistan had formed as a powerful leader, a key country in the region. Under your leadership, thanks to your principled and wise policy, Uzbekistan has achieved great results. Today it is impossible not to notice. Even the most biased observers recognize and reckon with this. We respect the independent course of Uzbekistan, the fundamental policy issues of regional importance and international perspective. As we all know, we do not always see such an approach in the world. We are determined to develop our relations in all areas,” Ilham Aliyev said.

Further, presidents have continued the talks in expanded format with participation of official delegations. The sides discussed the trade-economic and humanitarian issues. Despite the global financial crisis, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are among the few countries in the world with high growth economy. This is a vivid testimony to the vitality and efficiency of each country’s own development models.

During the negotiations at Kuksaroy residence, the sides noted the capacity to increase the bilateral trade. The regular meeting of Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan intergovernmental commission for cooperation, which identified the prospects for expanding the trade and economic mutual relations, preceded the visit of the President of Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan.

At present, Uzbekistan supplies Azerbaijan with vehicles, nonferrous metals, electric and mechanical devices, various optics, agricultural products as well as provides services in transportation, tourism and other spheres. Azerbaijan’s export to Uzbekistan mainly consists of mechanical devices, pharmaceuticals, plastic, sugar, confectionery and various organic chemicals, tanning and dyeing extracts.

The two countries are cooperating in the field of civil aviation in such areas as a supply of spare parts for aircraft repair and maintenance of aircraft, training pilots and technical staff.
The investment capacity of industrial free-trade zone Navoi also represents good opportunities to deepen the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. The joint construction of new production facilities and the work in the field of intercontinental air travel in the future will be particularly advantageous for Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.

At the end of the negotiations at Kuksaroy residence Islam Karimov and Ilhom Aliyev signed the Joint Declaration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Also, an intergovernmental agreement on economic cooperation in 2011-2015, the Agreement on Cooperation between the broadcasting companies, the Agreement on Cooperation between the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan and the Institute of art and architecture of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, as well as other documents testifying to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in different areas were signed.

At a meeting with representatives of the media, Islam Karimov and Ilham Aliev noted that the talks were constructive, held in a spirit of mutual trust and friendship. They noted the agreements will further contribute to the development of Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations and the welfare of both countries’ people. Islam Karimov also noted that the national exhibition of achievements of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan will be held in near future in Tashkent and Baku, respectively.

In the afternoon, Islam Karimov and Ilham Aliyev visited the Independence Square. Azerbaijani President laid a wreath at the Monument of Independence and Humanism, which symbolizes the freedom of Uzbekistan and its people’s noble aspirations and sincere belief in brighter future. Ilham Aliyev praised the broad constructive work carried out under the leadership of President Islam Karimov at the Independence Square.

President Ilham Aliyev got acquainted with the activities of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis. The close cooperation has been established between the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan Oliy Majlis and the Parliament of Azerbaijan Milli Majlis. Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary working group was established in the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan. The parliament members of the two countries regularly participate as observers during elections and referendums in both countries.

Islam Karimov and Ilham Aliyev visited the Uzbekistan Palace of international forums, which was built in Tashkent in 2009 on the initiative of Uzbek President. The palace meets all international standards for major international conferences, cultural and educational events and concerts. Landscape design that surrounds this majestic building, gives it a special beauty. Azerbaijani President praised the architecture and design, combining modern style and national character. Ilham Aliyev noted that this majestic building is yet another confirmation of the high potential of Uzbekistan in all respects.
Then the two heads of states visited the Hazrati Imam complex and examined the Hazrati Imam Mosque. Ilham Aliyev got acquainted with the unique manuscript of the Holy Quran – Usmon Mushafi and left a note in the book of honorable guests of the complex.

Later President of Azerbaijan attended the opening ceremony of a new building of the Azerbaijan Culture Center in Tashkent named after Azerbaijan’s national leader Heydar Aliyev.

British parliamentary delegation visiting Uzbekistan

Members of the delegation of the British parliament headed by chairman of Britain-Uzbekistan parliamentary group John Waverley held talks with chairman of Senate of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan Ilgizar Sobirov.

The sides considered issues of expansion of parliamentary cooperation. The foreign guests also got acquainted with the activity of the parliament of Uzbekistan.

At the end of the meeting, the memorandum of understanding was signed between the Uzbek parliament’s group for cooperation with British parliament and the Britain-Uzbekistan all-party group of the British parliament.

The document envisages expansion and strengthening of ties between the parliaments and development of political, economic and social relations.

The British parliamentary delegation also held negotiations with the speaker of the Legislative Chamber (lower house) of the Oliy Majlis Dilorom Tashmuhamedova.

