News

Following official talks in Ulaanbaatar, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh signed a Joint Declaration establishing a comprehensive partnership between the two countries.

In addition, more than ten bilateral agreements were signed in the presence of both heads of state, covering a wide range of areas — from agriculture and environmental protection to education, healthcare, and sports.

Among the documents were agreements on cooperation in plant quarantine and protection, mining, higher education, environmental conservation, and crime prevention.

The two sides also agreed to implement joint programs between government ministries, approving action plans for...

The Government of Kyrgyzstan has issued a decree temporarily banning coal exports by road transport outside the country.

The restriction will be in effect for six months and applies to coal classified under codes 2701 and 2702 of the EAEU’s Commodity Nomenclature for Foreign Economic Activities (HS codes).

Two border checkpoints are exempt from the restriction:

Kursiv Uzbekistan reports that Uzbekistan increased its coal imports from Kyrgyzstan by 52.4%.

At the IV Tashkent International Investment Forum, Director of the Agency for State Asset Management (ASAM) Akmalkhon Ortikov announced that the government shares in Uzbekinvest and Agrosugurta will soon be offered at international auctions.

«We also plan to sell ten thermal power plants (TPPs) out of 29 state-owned energy assets. KPMG has been appointed to oversee the privatization. The company has begun developing a sales strategy and will present its final recommendations in the coming days, after which the privatization process will be launched,» Ortikov said during his presentation.

He added that hotels, real estate...

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has elected Mirzatillo Tillabayev, First Deputy Director of Uzbekistan’s National Centre for Human Rights, as a member of its Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission for the 2025–2028 term. OIC member states supported his candidacy during a vote at the OIC Summit in Istanbul.

At the summit, participants adopted the Istanbul Declaration and discussed key OIC priorities, including the protection of Palestinian rights, the fight against Islamophobia, and the promotion of women’s and children’s rights.

Leaders also adopted the Jeddah Declaration, the first in the Islamic world to outline principles on artificial intelligence regulation and human rights protection.

Uzbekistan generated 35.5 bn kWh of electricity from January to May 2025, according to the National Statistics Committee. This marks a year-on-year increase of 4.2%.

Over the same period, the country earned $95.6 mln from electricity exports — up by 72.6% compared to the previous year. Electricity imports amounted to $65.3 mln.

Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported on recent changes in the country’s natural gas production.

Uzbekistan’s GDP is projected to grow 6.5% by the end of 2025. In 2026–2027, the country’s economy is expected to expand by an average of 6.4% annually, according to analysts from the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB).

Earlier, the EDB published its first macroeconomic forecast on Uzbekistan. The key drivers of GDP growth, according to the bank, will be the expansion of exports of metals, textiles, and agricultural products, along with large-scale public investment in transport and utility infrastructure.

Additional support for the economy will come from an increase in remittances and credit availability, helping to offset weaker external...

Israel has launched a strike on Tehran despite the recently declared ceasefire, Reuters reports. US President Donald Trump is currently in talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

On Tuesday, June 24, Israel accused Iran of launching multiple missiles shortly after the truce began. Tehran denied any involvement.

Earlier, the White House stated that Israel had no intention of attacking Iran. Trump also claimed that Iran would never be able to rebuild its nuclear facilities.

«All aircraft will turn around and head home, giving a friendly ‘wing wave’ to Iran. No one will be harmed...

The exchange rate for the U.S. dollar in Uzbekistan rose to 12,456.25 soums on Tuesday, June 24, according to the Central Bank of Uzbekistan. The currency appreciated by 45.26 soums over the day.

On the same day, the dollar was bought at 12,350–12,415 soums and sold at 12,450–12,515 soums.

The Russian ruble was set at 158 soums, while the euro reached 14,461 soums.

Ruble purchase rates ranged from 90 to 150 soums, and selling rates from 159 to 190 soums. The euro was bought at 12,800–14,115 soums and sold at 14,250–15,500 soums.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Global...

