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Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and transport as ties between the two neighbours continue to deepen.

The talks took place during a meeting between Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov and Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Tashkent Beibut Atamkulov, according to the Uzbek Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade.

Both sides noted the steady growth in bilateral trade and reaffirmed their commitment to increasing mutual trade turnover to $10 bn by 2030 under a Joint Programme. Preparations were also discussed for the first meeting of the Council of Regional Leaders, scheduled...

Uzbekistan and the World Bank have discussed attracting $55 mln in loan financing to support the construction of next-generation schools across the country, as part of broader efforts to modernise the national education system.

The talks took place in Tashkent between Yves Jeancleme, the World Bank’s Senior Education Specialist, and Otabek Fazilkarimov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan. In addition to the proposed loan, the sides reviewed the allocation of a $5 mln grant and a separate $70 mln programme aimed at expanding and upgrading preschool education.

Discussions focused on improving coordination and efficiency across education...

Uzbekistan face a must-win test against Japan on Sunday as Group C of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ reaches a critical stage in Jakarta.

Japan have already secured their place in the knockout rounds after a composed 3–0 victory over Tajikistan, with head coach Kensuke Takahashi praising his side’s patience, defensive solidity and tactical discipline. The four-time champions will now look to fine-tune their game, knowing Uzbekistan present a physical and experienced challenge.

Uzbekistan, coached by Nodir Elibaev, sit on four points following a spirited 4–2 comeback win against Australia. However, Elibaev insists his team must...

Uzbekistan and Turkey have agreed to work towards boosting bilateral trade to $5 bn, following a high-level meeting in Ankara between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The talks took place during the fourth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, co-chaired by the two leaders as part of President Mirziyoyev’s official visit to Turkey. The meeting marked a new stage in the countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership.

Discussions focused on expanding political dialogue, strengthening trade and economic ties, improving transport connectivity, and deepening cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Both sides noted steady growth in bilateral trade, a...

Chinese toy giant Pop Mart, best known for its viral Labubu dolls, has chosen London as the location for its new regional headquarters and plans to open seven additional stores across the UK.

The announcement was made during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official visit to China, aimed at boosting economic growth through trade and investment ties. Starmer’s office said the trip has already secured export deals worth £2.2 bn and market access valued at £2.3 bn over the next five years.

Pop Mart’s Labubu dolls, instantly recognisable for their toothy grin and pointy ears, have become global...

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has urged European countries to act with greater confidence toward Washington, warning that fear-driven politics could weaken Europe’s decision-making.

Speaking to the RND media group, Pistorius said U.S. President Donald Trump relies on «uncertainty and fear» to achieve his goals, adding that «those who are afraid make the wrong decisions.» Europe, he argued, should not allow itself to be intimidated but instead focus on becoming «more sovereign and independent.»

Pistorius was responding to renewed pressure from Trump over Greenland, the semi-autonomous Danish territory, and broader concerns about transatlantic relations. He stressed that the...

Britain’s largest energy supplier Octopus Energy has struck a deal to supply power in China, marking a significant expansion into the world’s biggest renewable energy market.

The agreement, announced during Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official visit to Beijing, will see Octopus partner with state-backed utility PCG Power to trade renewable electricity across China. Octopus will provide its energy trading software, while PCG Power will contribute local market expertise.

The joint venture, named Bitong Energy, aims to trade up to 140 terawatt hours of renewable power annually by 2030. It is expected to generate around £50mln in yearly profits...

Photos and emails involving Prince Andrew have emerged in a newly released tranche of millions of documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, adding fresh scrutiny to the British royal’s past association with the late financier.

The files, published by the U.S. Department of Justice on Friday, include undated photographs that appear to show Andrew crouched over an unidentified woman, as well as email exchanges suggesting Epstein was invited to dine at Buckingham Palace in 2010—two years after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution. It remains unclear whether the meeting took place.

Additional documents...