Britain-Uzbekistan parliamentary group was set up in 2009 in order to develop cooperation between various organizations and bodies of the two countries, boost inter-parliamentary dialogue and develop ties between the two states.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov on 19 September met John Waverley on London on his way to New York for the UN summit.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, who participated in the high-level plenary session of the United Nations General Assembly on Millennium Development Goals in New York, met the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Angela Merkel on 21 September.

The head of the state said that Germany was one of the reliable partners of Uzbekistan in Europe and that the relations between the two countries were developing consistently in all spheres.

Germany and Uzbekistan have established strong political, economic and cultural ties. Many bilateral visits at various levels serve for further development of mutual relations between the two states. Germany fully supports efforts of Uzbekistan to democratize various spheres of life in the country.

Uzbekistan and Germany closely cooperate in strengthening regional security and stability. The development of relations between the two countries is contributes to expanding mutually beneficial cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union.

During the conversation, Angela Merkel and Islam Karimov exchanged views on further expansion of cooperation between Germany and Uzbekistan and other issues of mutual interest.

On the same day, President of Uzbekistan met the Prime Minister of Belgium Yves Leterme at the UN Headquarters.

Belgium is one of the reliable partners of Uzbekistan in Western Europe, Islam Karimov pointed out. The relations between the two countries are gradually developing in political, trade-economic and humanitarian spheres.

Uzbekistan and Belgium have active relations between the parliaments, foreign and defense ministries and security bodies, as well as institutions of higher education.

Representatives of Belgian parliament, members of “Uzbekistan-Belgium” inter-parliamentary cooperation group regularly attend international forums in Uzbekistan. The foreign ministries of the two countries hold consultations to discuss critical issues of bilateral relations. Uzbekistan and Belgium also actively interact in the promotion of regional cooperation.

In the economic sphere, Uzbekistan and Belgium enjoy the most favorable conditions regime. Uzbekistan exports to Belgium cotton, textiles, products of inorganic chemistry and other goods. Belgium supplies Uzbekistan with mechanical equipment, pharmaceuticals, plastics, rubber and other items.

In 1999, the Walloon Agency for Export and Foreign Investment (AWEX) opened its representative office in Tashkent. Commerce and Industry Chamber of Uzbekistan and Chamber of Commerce of West Flanders of Belgium had signed a memorandum of cooperation. In the recent years, a series of business forums and meetings devoted to enhancing bilateral cooperation were held in Tashkent and Brussels.

In the framework of cultural cooperation, exhibitions on the 2750th anniversary of Samarkand and the 2000th anniversary of Marhilan were organized in Belgium. In 1999, Uzbekistan and Belgium friendship society was created. In 2004, the Belgian-Uzbek cultural center Dostlik was opened.

At the meeting, Yves Leterme said Belgium valued cooperation with Uzbekistan. He emphasized that the favorable investment environment in Uzbekistan served to increasing the interest of Belgian entrepreneurs in Uzbek businesses.

During the meeting, the sides discussed Uzbek-Belgian relations and other issues of mutual interest.

President of Uzbekistan also met President of Hungary Pal Schmitt at the UN Headquarters.

Uzbekistan and Hungary are linked with ties of mutual trust and commitment, as well as spiritual closeness of the peoples, Islam Karimov said.

The two countries have been developing relations in the political sphere. Uzbekistan and Hungary have similar or close views and approaches to mutual cooperation, and issues of regional and international importance.

Uzbekistan and Hungary are reliable business partners. The two countries have signed important documents on trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation, mutual protection and promotion of investments, avoidance of double taxation and others.

Eximbank of Hungary has decided to allocate a credit to Uzbekistan worth USD 50 million. These funds will be used to finance projects of providing clinics with medical equipment, introduction of energy-saving technologies in urban infrastructure, reconstruction of treatment facilities at oil refineries and other fields.

In the humanitarian sphere, Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan cooperate with a number of Hungarian organizations in the fields of materials science, microelectronics, instrumentation and pharmacology.

At the meeting, Pal Schmitt said that Hungary was interested in developing relations with Uzbekistan in all spheres. The sides discussed prospects of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Hungary and other issues of mutual interest.

President Islam Karimov also received senior vice president of the corporation Boeing Marty Bentrott.

The head of the state said that Boeing has become one of the reliable partners of Uzbekistan in the sphere of aviation and aircraft building.

The relations with the corporation go beyond delivery of planes and cover areas like improving flight safety and passenger service, aircraft maintenance and repairs, as well as training specialists.

The Uzbekistan Airways company has been cooperating with Boeing since 1995. To date, the national airline has purchased 11 Boeing aircraft. Uzbekistan Airways Technics enterprise conducts maintenance of not only domestic, but also foreign aircrafts.

