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Starting September 1, citizens of Uzbekistan visiting Latvia will be required to follow a new entry notification procedure. The amendments to Latvia’s Immigration Law were reported by the Dunyo news agency.

Under the new rules, travelers from third countries — including Uzbekistan — who hold a Schengen visa or a residence permit issued by another EU state must complete an official pre-notification before their trip to Latvia. This requirement also applies to those transiting through the country.

The process involves registering on the portal eta.gov.lv at least 48 hours before departure. Travelers must submit information about the purpose of their trip, planned dates and address...

Brazil has called for an extraordinary BRICS summit in response to Washington’s latest trade restrictions. According to Valor Econômico, the proposal is being coordinated by Celso Amorim, senior foreign policy adviser to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The summit, likely to be held via videoconference, comes as Brazil chairs BRICS in 2025. Lula is seeking to build a unified stance among member states against U.S. measures that could disrupt trade and economic cooperation within the bloc.

Next week, Amorim will travel to China to attend ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. On the...

The United States has officially closed the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed this week. He said the decision has already saved American taxpayers «tens of billions of dollars» since early 2025.

The closure follows an earlier announcement by Elon Musk in February, when he was leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). At the time, Musk said USAID was «beyond recovery» and would be permanently shut down.

In March, Rubio announced the cancellation of 83% of USAID programs, which he argued had consumed billions of dollars without serving U.S. interests. The remaining...

The Olympic City in Tashkent, Central Asia’s largest sports complex built with support from China, has officially opened its doors to athletes. The launch marks a major step in Uzbekistan–China cooperation and provides world-class facilities for national sports teams.

Constructed by China CAMC Engineering, the Olympic City in Tashkent spans 100 hectares with a total building area of 100,000 square meters. The complex includes a stadium, velodrome, swimming hall, multipurpose ball games hall, and an arena for contact sports. It is the first major joint project completed since the 2022 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Samarkand summit.

For Uzbek athletes...

On August 27, 2025, the Iranian Steel Producers Association and the Uzbekistan Metallurgy Association signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen ties in the iron and steel sector.

The agreement covers supply of raw materials, joint industrial projects, training programs, and cooperation in international steel markets. It also includes plans for conferences, exhibitions, and studies on energy efficiency and logistics.

At the signing ceremony, Bahram Sobhani, head of the Iranian association, said Iranian companies are ready to support Uzbekistan’s industrial and mining needs. Gulbahor Tojimirzayeva, head of the Uzbekistan Metallurgy Association, announced that Uzbek firms plan to buy...

The qualifying session for the 2025 Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort concluded with McLaren securing a front-row lockout. Oscar Piastri recorded the fastest lap in Q3, earning pole position ahead of teammate Lando Norris. This marks McLaren’s first front-row lockout since 1982.

Session Overview

Qualifying Results

Key Developments

France has appointed Walid Fouque as its new ambassador to Uzbekistan, with the diplomat formally taking office on August 27, the French embassy announced.

Before his appointment, Fouque spent five years as an adviser to President Emmanuel Macron on Asian, American and Oceanian affairs. He studied at the Paris Institute of Political Studies and began his career in 2010 at the French Foreign Ministry’s Department for Strategic Affairs.

His diplomatic career has included posts at the French embassy in Beijing and at France’s permanent mission to the United Nations. He later became Director for Far Eastern Affairs at the...

By 2030 the share of green spaces in Uzbekistan’s cities will be increased to 30% in line with the ‘Green City’ standard, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced during celebrations marking the 34th anniversary of independence.

He stressed that preserving the environment was a duty owed to future generations. «We see it as our sacred responsibility to hand over to future generations a beautiful homeland with fertile soil, clean water and fresh air by treating nature with care. To this end we will continue to expand our nationwide initiative ‘Yashil Makon’,» Mirziyoyev said.

The president...

Uzbekistan’s special forces are set to take part in the “Endless Brotherhood” military exercises scheduled for September in Azerbaijan, APA.az reports.

