Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Uzbekistan, marking his third foreign trip since his re-election in March. He met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the two leaders traveled together in a single car. During his visit, Putin toured the New Uzbekistan park in Tashkent and laid a wreath at a monument to Uzbek independence. The Kremlin expressed openness to broader cooperation on gas supplies with Uzbekistan. This visit comes as a rare occurrence of Putin traveling abroad since the start of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It is worth noting that the International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for Putin's arrest on suspicion of illegally deporting children from Ukraine, a claim that the Kremlin denies [c75ff135].
US Trade Representative Catherine Tay also visited Uzbekistan on June 11. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral trade cooperation and the growth in mutual trade and investment. The agenda included Uzbekistan's membership in the World Trade Organization, the restoration of the GSP system, and deepening practical cooperation within the Agreement on Trade and Investments framework. Uzbekistan's economic reforms and the country's intention to become a member of the WTO with the support of the United States were highlighted. Catherine Tay also met with Uzbekistan's Presidential Assistant, Saida Mirziyoyeva, to discuss the benefits of Uzbekistan's economic reforms. The visit aims to accelerate the process of Uzbekistan becoming a member of the WTO [5649a612].
The United States is supporting Uzbekistan's economic reforms and bid to join the World Trade Organization (WTO). U.S.-Uzbekistan trade relations have grown, reaching $426.3mn in 2021, $493.2mn in 2022, and projected to reach $657.3mn in 2023. U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai praised Uzbekistan's political will to reform its economy and highlighted progress in areas such as intellectual property rights enforcement and the elimination of forced labor in the cotton sector. The U.S. is committed to assisting Uzbekistan in meeting the requirements for WTO accession. Challenges include geographic and geopolitical obstacles, but Uzbekistan is diversifying its trade relationships. There is potential for growth in sectors such as tourism, services, and critical minerals. The U.S. is exploring ways to enhance trade relationships and build resilience in critical supply chains. Ambassador Tai also addressed the importance of adhering to sanctions and creating logistical pathways for safe trading routes. The Jackson-Vanik Amendment remains a critical issue as Uzbekistan progresses toward WTO accession. The U.S. Congress will need to address the amendment. Ambassador Tai emphasized the importance of deepening the strategic bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Uzbekistan [741a63fb].
Sadyr Japarov, the President of Kyrgyzstan, is expected to pay a state visit to Uzbekistan in the near future. The announcement was made by Sanjar Bolotov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade of Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan business forum was held on June 13, 2024, where Bolotov expressed gratitude to the participants and discussed the prospects of strengthening bilateral economic relations. The 11th meeting of the intergovernmental commission between the two countries was held recently, noting the progress made in their relations. The opening of the trade representative office of the Kyrgyz Republic in Uzbekistan was highlighted as an important achievement in strengthening economic relations. The state visit of President Japarov to Uzbekistan will further embody the will to strengthen friendly relations and develop mutually beneficial ties. The goal is to increase the volume of trade between the two countries to $2 billion. The forum provides an opportunity for representatives of the business circles to establish new contacts and discuss promising projects for economic growth [ba598dc3].
Chairman of Kyrgyzstan's Cabinet of Ministers, Akylbek Japarov, held a meeting with representatives of US companies under the US-Kyrgyz Business Council. The meeting focused on discussing measures to further develop and strengthen cooperation between the business communities of Kyrgyzstan and the US. Key areas of discussion included interbank cooperation, investment collaboration, digitalization, and the energy sector. Japarov invited US business representatives to visit Kyrgyzstan for a familiarization tour during his working visit to the US in April 2024. The meeting was attended by representatives from companies such as Abbott, Coca-Cola, GE Vernova Inc., OpenWay, Thomas Greg & Sons Limited, VISA, White & Case, and the Jones Equity Fund [71723f0c].
Nariman Dzhelial, the Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, who was released from Russian captivity, met with his family in Kyiv. Mejlis Chairman Refat Chubarov reported this on , according to Ukrinform. On June 28, ten civilians were returned from Russian captivity, including Nariman Dzhelial, who was captured by Russians in Crimea in 2021. On July 5, Mejlis Chairman Refat Chubarov said that Dzhelial's family - wife Leviz and four children - were on their way to Ukraine. [ca199f41].
Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov arrived in Afghanistan on Saturday in the highest-level visit by a foreign official since the Taliban returned to power three years ago. Aripov, heading a delegation, was welcomed at the Kabul airport by Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Taliban's deputy prime minister, and other senior members of the government. During his visit, he held meetings with Taliban leaders and discussed bilateral relations and strengthening trade and business between the two countries. Five trade and investment agreements were signed. Uzbekistan and Afghanistan share a 144-kilometer (89-mile) border, and relations between the two countries have improved in recent months [a287fbd8].