In accordance with the agreement between Uzbekistan Airways and Boeing Corporation, the latter will deliver to Uzbekistan four Boeing-767-300ER planes in 2011-2013. In 2016, the fleet of the national air carrier will receive two Boeing-787-8 liners.

During the meeting, Marty Bentrott noted that Boeing was interested in progressive development of cooperation with Uzbekistan Airways.

The sides exchanged views on matters relating to further expansion of cooperation in the field of aviation and aircraft maintenance.

ECONOMY

Tashkent to host International Tourism Fair

16th Tashkent International Tourism Fair “Tourism on the Silk Road” will be held in Uzexpocenter on 7-8 October, 2010.

The development of tourism and improvement of the service sector are among the priority areas of the policy in Uzbekistan. As a result of the reforms held under the leadership of President Islam Karimov, the infrastructure of tourism has changed radically.

The number of modern hotels is increasing, the quality of service is improving, new tourist routes are being developed and transport communications are being renewed. All of this contributes to the development of the tourism sector.

Since 1995, the fair has been one of the largest tourist forums in Central Asia. It is aimed at a wide range of the Uzbek professionals and foreign tourism. As one of the main activities in this industry, Tashkent International Tourism Fair plays a significant role in creating and maintaining the image of Uzbekistan.

This year the fair will occupy two showrooms of Uzexpocenter. The event will be attended by the leading national and regional tourist offices.
The number of the fair participants has been increasing by the year and expanding its geography and the range of services. The representatives of such countries as Azerbaijan, Germany, Greece, India, Kazakhstan, China, Cyprus, Malaysia, UAE, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, Czech Republic, Switzerland and others confirmed participation in Tashkent

International Tourism Fair. Debutant of the current trade fair is the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The main goal of the Tashkent International Tourism Fair 2010 is to give all the necessary information about the different types of leisure activities, new tourist routes to the visitors and participants. The forum will sum up the summer season, will determine the trends for the next year and open up possibilities for next season.

The pavilion “Tourism in Uzbekistan” will be deployed in the Tashkent International Tourism Fair, consolidating regional offices which pay special attention to the development of domestic and inbound tourism. The organizations that promote development of tourism in Uzbekistan will be presented in the exclusive stands. The fair participants can get acquainted with the services related to environmental and sports tourism, the work of the hotels, insurance and banking services, the activity of the national and regional tourist organizations and travel agencies.

The pavilion will be divided thematically into several parts under the concept of the exhibition. The primary will be the exhibition “Uzbekistan country of tourism,” then stands of “Transportation,” “Hotel business the largest complex component of the tourism industry,” “Restaurants of Uzbekistan.”

The demonstration of brands will be held for each of the regions of Uzbekistan, has a distinctive flavor, unique features and peculiarities. It allows penetrate every corner of Uzbekistan and see a single, beautiful image of this ancient and renewed country, to assess its contribution to world civilization.

Uzbekistan has something to surprise visitors. The Great Silk Road left great legacy to this earth. More than 4,000 outstanding monuments of ancient architecture palaces and fortresses, mausoleums and mosques, madrassas and minarets annually draw many people from all over the world in a country.

Among the foreign visitors are fans of the environmental, folklore-ethnographic, scientific and educational types of tourism, lovers of extreme experiences mountain climbing in any time of year, rafting, trekking, horse or bicycle tours, and jeep-safari in the desert expanse. Uzbekistan has a unique natural and medical-wellness areas, so the exhibition will focus on infrastructure of tourism and recreation, the development of recreational areas and health centers for the reception of domestic and foreign tourists.

The final of the republican contest “The Best of the best in tourism of Uzbekistan in 2009” will be held during the fair followed by the end of the season: the best tour operator of inbound, outbound, domestic travel, the best hotel in Uzbekistan, the best restaurant, the best tour guide, the best driver in the field of tourism, the best journalist in the field of tourism, the best institution in the field of tourism, the best author of the youth tourism project, the best scientific research in the field of tourism, the best exclusive stand, the mentor of the year, the person of the year.

The next meeting of representatives of national tourism administrations participating countries of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) “Silk Road” will be held within the exhibition on 8-9 October in Samarkand.

Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan intergovernmental commission meets

The session of the Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan intergovernmental joint commission on cooperation took place on 23 September in Tashkent.

Representatives of ministries and companies related to foreign economic relations, trade, investments, science, IT, tourism, transport and agriculture participated in the session.

The delegations of the two countries considered issues of increasing mutual trade and the number of joint ventures in various sectors. They also touched upon issues of cooperation in the banking and finance, small business and other areas.

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have huge potential to develop trade and economic ties, the members of the commission said. More than 30 joint ventures with Azerbaijani capital operate in Uzbekistan.

They work in sectors like energy, light industry, machinery building, metals processing, insurance, science and education, food industry, construction and others.