From January to May 2025, Uzbekistan produced 18.3 bn cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas — a 2.9% year-on-year decline, according to the National Statistics Committee.

During the same period, the country exported $288 mln worth of natural gas, marking a 62.7% increase compared to the previous year. Gas imports totaled $285.5 mln.

Gas condensate production fell by 8.7% to 482,100 tonnes, while crude oil output dropped from 305,000 tonnes to 207,800 tonnes.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Gazprom had quadrupled gas exports to Uzbekistan over the past year.

Global oil prices fell sharply on Tuesday after Israel confirmed a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Iran, easing fears of further geopolitical escalation in the Gulf region, as reported by the Gguardian.

President Donald Trump announced the agreement on Truth Social, writing: «It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE.»

Israel later issued a statement confirming its acceptance of the truce “in full coordination with President Trump.”

The news sent Brent crude — the global benchmark — tumbling...

Israeli authorities have accused Iran of breaking the ceasefire agreement, The Times of Israel reports.

Defence Minister Israel Katz said he instructed the military to launch heavy strikes on targets in central Tehran.

According to The Times of Israel, Iran fired two missiles towards Israeli territory. Tehran has not yet commented on the incident.

Earlier, former US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office later confirmed its support for Washington’s decision to mediate the truce.

Before that, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated there was no ceasefire in...

Uzbekistan has reduced the average customs processing time for cargo from three hours to just 30 minutes after introducing a digital system, according to the State Customs Committee, as reported by TASS.

The digital system, launched in early 2024, features three platforms: one for customs officers, one for warehouse staff, and one for cargo owners or transport companies.

Users can upload cargo data in advance. Once the goods arrive at the warehouse, staff verify the information and enter it into the system. A risk management algorithm then decides whether the cargo needs inspection by a customs officer.

The system...

Japanese investors plan to invest $15 mln in the construction of the Shogun City hotel complex in Uzbekistan’s Fergana region, the regional administration has announced.

The project includes not only a hotel, but also restaurants and a traditional Japanese garden. During a recent meeting with the Hokim of Fergana, Khayrullo Bozorov, the investors discussed project details and timelines. The Japanese side is expected to finalise the design documentation soon and begin construction.

Shogun City will be part of the Eco City residential area, announced back in 2022.

Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that AME International would build a children’s medical centre in...

Uzbekistan manufactured 58.9 thousand Cobalt cars between January and May 2025, marking a 2.4% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the National Statistics Committee.

By early June, domestic car manufacturers had produced 38.7 thousand Damas vehicles, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 24.1%.

Onix production rose by 8.8%, reaching 16.2 thousand units. Kia output climbed to 10 thousand vehicles, up by 35.6% year-on-year.

In the first five months of 2025, the country also produced 18 thousand Tracker models, 2.9 thousand Haval vehicles, and 5.4 thousand BYD cars.

As of June 2025, Uzbekistan’s total passenger car production...

Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with China totalled $5.4 bn from January to May 2025, up by 8% compared to the same period last year, according to the National Statistics Committee. China remains the country’s largest trading partner.

Russia ranks second with $4.8bn in trade volume, followed by Kazakhstan at $1.7bn. Trade with Turkey stands at $1bn, and with South Korea it reached $709.8 mln.

As of early June 2025, Uzbekistan’s exports amounted to $14.8bn, while imports reached $16.4bn. Gold exports rose significantly, growing from $4.2 bn to $6.5bn year-on-year. Exports of natural and synthetic gas also increased to $288mln.

Uzbekistan’s...

Beelab, a fintech company and developer of the Beepul payment service, and a digital bank, Anorbank, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) establishing a strategic partnership. This collaboration expands Beelab’s pool of strategic partners in the banking sector and strengthens its position as a technology platform open to cooperation with leading financial institutions in Uzbekistan.

The partnership aims to integrate technological infrastructures and develop digital financial products that will be accessible to millions of users nationwide. Under the agreement, both parties will begin joint efforts to integrate Anorbank’s banking services into the Beepul ecosystem.

Planned initiatives include the issuance...

