Tag: Uzbekistan

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Five rockets from Afghanistan land on Uzbekistan’s border town

The Taliban-led government in Kabul has claimed that 4,559 Afghan refugees were expelled from Iran and Pakistan in the last three days…reports Asian Lite News

Five rockets presumably fired from neighbouring Afghanistan fell on the border town of Termez in the south of Uzbekistan, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry has said.

The rockets fell around 4:20 p.m. on Tuesday, with four of them landing on the Majnuntol neighborhood area and one on a football stadium, the ministry was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.

According to the ministry, none of the rockets exploded, so no human casualties and serious destruction occurred, except minor damages to four private houses.

“Currently, the competent authorities of Uzbekistan, together with the Afghan side, are implementing the necessary measures to establish the causes of the incident,” the statement said.

4,559 refugees expelled from Iran, Pak

The Taliban-led government in Kabul has claimed that 4,559 Afghan refugees were expelled from Iran and Pakistan in the last three days.

In a statement on Monday, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation (MoRR) said on Monday that majority of the expelled refugees returned from Iran after a census conducted by the Tehran government, reports TOLO News.

The Iranian government urged Afghan authorities to stop illegal travel.

“With the start of the census process of Afghans, the deporting of Afghans without legal documents has increased. The government of Iran counts people who do not take part in the census as illegal refugees,” said Asefa Stanekzai, a representative for Afghan refugees in Iran.

The development comes as the UN and Amnesty International have urged the host countries to stop eviction and migration of Afghan refugees and as well as violating of their rights.

According to the UNHCR, Afghan refugees are the third-largest displaced population in the world, followed by Syrian refugees and displaced Venezuelans.

There are 2.6 million registered Afghan refugees in the world, of whom 2.2 million are registered in Iran and Pakistan alone.

After the Taliban took over in August last year, 667,900 Afghans were internally displaced, which added to the already 3.5 million internally displaced civilians at the end of 2020.

Eighty per cent of the newly displaced Afghans are women and children.

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-Top News Afghanistan Asia News

Blackout in Kabul as Uzbekistan reduces power supply

Maiwandi said that Uzbekistan has cited technical problems for the decrease and added that the issue will be resolved in two or three days….reports Asian Lite News

 Afghanistans electricity body, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), said that Uzbekistan’s power supply to the country has decreased by 60 per cent which has led to a blackout in Kabul, Khaama Press reported.

Spokesperson of DABS Hekmatullah Maiwandi in a video clip said that Uzbekistan has made the decision unilaterally and they have not been informed.

Maiwandi said that Uzbekistan has cited technical problems for the decrease and added that the issue will be resolved in two or three days.

Officials in DABS said that decrease in importing electricity from Uzbekistan has caused a shortage of electricity and blackout in 16 provinces including Kabul, the report said.

They have also recommended people to be thrifty in using electricity until the issues get resolved.

It comes as DABS extended its contracts of importing electricity both with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan for 2022.

ALSO READ: ‘Afghanistan’s future lies in Pakistan hands’

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India, Iran and Uzbekistan discuss joint use of Chabahar Port

Since then, it has handled 160 vessels, 14,420 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) and 3.2 million tons of bulk and general cargo, the presentation informed…reports Asian Lite News.

India, Iran and Uzbekistan discussed the joint use of the Chabahar Port located in south-eastern Iran during the second Trilateral Working Group Meeting held on Tuesday.

The Shahid Behesti Terminal, Chabahar Port has handled shipments and trans-shipments from various countries including Russia, Brazil, Thailand, Germany, Ukraine, Oman, Romania, Bangladesh, Australia, Kuwait, Uzbekistan and UAE, the Indian side said in a presentation at the meeting.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the presentation noted that the Indian company, India Ports Global Limited (IPGL), through its wholly owned subsidiary, India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ), took over the operations of the Chabahar Port from December 24, 2018.

Since then, it has handled 160 vessels, 14,420 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) and 3.2 million tons of bulk and general cargo, the presentation informed.

According to the MEA, the participants in Tuesday’s meeting underlined the important role played by Chabahar Port during humanitarian crises as well as in enhancing regional connectivity.