Alongside Uzbekistan, the drills will bring together military units from Kazakhstan, Turkey, Qatar and Pakistan. Azerbaijan’s Chief of General Staff, Karim Valiyev, said that a total of 30 military exercises are planned in the country this year.

According to the 2025 ranking of the world’s strongest armies, Azerbaijan holds the 60th position. Its active military personnel number around 126,400, while the armed forces are equipped with more than 300 tanks, 80 aircraft and a variety of armoured...

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has reiterated Uzbekistan’s foreign policy stance, stressing that Tashkent will expand its traditional and strategic partnerships with the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Speaking at the ceremony marking the country’s 34th anniversary of independence, the president underlined that centuries-old ties of friendship and mutual trust with Central Asian nations will reach a new stage.

He added that Uzbekistan plans to focus on trade, economic and financial cooperation with the United States, Europe and other developed countries, with particular emphasis on investment and technology.

Another priority for Tashkent is the creation of...

The 2025 Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix kicked off with a dramatic first practice session at Zandvoort, where McLaren stamped its authority early. Lando Norris led the charge, clocking the fastest lap at 1:10.278, narrowly ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri, who trailed by just 0.292 seconds.

This McLaren 1–2 mirrored their pre-summer break performance in Hungary, signaling a strong resurgence in the championship battle. Norris, currently chasing Piastri’s slim nine-point lead, looks poised to tighten the gap with ten races remaining in the season.

Top Performers:

At an event marking the 34th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev declared that the country would never step back from its path of strengthening democratic reforms, regardless of the difficulties ahead.

«We will certainly complete the great work we have begun. Let us never forget: we are one people, one nation, one family,» the president said.

He expressed gratitude to the citizens of Uzbekistan and wished peace, stability and prosperity to every household. Earlier, the president had stressed that the republic would mobilise all resources to combat corruption, monopoly and spiritual...

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to hold talks with his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his upcoming visit to China, RIA News reports.

Yury Ushakov, aide to the Russian president, confirmed that the two leaders will focus on issues of bilateral cooperation. It has also been announced that President Mirziyoyev will attend the Victory Parade in Beijing, an event marking the 80th anniversary of China’s liberation from Japan. Xinhua reports that invitations have been extended to 21 heads of state.

President Putin will be in China from August 31 to September 3, while Mirziyoyev, speaking...

On the evening of August 31, Niagara Falls will be illuminated in the colours of the Uzbek and Kyrgyz flags to commemorate the 34th anniversary of independence. The announcement was made on the official website of the landmark.

At 10:30 p.m. local time (August 31), corresponding to 7:30 a.m. on September 1 in Tashkent, the falls will glow in blue, white and green to celebrate Uzbekistan’s independence. The display will last for fifteen minutes before the lighting changes to red and gold in honour of Kyrgyzstan’s sovereignty day.

The event has been organised with the support of the...

Uzbekistan marked upcoming Independence Day with a spectacular aerial display as Su-25 ground-attack aircraft soared above New Uzbekistan Park in Tashkent, leaving trails in the colours of the national flag.

The flyover came shortly after President Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered his address to the nation.

Similar flights took place at last year’s celebrations, though in 2024 the aircraft only passed over the venue without performing manoeuvres. Ahead of the event, the Uzbekistan Air Force shared footage on its official Telegram channel showing pilots preparing for the mission above the capital.

The Su-25, first introduced into service with the...

Uzbekistan’s museum sector has seen marked growth, both in collections and in attendance. According to the National Statistics Committee, by January 1, 2025 the country counted 138 museums and branches. Together they received 4.8 mln visitors in 2024, of which 1.4 mln were foreign tourists.

Expanding collections

The museums’ core holdings now number 2.7 mln artefacts, an increase of 129,200 or 5% compared with the previous year. The largest share is concentrated in Tashkent, with 1,255,915 items. Other major centres include Samarkand region with 239,650 artefacts, the Republic of Karakalpakstan with 197,506, Surkhandarya with 178,080, and Fergana with...