Central Asian Industrial Week start

International Forum of Central Asian Industrial Week started in Uzexpocenter. International exhibitions Power Uzbekistan-2010, Mining World Uzbekistan-2010, Metallurgy. Mechanical Engineering – MCA-2010 open in Tashkent in the framework of the Central Asian Industrial Week.

The event has been organized by the ministries of trade, agriculture and water resources, State Geology and Mineral Resources Committee, companies Uzbekenergo and Uzsuvenergo, Tashkent city administration and international companies ITE Uzbekistan – a member of UFI, ITE Exhibitions & Conferences Ltd.

Opening of the forum, acting chairman of the State Committee for Geology and Mineral Resources J.Turamuradov noted that reforms carried out for modernization of industrial enterprises, introduction of new technologies and improvement of investment environment were giving notable results.

The country is continuously increasing the volumes of industrial production. As a result, macroeconomic stability is strengthening.

About 100 companies from nearly 20 countries such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, China, USA, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Austria, Finland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Ukraine, Poland, Denmark and Norway are offering their products and services at the exhibitions.

Large domestic enterprises such as Power Machines, Neuhaus DG, Uzelektroapparat-elektroshit, Chirchik Transformer Plant are among them.

The Central Asian Industrial Week and the exhibitions will serve as a tool for attracting foreign investment in Uzbekistan and further development of key industries.

SOCIETY

Uzbek judoists on winners podium

More than 100 athletes from almost 20 countries competed for prizes and for ranking points, which give the right to participate in the forthcoming 2012 in the London XXX Summer Olympic Games, in the judo competitions at the World Cup among women, which were held in the capital sports complex “Uzbekistan.”

In the competition, lasted for two days, our compatriots Iroda Abdurakhmonova and Rima Berdikulova won the silver medal and provided the national team of Uzbekistan a place in the top five.

Iroda Abdurakhmonova ahead of Liraz Ben Melech from Jordan, Alina Ten from Kazakhstan, Hanna Carmichael of USA among girls in the weight category up to 57 kilograms and Rima Berdikulova won over Saltanat Ahmadjonova from Kyrgyzstan, Solongo Baatarsaihan from Mongolia and Lenar Mingazova from Kazakhstan in the competitions among girls in the weight category up to 52 kilograms.

“Ample opportunities created in Uzbekistan for the manifestation of talent and potential of young people calling us to new victories,” said I.Abdurakhmonova. “My goal is to win the world championship and Olympic Games and justify the confidence of the people.”

Ikumi Tanimoto (Japan), Kyung Ok Kim, Jan Di Kim, Mi Jong Geong, Na Yong Kim (South Korea), Nataliya Smal (Ukraine) and Mungbat Urantsettseg (Mongolia) won gold medals.

At the same time, the competition for World Cup among men carried out in Almata (Kazakhstan). Athletes from Uzbekistan won one gold, two silver, three bronze medals and took the third place in the team event.

A member of the team of Uzbekistan Navruz Jurakobilov defeated Abzal Abilov of Kazakhstan, the representative of Tajikistan Saidjalol Saidov, Ulana Gurtuyeva of Russia and reached the final. In the decisive battle, N.Jurakobilov defeated the host Rinat Ibragimov and won a gold medal and important rating points.

Dilshod Choriyev of Uzbekistan defeated Chinese Ksyunjao Cheng, Russian Kirill Voprosova and took second place. Another representative of Uzbekistan Utkir Kurbanov defeated Talgat Amrenov (Kazakhstan), Muhammadumar Abdurakhmonov (Tajikistan), Sergey Samoilovich (Russia), he was awarded with the silver medal. Gabit Esimbetov, Farmon Kobulov and Khurshid Nabiyev won bronze medals in their weight classes.

Murod Inoyatov wins International tournament

The member of the national tennis team of Uzbekistan Murod Inoyatov won the top prize in the doubles at the tournament of the international series Futures of International Tennis Federation (ITF) in Iran.

Murod Inoyatov and Ivan Anikanov from Ukraine, the first duet of the prestigious tournament in the first two meetings, beat Italian tennis players Matteo Marfia and Luca Rovetta with a score of 6:3, 6:3, as well as representatives of Germany Sebastian Fitz and Mark-Alexander Kepler with a score of 7: 5, 6:4, respectively. The match for a ticket to the finals against the hosts Amr-Suhayl Muhsiniy and Ashkan Shokufiy completed before the appointed time. Iranians, losing in the first set with a score of 5:7, in the second set, trailing with 0:3 decided not to continue the game.

In the playoff, Murod Inoyatov and Ivan Anikanov beat the Russian pair of Alexander Lobkov and Alexander Rumyantsev with a score of 6:3, 6:4 and became the winners of the competition.