Iran has fired six missiles at U.S. military installations in Qatar, with Al Udeid Air Base being the primary target, according to Axios reports. The move follows U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend, significantly heightening regional instability.

Citing Western diplomats, Reuters confirmed that Qatar temporarily shut down its airspace on Monday due to credible threats against American forces. The Al Udeid base hosts thousands of U.S. personnel and plays a key role in operations across the Middle East.

U.S. Intelligence: More Iranian Attacks Possible in Days

American officials warned of a high likelihood of additional Iranian strikes within the next...

Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree introducing changes to the structure of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan. As part of the reform, a new position — Head of the Presidential Administration — has been created, according to the official press service.

Saida Mirziyoyeva has been appointed to this newly established role.

During the announcement of the updated structure, President Mirziyoyev also outlined the new priorities and tasks assigned to the Administration.

Previously, Saida Mirziyoyeva served as a presidential aide, overseeing areas such as communications, social policy...

IOn Monday, oil prices surged to their highest levels since January 2025 after the United States joined Israel in striking Iran’s nuclear facilities, Reuters reports.

The escalation has increased supply risks in the global oil market. Brent crude rose by $1.52 (+1.97%) to $78.53 per barrel, while WTI added $1.51 (+2.04%), reaching $75.35 per barrel.

During the trading session, benchmark prices jumped more than 3%, marking a five-month high.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the American military had destroyed Iran’s key nuclear sites. In response, Tehran vowed to defend its interests.

Iran is reportedly considering closing the...

On June 21–22, Potters Field Park near Tower Bridge in London hosted a festival dedicated to Uzbekistan’s tourism, culture and national cuisine.

Organised with the support of the Tourism Committee, Chustiy Group, OshPaz restaurant, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in the UK, the Ministry of Culture, and Uzbekistan Airways, the event brought together more than 100 representatives of Uzbek art, crafts and cuisine.

The festival featured performances by artists, a fashion show of traditional costumes, a presentation of the Lazgi dance, and a culinary programme focused on Khorezm dishes. Over 2 tonnes of agricultural products were showcased at the Product...

The United States rejected over 64% of tourist and business visa applications (B1/B2 category) submitted by Uzbek citizens in 2024, according to a new report from the U.S. State Department.

The exact refusal rate was 64.41%, up 4.85 percentage points compared to 2023, when the figure stood at 59.56%. This is one of the highest rates in Central Asia.

For comparison, the refusal rates in other Central Asian countries were:

High refusal rates were also observed in:

In...

Economist Yuliy Yusupov has challenged claims that the Uzbek soum is strengthening, arguing instead that recent trends in the currency market reflect a weakening of the U.S. dollar, not any real gains by the soum.

«There’s no strengthening of the soum. There’s a decline of the dollar,» Yusupov wrote on social media.

He pointed out that since the beginning of the year, the U.S. dollar has dropped by nearly 10% against the euro and 3.3% against the soum. At the same time, the Uzbek soum has lost value against other major currencies:

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay an official visit to Mongolia from 24 to 25 June, according to the presidential press service.

The two countries plan to prioritise trade expansion between Tashkent and Ulaanbaatar, as well as cooperation in industry, agriculture, transport, and other key sectors.

The visit is expected to result in the signing of a package of bilateral agreements.

Previously, both sides expressed their intention to increase mutual trade by five to ten times. Mongolia has also shown interest in developing livestock clusters in Uzbekistan. Future plans include trade facilitation and investment protection mechanisms.

Unknown assailants have attacked a United States military base in Syria’s northeastern province of Hasakah, Iranian news agency Mehr reported.

The agency did not specify who carried out the strike.

The incident occurred shortly after the United States launched missile and bombing raids on Iran’s underground nuclear facilities. A day later, Iran’s Armed Forces Joint Command accused US President Donald Trump of initiating military hostilities, declaring that the US had entered into war with Iran.

Tehran emphasised that it was President Trump who began the conflict, while Iran would be the one to end it.

TASS also reported that...