On the eve of Uzbekistan’s 34th Independence Day celebrations, the first phase of a modern textile enterprise has been launched in Qoshtepa district. The factory, established by Innovative Apparel LLC in partnership with Sri Lanka, received $15 mln in direct foreign investment.

The plant will produce textile and apparel products for export to Iran, the UAE, Thailand, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia. Contracts have also been signed with international retail giants, including H&M, with the first orders already received.

At the opening ceremony, regional governor Khayrullo Bozorov congratulated attendees on Independence Day and stressed the key role of entrepreneurs in...

On August 29 Uzbekistan marked the Day of Remembrance of Victims of Repressions at the «Shahidlar Xotirasi» Alley in Tashkent. The ceremony, held on the eve of Independence Day, brought together officials, public figures and veterans. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended and offered prayers for those who gave their lives for the freedom of the Motherland.

Prayers from the Qur’an were recited, commemorative plov was served, and scholars and community leaders spoke about the need to study history and foster respect for independence among the younger generation.

Passing History to the Younger Generation

The President stressed the need...

The winning photographs will be announced on 14 October, followed by an exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London. Here are some of the most striking highly commended entries.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has laid the first stone in the foundation of the country’s future National Museum.

Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov met with U.S. Special Envoy for Global Partnerships Paolo Zampolli in Tashkent to explore ways of strengthening bilateral ties, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry reported.

Talks focused on boosting cooperation in education, cultural exchange, innovation, and trade. Both sides highlighted untapped potential for deeper engagement between the two countries’ people and businesses.

The meeting also addressed key regional and global issues, with both officials reaffirming their commitment to joint efforts promoting stability and shared prosperity.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that A new American Corner is set to open in the capital of Uzbekistan, according to the press service...

Sting is facing legal action from his former Police bandmates, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland, who allege they were never properly credited or paid for their contributions to the band’s biggest hit, Every Breath You Take.

The lawsuit, filed in London’s High Court, claims Summers and Copeland were excluded from songwriting credits on the 1983 single, which went on to become the best-selling U.S. track of that year and one of the most successful songs of the decade. Sting is named in the case under his legal name, Gordon Matthew Sumner, along with his company, Magnetic Publishing Ltd.

A spokesperson...

Meghan Markle has clarified her legal name, telling Bloomberg journalist Emily Chang that she is officially known as «Meghan Sussex.»

The revelation came after a mix-up during season one of With Love, Meghan, when actress Mindy Kaling referred to her as «Meghan Markle.» The Duchess of Sussex, 44, made the correction while promoting season two of her Netflix reality show.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry is set to return to the United Kingdom on 8 September to attend the annual WellChild Awards, marking his 15th appearance at the event. The date coincides with the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death. As...

United States-based spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have become a major driver of trading activity, generating between $5 bn and $10 bn in daily volume on active days, according to blockchain analytics firm CryptoQuant.

«Bitcoin spot trading volumes through US-based ETFs have become a significant source of investor exposure,» said Julio Moreno, CryptoQuant’s head of research.

The growth highlights rising institutional participation in crypto markets, with ETF volumes now comparable to, and sometimes exceeding, those of leading exchanges.

Binance still dominates overall spot trading, handling about $4.1 bn in daily Bitcoin volume and...

miHoYo has officially announced Honkai: Nexus Anima, the newest entry in the Honkai franchise that combines creature collection with adventure and strategy elements. Recruitment for the initial trial, named the «Nexus Bond Test,» is live on the game’s official website until September 12. The test will be available on PC and iOS and will support English, Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese.

A New Honkai Adventure Built on Bonds

The story of Nexus Anima is built on the idea of «Nexus,» the unseen bonds that connect opposing forces such as Love and Hate, Light and Dark, Life...