They also took note of the increase in transit traffic between Central Asia and South Asia through the Shahid Behesti Terminal, Chabahar Port and discussed further development of transportation corridor.

Chabahar Bay (Wikipedia)

Upon the invitation of the Iranian side, Indian side agreed to send a high level delegation to Chabahar next year.

The meeting was jointly chaired by Dr. Sanjeev Ranjan, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India; Dr. Ali Akbar Safaei, Secretary, Deputy Minister and Managing Director, Ports and Maritime Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran; and Mr. Abdossamad Mumenof, Secretary,Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

It was decided to hold the third session of the trilateral working group meeting in India at a mutually convenient date.

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Arab News News World

Uzbekistan calls for release Afghanistan’s assets

Uzbekistan Foreign Minister (ANI)

Uzbekistan has urged the international community to lift sanctions and unfreeze the assets of Afghanistan as the country is going through the worst humanitarian situation…reports Asian Lite News

On Wednesday, Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov in his contribution at the Italy-Central Asia Second Ministerial Meeting in Tashkent urged the world community to lift sanctions and unfreeze the assets of Afghanistan, Khaama Press reported.

Uzbekistan Foreign Minister (ANI)

According to the Afghanistan news agency, Uzbekistan has now become another country in the region that asks for the release of over USD 9.5 billion preserves of Afghanistan now frozen in American banks.

Earlier, Pakistan, China, and Russia had urged the world to unfreeze Afghanistan’s assets.

The Uzbek Foreign Minister asks the world to undertake actions to lift sanctions of Afghanistan, unfreeze its assets, and work for the restoration of its banking system as the country is going through the worst humanitarian situation, Khaama Press reported.

“The people of Afghanistan are in a very difficult situation and the humanitarian situation of the country is nearing disaster. It is important to provide effective assistance to the people of Afghanistan.” Said Kamilov. He further called on the Taliban to take action and do not allow terrorism to spread from their soil.

ALSO READ: Uzbekistan unveils recent scientific economic achievements at EXPO 2020

The Taliban entered Kabul on August 15, causing the US-backed government to step down. Later in September, the outfit announced the composition of the new interim government of Afghanistan.

The country is currently battered by the deepening economic, humanitarian, and security crisis following the Taliban takeover. The international community, from governments to non-governmental organizations, has been providing various assistance to the Afghan people. (ANI)

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Arab News Dubai EXPO 2020

Uzbekistan unveils recent scientific economic achievements at EXPO 2020

Uzbekistan unveils recent scientific economic achievements at EXPO 2020

The national pavilion of the Republic of Uzbekistan has unveiled the nations recent scientific and economic achievements at EXPO 2020 Dubai…reports Asian Lite News

The pavilion also presented the cultural heritage, tourism attractions and investment opportunities of Uzbekistan and its national development roadmap.

Throughout EXPO 2020 Dubai, the Art and Cultural Development Foundation of Uzbekistan, the official partner of the Uzbekistan pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, will hold several events to promote the country and its potential.

Uzbekistan unveils recent scientific economic achievements at EXPO 2020

Expo 2020 Dubai is set to receive 25 million visitors from all over the world during its six-month duration until it closes on 31st March, 2022.

SAIDA MIRZIYOYEVA, DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE COUNCIL OF THE ARTS AND CULTURE DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION: “Today when Uzbekistan is open to the world and ready to adopt positive experience and gladly share our own, we are laying a new foundation for the effective promotion of Uzbekistan’s cultural potential in the international arena. In 2022, we will mark the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and the UAE. These have been three fruitful decades that taught us to trust each other, inspire each other for new achievements and interact at different levels and in different spheres.”

Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, said, “EXPO2020 Dubai is a truly global platform that brings together the best achievements and minds from 191 countries. The event also coincides with the UAE’s golden jubilee, and this is a fitting time to highlight our past national achievements and our plans for the next fifty years and beyond. Celebrating our golden jubilee with the whole world prompts us to look to the future with confidence, knowing that we have the imagination and capability to shape a future that is better for all.”

