News

The South Korean city of Ulsan and Uzbekistan’s Fergana region have officially become sister cities after signing a cooperation agreement on October 16 at Ulsan City Hall, Yonhap reports.

The ceremony was attended by Ulsan Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom, Fergana Governor Khayrulla Bozarov, and around 20 representatives from both cities. The new partnership builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in March during an Ulsan delegation’s visit to Fergana, which focused on collaboration in shipbuilding workforce development.

Under the agreement, the two cities will expand exchanges and cooperation in various fields, including the economy, trade, science and technology, culture...

Gold soared to a fresh record above $4,300 an ounce on Friday, on track for its biggest weekly gain in more than 17 years. Fears over US regional banks, trade frictions, and expectations of interest rate cuts prompted investors to seek safety in the precious metal, Reuters reports.

As of 06:15 GMT, spot gold rose 0.8% to $4,359.31 per ounce after hitting an all-time high of $4,378.69 earlier in the session. US gold futures for December delivery advanced 1.6% to $4,372.10. Bullion has jumped around 8.6% this week, recording its best performance since September 2008 in every trading session.

Gazprom is continuing to implement its contract to supply Uzbekistan with 7.7 bn cubic metres of natural gas per year, with significant potential for increasing volumes, including deliveries of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Russian government disclosed this in a statement following talks between Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation across the gas, oil, and nuclear sectors. In 2024, Russia exported 233,500 tonnes of crude oil to Uzbekistan. Energy companies from both countries are also exploring joint projects to develop hard-to-recover oil and gas reserves in...

Uzbekistan’s composite business climate index increased by two points in September, reaching 57, the Centre for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) reports.

The business expectations index remained high at 62 points. A survey of 1,000 entrepreneurs showed that 46% described the current situation as «good», while 30% reported improved performance over the past three months and 47% noted stronger demand.

«Expectations remain positive: 68% of respondents anticipate business conditions to improve further in the next three months, 62% foresee rising demand, and 52% expect employment to expand,» CERR said in its report.

The centre also...

Uzbek and Russian companies are holding talks on the joint development of hard-to-recover oil and gas reserves in Uzbekistan. The discussions were held between Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and Uzbekistan’s Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov.

Figures from the Russian government show that Russia supplied 233,500 tonnes of crude oil to Uzbekistan last year. Alongside cooperation in hydrocarbon exploration and supply, both sides also discussed advancing joint projects in the field of nuclear energy.

According to the State Statistics Committee, as of early September this year, Uzbekistan’s oil production stood at 434,500 tonnes. Natural gas output reached...

From January to August 2025, Uzbekistan received 287,700 foreign visitors travelling for commercial purposes, according to the National Statistics Agency. The figure is almost three times higher than during the same period last year, reflecting an increase of 190,300 people.

The majority of visitors came from Afghanistan, with 267,800 arrivals. Uzbekistan also saw 14,600 travellers from Tajikistan and 2,200 from Turkmenistan. Smaller numbers of commercial tourists arrived from Russia (585), Turkey (392), and Kazakhstan (373).

The rise in the number of Afghan visitors might be attributed to the establishment of Airitom Free Zone in Termez where...

Tashkent International Airport has launched a new online customs declaration service, allowing arriving passengers to complete their forms electronically. The initiative forms part of Uzbekistan’s wider digitalisation programme led by the State Customs Committee.

The upgraded «Passenger Customs Declaration» platform and its mobile app are currently operating in test mode at Tashkent Airport. Full rollout across all border points in the country is planned for November 1.

Travellers can now submit their customs details via self-service kiosks at airports and land crossings, or through the «Passenger Declaration» mobile application available on Android and iOS. The app automatically fills in...

The Vatican’s child protection commission sharply criticised senior Catholic leaders in its annual report on Thursday, saying victims of clergy sex abuse are not getting timely help and safeguarding reforms remain uneven worldwide.

The 103-page review faults Church authorities for failing to tell victims how their cases are handled or whether negligent bishops are punished. It says some of the commission’s own requests for information went unanswered, noting Italy’s bishops returned surveys from only 81 of 226 dioceses, while South Korea had full participation.

Assessing efforts in 22 countries and the Dicastery for Evangelization, the report says the Vatican...

Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia have signed ten agreements covering areas such as energy and renewable resources, the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade reports.

The signing took place on October 14 in Tashkent during the meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission and the sixth session of the Uzbek–Saudi Business Council. Under the current partnership, 56 projects worth $27.2 bn are being implemented in Uzbekistan with the participation of Saudi investors. At present, 27 companies with Saudi capital operate in the country.

Trade between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia reached $142.4 mln in 2024, while the figure for January to August...

Dozens have been killed in the deadliest Pakistan–Afghanistan flare-up since 2021, even as a 48-hour ceasefire took effect on Wednesday at 13:00 GMT.

Forces & personnel: Pakistan fields about 660K active troops (Army 560K; Air Force 70K; Navy 30K). The Afghan Taliban’s forces number roughly 172K, with plans to expand to 200K.

Equipment: Pakistan has 6,000+ armoured fighting vehicles and 4,600+ artillery pieces, and is modernising with Chinese support. The Taliban hold a mix of Soviet-era tanks, APCs and artillery, but exact inventories are unclear and capability has eroded due to maintenance and parts constraints.

Air power: Pakistan operates...

On October 15, 2025, at 17:40 (GMT+5), AirAsia’s inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur landed at Tashkent International Airport, marking the launch of the new direct route connecting Malaysia and Uzbekistan. The aircraft, carrying 218 passengers, was greeted with a traditional water salute and flowers for the crew.

Passenger check-in for the first flight took place in a festive atmosphere, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a celebratory cake shared by representatives of AirAsia and Uzbekistan Airports. Guests were also treated to a performance by a national dance ensemble, adding colour and cultural flair to the event.

«We...

Colonel Michael Randrianirina said he will be sworn in as «President for the Refoundation» on Friday, days after the army toppled President Andry Rajoelina amid youth-led protests over power cuts and water shortages.

The African Union suspended Madagascar on Wednesday and urged a return to civilian rule and elections. Randrianirina said the suspension was expected and that he is open to behind-the-scenes talks with the bloc.

He announced that the military has dissolved all institutions except the National Assembly and that a military-led committee will govern alongside a transitional cabinet for up to two years before organising polls. Lawmakers...

Since the beginning of the year, 155 cases of marriage involving girls aged 15 to 17 have been registered in Uzbekistan, Health Minister Asilbek Khudayarov told the television channel Uzbekistan 24.

He noted that the country has also seen cases of consanguineous marriage, warning that such unions significantly increase the risk of children being born with disabilities.

Khudayarov added that during a recent meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, instances were discussed in which women became pregnant twice within a single year without allowing time between births. According to him, this leads to weakened infants and health complications for...

Uzbekistan’s real GDP growth is forecast to reach 6.8% this year, according to the International Monetary Fund’s October report. The IMF expects the country’s economy to expand by a further 6% next year.

Consumer price growth is projected at 9.1% in 2025, before slowing to 7.3% in 2026. The unemployment rate is estimated to stand at 5% this year and decline to 4.5% in 2026.

The IMF noted that the global economy continues to adapt to current political conditions, with some previously high tariffs being eased through agreements and a partial return to earlier levels.

Hopes for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal dimmed as Hamas and Israel accused each other of blocking progress in indirect talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States in Doha.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog urged leaders to push for an agreement, warning that hostages are in «clear and immediate danger.» Hamas said Israel introduced new conditions on troop withdrawal, ceasefire terms, prisoner releases and the return of displaced Gazans. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office called the claim «lies,» saying Hamas is adding new obstacles.

Fighting continued on Wednesday. Gaza’s civil defence reported at least 20 people killed...

The Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oxford will begin teaching Uzbek and Old Uzbek, announced Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan.

During her visit, Mirziyoyeva noted that Oxford University had honoured her for her contribution to advancing women’s rights in Uzbekistan. She said the recognition reflected international acknowledgment of the country’s progress in this area under the leadership of the head of state.

She also toured the Bodleian Library, where she viewed original manuscripts of rare Uzbek works, including Mirzo Ulugbek’s Gurgani Zij, Alisher Navoi’s Khamsa, Divan Husayni by Hussein...