China’s anti-corruption campaign has expanded to another senior official, with Emergencies Minister Wang Xiangxi placed under investigation by the ruling Communist Party’s top watchdog.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) said it had launched a probe into Wang for «serious violations of discipline and law» — a phrase commonly used in China to signal suspected corruption or abuse of power. Wang, 63, has served as minister of emergency management since July 2022, after previously heading the state-owned National Energy Investment Corporation.

The move is the latest in a widening purge of high-ranking officials under President Xi Jinping...

Iran is reportedly making preparations to bury the bodies of American soldiers in the event of a U.S. military attack, according to local media citing officials connected to Tehran’s largest cemetery.

The semi-official Mehr News Agency reported that the Behesht Zahra cemetery organisation has set aside land capable of holding several thousand graves on the outskirts of the capital. The move is described as a precautionary step as tensions between Iran and the United States continue to escalate.

The report comes amid renewed warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened military action if Tehran does not...

Uzbekistan was among the countries that purchased Kazakh oil at the lowest prices in 2025, according to Kursiv Kazakhstan, citing Kazakhstan’s customs statistics.

Data show Uzbekistan imported 64,200 tonnes of oil worth $23.7 mln last year, meaning Uzbek buyers paid about $368.6 per tonne. Previously, oil supplies were not delivered directly to Uzbekistan, with only Russian hydrocarbons transiting through Kazakhstan.

Kursiv Kazakhstan estimates that Singapore and Switzerland also secured comparatively cheap supplies, paying roughly $435.7 and $460.4 per tonne respectively.

Overall, Kazakhstan exported 76 mln tonnes of oil and gas condensate in 2025, generating $39.9 bn in revenue. The...

Animation studio Science SARU on January 30 released a new teaser for its upcoming Ghost in the Shell anime series, offering viewers their first look at footage from the project.

It was first revealed in 2025 that the studio, known for titles including Dandadan, was developing a new adaptation, accompanied at the time by an initial teaser and promotional poster.

The newly released trailer marks the first time scenes from the anime itself have been shown publicly. It also confirms a planned premiere window of July 2026.

Ghost in the Shell, originally a manga series, has previously inspired multiple adaptations...

Apple plans to prioritise production and shipment of its top-tier iPhone models in 2026 while postponing the launch of its standard model. This comes as part of a shift in marketing strategy and due to supply chain challenges, Nikkei Asia reports, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The company is expected to centre its second-half 2026 lineup on three premium devices, including Apple’s first foldable iPhone and two high-end non-folding models featuring improved cameras and larger displays. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 is now reportedly scheduled for release in the first half of 2027.

According to the report, the...

Australia’s Olivia Gadecki and John Peers made history on January 30 by becoming the first team in 37 years to successfully defend the Australian Open mixed doubles title. The wildcard pairing defeated France’s Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard 4-6 6-3 10-8 in a dramatic final.

The victory marks Gadecki’s second Grand Slam title and Peers’ fourth. They are the first Australian duo to retain the crown since Margaret Court and Ken Fletcher 62 years ago and the first overall to do so since Jana Novotna and Jim Pugh in 1989.

Mladenovic and Guinard broke Peers in the opening game...

Uzbekistan’s nuclear agency, Uzatom, and Russia’s Rosatom have signed a memorandum of understanding on the management of radioactive waste, TASS reports.

Under the agreement, Russia will provide expert support for the disposal of nuclear waste and the decommissioning of ageing nuclear power plants. The project also includes training Uzbek specialists to work in the sector. Rosatom has implemented a similar initiative in Belarus, where it established a national operator for radioactive waste management.

The memorandum follows a May 2024 agreement between Tashkent and Moscow to build a small-scale nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh region. Plans are also under...

Apple Inc. projected revenue growth of up to 16% for the current quarter, signalling to Wall Street that demand for its new iPhone 17 range remains strong.

The forecast for the period ending in March exceeded analyst expectations of around 10%, lifting shares nearly 3% in after-hours trading. The outlook indicates Apple expects momentum from its record-breaking holiday season to continue into 2026.