Al Marri said, “We welcome Uzbekistan as our guest and we recognise the hard work of The Art and Culture Development Foundation initiatives here in Dubai. This programme and pavilion enhance bilateral cooperation between our two nations across several priority areas and reflects solidarity between the leadership and the people of both the UAE and Uzbekistan.”

The Uzbek cultural programme at Expo 2020 Dubai will include the international premiere of the ballet “Lazgi – Dance of Soul and Love” at the Dubai Opera on 27th November, 2021. It brings the ballet of Uzbekistan to a new level and begins its first tour around the world.

On 29th November, 2021, there is a session of the Republic of Uzbekistan on “The Role of Women in the Modernisation of Social Life” at the Women’s Pavilion of EXPO 2020 Dubai.

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On 30th November, 2021, Pianist Bekhzod Abduraimov will perform at a concert in Jubilee Park at EXPO 2020 Dubai. The pianist will perform popular classical works by Liszt, Beethoven, Chopin, Mussorgsky, Prokofiev, and Tchaikovsky.

From 19th to 21st December, 2021, the Art and Culture Development Foundation will participate in the “Al Burda” festival within the framework of EXPO 2020 Dubai.

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Arab News News World

Uzbekistan detains members of Jihadist group

Uzbekistan detains members of Jihadist group

Uzbekistan’s law enforcement bodies have detained a man and his accomplices in central Syrdarya region who planned to join terrorist organisations in the Middle East, the Internal Affairs Ministry has said…reports Asian Lite News

The man and “his like-minded people have been influenced by members of terrorist organizations in Syria through the internet and have regularly distributed extremist content, particularly jihadist material, among their close contacts,” according to a report released by the Ministry on Thursday.

Uzbekistan detains members of Jihadist group

The group’s leader intended to travel to Syria to join terrorist groups, the report said without giving further details about the number of people arrested, Xinhua news agency reported.

Investigation into the case is underway, it added.

ALSO READ: Uzbekistan presidential election concluded with a historic turnout

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Asia News News World

Incumbent Uzbek Prez Shavkat re-elected for the 2nd term

Uzbekistan’s incumbent President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been re-elected for a second term in office with 80.1 per cent of the votes cast in the October 24 election…reports Asian Lite News

As soon as the election commission announced the results live on local TV channels on Monday, Mirziyoyev’s party and supporters celebrated the victory, reports Xinhua news agency.

“I cannot find words to describe my gratitude to my dear people for their trust. The fact that over 80 per cent of people came to vote in the election shows our nation is not indifferent to the country’s future,” the 64-year-old Mirziyoyev said, thanking people for their trust and support.

According to the CEC, the election on Sunday recorded a historic turnout of 80 per cent of the country’s eligible voters.

The CEC said that the election was held in accordance with international norms, domestic legislation, and in line with democratic principles, in an open and transparent manner.

ALSO READ: Uzbekistan presidential election concluded with a historic turnout

Mirziyoyev was nominated by the ruling Uzbekistan Liberal Democratic Party, and during the election campaign, he promised to continue reforms to launch more industrial projects, provide jobs and raise living standards in the populous Central Asian nation.

Other candidates included Alisher Kadirov from the National Revival Democratic Party, Maksuda Varisova from the People’s Democratic Party, Bahrom Abduhalimov from the Adolat (Justice) Social Democratic Party, and Narzullo Oblomurodov from the Ecological Party.

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Asia News News World

Uzbekistan presidential election concluded with a historic turnout

Voting for Uzbekistan’s presidential election ended with over 80 per cent turnout which was described by the Central Election Commission as a historic achievement for the country…reports Asian Lite News

“Uzbekistan’s presidential election was held in accordance with international norms, domestic legislation and in line with democratic principles, open and transparent,” commission chairman Zayniddin Nizamkhodjaev said on Sunday.

According to the commission, more than 19 million voters had registered for the election, with about 970 international observers and over 1,000 media representatives observing the voting.

Polling stations across Uzbekistan opened at 8 a.m. on Sunday evening and closed at 8 p.m., while preliminary results are due on Monday afternoon.