Reappointed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu faces two no-confidence votes in the National Assembly on Thursday, gambling that a pledge to suspend President Emmanuel Macron’s pension reform will peel away enough support on the left to keep his government alive.

The Socialist Party, seen as kingmaker, welcomed the concession and said it would not back the motions tabled by the far left and the far-right National Rally. Even so, the arithmetic is tight: 265 lawmakers have declared for Lecornu’s ouster, just 24 short of the 289 needed.

Lecornu told lawmakers he will table a November amendment to the social-security financing...

The gross regional product (GRP) of Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley has almost quadrupled in the past eight years, rising from $7.9 bn to $19.8 bn according to Obid Khakimov, Director of the Centre for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR). He made the statement during the inaugural Fergana Peace Forum.

Khakimov noted that the region now contributes 17.2% of Uzbekistan’s total GDP. Despite a 15% population increase, per capita output has grown by 37%. Exports have expanded 2.4 times to $2.7 bn, while trade with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan has tripled to $1.6 bn.

Investment inflows have been substantial: between 2017 and...

Indonesia will acquire at least 42 Chinese-made Chengdu J-10C fighter jets, its first large combat aircraft purchase from a non-Western supplier, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said.

«They will be flying over Jakarta soon,» he noted without giving delivery details.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the government has approved a budget of over $9 bn for the deal. The J-10C plan was first flagged last month as the air force evaluated the jets for Indonesia’s air defence needs.

The move is part of a wider military upgrade under President Prabowo Subianto, alongside orders for...

As of October 16, 2025, Uzbekistan has fallen ten places to 82nd in the Henley Passport Index, down from 72nd position in early September.

According to the ranking’s authors, Uzbek citizens can now travel visa-free to 61 countries, compared to 62 the previous month. The drop follows Montenegro’s recent decision to revoke visa-free entry for nationals of Uzbekistan, Armenia, and Egypt as part of its preparations to join the European Union.

Uzbekistan now sits close to Cuba, which ranks 83rd, and São Tomé and Príncipe in 82nd place.

Singapore, South Korea, and Japan continue to lead the global...

Uzbekistan has doubled passenger flow on a key corridor in the capital after a $19.2 Mln upgrade, lifting capacity from 2,500 to 6,000 people per hour, the presidential office said during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Yakkasaray district.

Reconstruction of Shota Rustaveli Street now channels about 40,000 vehicles daily, with average speeds rising from 23 km/h to 30 km/h. Traffic is organized into 10 lanes, six for cars, two for buses and two for parking, alongside 21 new bus stops, 463 smart traffic lights, and an intelligent transport system. Authorities report fewer road accidents since the overhaul.

The project...

Uzbekneftegaz JSC held talks with a McKinsey & Company delegation led by senior partner Yermolai Solzhenitsyn to review market trends and advance plans to strengthen Uzbekistan’s energy system, the company said.

The sides discussed global and regional energy dynamics, measures to improve efficiency and resilience, and the rollout of innovative technologies and management practices amid the shift to a low-carbon economy. Uzbekneftegaz noted that working with leading international experts helps reinforce corporate governance, institutional resilience and the firm’s strategic capabilities.

McKinsey, which operates in more than 150 offices across 66 countries, has advised governments and corporations for decades and...

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved an $800 mln financial package in highly concessional loans to help advance Uzbekistan’s ongoing structural reforms. The initiative seeks to drive poverty reduction, job creation, private sector growth, and greater competition in key sectors of the economy.

Through this operation, the World Bank will support a range of government policies designed to lessen the social impact of rising energy tariffs on low-income families, strengthen protection for women against workplace harassment and discrimination, and improve access to social services for vulnerable groups. The measures will also enhance competitiveness across the telecommunications...

Apple CEO Tim Cook received a unique gift during his visit to China — a custom Labubu figurine crafted in his image, according to Rozetked. The present was handed to him by Pop Mart founder Wang Ning and Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, the creator of the popular Labubu series.

Cook’s trip coincides with the upcoming release of the iPhone Air in China. Pre-orders for the new device will open on October 17, with official sales beginning on October 22.

The model’s entry into the Chinese market had been delayed due to eSIM integration issues, as the iPhone Air...