For the fiscal first quarter ending December 27, Apple reported revenue of $143.8 bn, a 16% rise from the previous year, surpassing the $138.5 bn consensus estimate. Earnings per share reached $2.84, beating forecasts of $2.67.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged that Ankara will do everything possible to support the prosperity of Uzbekistan and Central Asia, Anadolu Agency reports.

«As long as we act together, we are confident that we will leave our mark on the history of the Turkic era,» Erdogan said at a press conference alongside President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Erdogan emphasised that Tashkent and Ankara will work closely to achieve unity in both language and action. He also expressed confidence that bilateral trade will rise to $5 bn, up from $3.02 bn in 2025 and...

Uzbekistan and Turkey plan to raise bilateral trade turnover to $5 bn in the coming years. This was announced following the fourth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council chaired by Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The target is expected to be achieved partly through expanding the list of goods covered under the preferential trade agreement between the two countries, allowing for greater market access and commercial exchange.

Both sides also agreed to continue supporting each other within international organisations, including the United Nations, the Organisation of Turkic States, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Economic...

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a joint declaration and cooperation decisions. The signing followed fourth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council between the two countries.

The documents outline mechanisms to deepen cooperation within the framework of a comprehensive strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Turkey.

A package of bilateral agreements was also concluded, covering cooperation across several sectors. These include joint initiatives in healthcare, education and military medicine, as well as partnerships aimed at developing mining projects and international transport corridors.

The two sides also agreed to expand cooperation in nuclear safety...

Netflix confirmed plans to release a new documentary on Michael Schumacher in 2026, focusing on the Formula 1 legend’s first championship-winning season.

Titled Schumacher ’94, the German-language feature will examine the seven-time world champion’s breakthrough year with Benetton, when he secured his first title. During the 1994 campaign, Schumacher won eight of 12 races, finished second twice and retired from the remaining events, sealing the championship in his debut season with the team.

Directed by Christin Freitag and produced by LEONINE Documentaries, the film will include appearances from Schumacher’s wife, Corinna, along with friends and colleagues who worked closely...

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka argued with the chair umpire after a controversial hindrance call during her Australian Open semi-final against Elina Svitolina but said the decision ultimately helped her win.

The incident happened early in the match when Sabalenka let out a loud grunt while hitting a forehand. Although the ball landed in, the umpire ruled hindrance and gave the point to Svitolina. Sabalenka protested and asked for a video review, but the umpire stood by her decision.

Speaking after her straight-sets victory, 6–2, 6–3, Sabalenka said she was shocked by the call and confronted the umpire, asking...

The European Union has formally designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, ending years of internal division over the issue in response to Tehran’s violent repression of protesters.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the move sent a clear message that «repression cannot go unanswered,» accusing the Iranian regime of using the IRGC as a key instrument to crush dissent. The designation carries legal consequences across the bloc, including asset freezes and criminal liability for providing financial or material support.

Alongside the listing, the EU imposed sanctions on 15 Iranian officials and six...

World Health Organization Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has urgently called on Iranian authorities to stop assaults on hospitals and medical personnel during Tehran’s deadly suppression of nationwide protests, quoting «multiple reports» of violence against health facilities and workers.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Dr Tedros said that Khomeini Hospital in Ilam was attacked earlier this month, with violence inside and around the facility following the transfer of injured civilians. He added that dozens of paramedics have been hurt and more than 200 ambulances damaged in recent weeks, and tear gas was reportedly used inside Sina Hospital in Tehran.

Human...

AstraZeneca said it will invest $15 bn in China by 2030 to expand medicines manufacturing and research and development, marking its largest-ever investment in the country. The announcement was made during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Beijing, underscoring efforts by London to deepen economic ties with China amid strained relations with Washington.

The UK drugmaker said the investment would strengthen its long-term presence in China, its second-largest market, where it has operated for more than three decades. Chief executive Pascal Soriot described the plan as a milestone for the company, which has already invested billions in Chinese research...