Incumbent President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, nominated by the ruling Uzbekistan Liberal Democratic Party, runs for a second term in office.

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During election campaigning, Mirziyoyev promised to continue reforms to launch more industrial projects, provide jobs and raise living standards in the populous Central Asian nation.

Other candidates include Alisher Kadirov from the National Revival Democratic Party, Maksuda Varisova from the People’s Democratic Party, Bahrom Abduhalimov from the Adolat (Justice) Social Democratic Party, and Narzullo Oblomurodov from the Ecological Party.

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-Top News Afghanistan

Uzbek, Taliban officials cement ties

The two sides “discussed issues of trade and economic interaction, border security, cooperation in the energy sector, international cargo transportation and transit…reports Asian Lite News

 Uzbek officials and a visiting Afghan Taliban delegation held talks on a series of issues, including economic ties and border security, the Foreign Ministry in Tashkent said.

During the talks on Saturday in Termez city, which shares a border with Afghanistan, the two sides “discussed issues of trade and economic interaction, border security, cooperation in the energy sector, international cargo transportation and transit”, Xinhua news agency quoted the Ministry as saying.

The Uzbek delegation was led by Sardor Umurzakov, the Prime Minister and Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade, while the Taliban delegation was led by acting Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi.

Speaking to TOLO News before his departure from Kabul, Hanafi had said his delegation comprised officials from the Ministries of Economy, Trade, Higher Education, Public Health and the Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority, along with a number of businessmen.

According to Hanafi, the delegation will talk with Uzbek officials about expanding Afghanistan-Uzbekistan economic ties, electricity, railway and bilateral relations.

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India News

Lekhi, Uzbek FM discuss need for close consultations on Afghanistan

MoS Lekhi conveyed India’s full support to the current Uzbek Presidency of the SCO. …reports Asian Lite News.

India and Uzbekistan have discussed the importance of maintaining close and regular consultations on the evolving situation in Afghanistan and the need to ensure that the territory of Afghanistan is not allowed to be used for any terror activities.

The issue was discussed by visiting Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi during her meeting with Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov.

They discussed important areas of bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release issued on Monday.

The visit from September 23-26 was Lekhi’s first official visit to any Central Asian country after assuming charge.

The MoS emphasised on expeditious implementation of development projects in Uzbekistan under the USD 1 billion Line of Credit given by India, the MEA stated.

Both sides also agreed on concluding the ongoing negotiations for the proposed Bilateral Investment Agreement at the earliest.

MoS Lekhi conveyed India’s full support to the current Uzbek Presidency of the SCO.

During the visit, she also met with Uzbekistan’s Culture Minister Ozodbek Nazarbekov.

They had a productive discussion on further intensifying cooperation in different spheres of culture given the deep cultural and civilisational connect between India and Uzbekistan, the MEA said.

These included cooperation in the field of archives, films, preservation of Buddhist sites, creation of ‘India Study Rooms’ in different Universities of Uzbekistan, and translation of literary works.

According to the MEA release, the Cultural Exchange Programme for the period 2021-25 was signed during the visit.

A 50-member strong Indian delegation comprising film personalities of India will be participating in the Tashkent Film Festival next week.

MoS Lekhi had a number of speaking engagements during her visit.

These included a lecture on ‘India’s democratic traditions’ at the Tashkent State University of Law and an address on ‘India-Uzbekistan relations- Strengthening Strategic Partnership’ at the Bukhara State University as part of ” Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, it further mentioned.

She met distinguished indologists from the Tashkent State Institute of Oriental Studies and other institutions and discussed ways to further promote India studies and philosophy in Uzbekistan.

MoS also had interactions with members of the Indian community in Tashkent and Indian students at Samarkand State Medical Institute.

She highlighted the positive contribution of the Indian diaspora abroad in strengthening of India’s relations with other countries including Uzbekistan.

According to the MEA release, the Indian community was also encouraged to participate actively in the celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

The visit provided further momentum to our strategic partnership with Uzbekistan by maintaining regular political exchanges and further consolidating our cultural ties, it added. (India News Network)

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