Page 493 – The Times Of Central Asia

12 Nov 2024

Central Asia, Justice, Uzbekistan, International Affairs, Local Politics, Uzbekistan Justice, Uzbekistan International Affairs, Uzbekistan Local Politics

Chechen Leader Kadyrov Denies Involvement in Attack on Allamjonov

November 12, 2024
By Sadokat Jalolova

On October 26 Uzbek media reported an attack on the former head of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s information department, Komil Allamjonov. At around 1:40a.m., near his home in Tashkent’s Kibray district, two unidentified individuals fired several shots at the car he was in before fleeing. Fortunately, no one was injured.

The weapon type remains unknown. Authorities have opened an attempted murder case and are searching for the suspects. However, the General Prosecutor’s Office has not confirmed whether Allamjonov was specifically targeted in the incident.

Some opposition media have suggested a “Chechen connection” implicating Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov in the attack on Allamjonov. In response, Kadyrov denied involvement, stating that the media attributed the incident to him.

“I don’t want to respond to this provocative leak. Moreover, work in all spheres, including information and law enforcement, is excellently organized in Uzbekistan thanks to the wise policy of the respected President Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev. I will only add that if I had really planned something, I would have completed it and with a 100% result,” he stated.

Kadyrov emphasized the close ties between Chechens and Uzbeks, describing them as “brotherly peoples with a common historical past.”
He added: “I regard this information leak as a tool of political play by some third parties and a clear attempt to sow discord between our countries. I am sure that other publications in the style of Western fakes will follow. Be that as it may, my dear brothers in Uzbekistan and I will definitely find out who is behind this provocative information leak.”

The General Prosecutor’s Office stated that the investigation is ongoing, and promised further updates.

12 Nov 2024

Central Asia, Uzbekistan, Life & Culture, Local Politics, Uzbekistan Life & Culture, Uzbekistan Local Politics

Uzbek Teacher Receives 1 Billion UZS for Students’ Olympiad Victories

November 12, 2024
By Vagit Ismailov

Tashkent chemistry teacher Mokhira Boltayeva has earned approximately UZS 1 billion ($78,000) in bonuses over the past three years for her students’ successes in various Olympiads. Boltayeva, who is only 23, teaches at the Abu Ali ibn Sino Specialized School and has garnered significant recognition for her effective preparation methods, which she shares with talented students. Her first major award was a silver medal at the 2019 International Chemistry Olympiad.

This year marked a new milestone for Boltayeva, with three students winning medals at the International Chemistry Olympiad and five more excelling in regional contests. At a recent awards ceremony, she received her largest prize to date: 378 million UZS ($29,000). Her total earnings were 350 million UZS in 2023 and 250 million UZS in 2022.

In 2024, Uzbek students achieved a record-breaking 122 medals at international and regional Olympiads, a historic achievement celebrated by the authorities, who allocated UZS 9 billion ($700,000) to support students and teachers.

In Uzbekistan, Olympiad winners now receive significant cash awards. Gold medalists are awarded 187.5 million UZS ($14,500), while their teachers receive 168.75 million UZS ($13,000). Silver and bronze medalists, along with their teachers, also receive financial rewards, alongside perks such as university admissions with state grants, a 200% salary increase, and an elevated professional qualification.

12 Nov 2024

Central Asia, International Affairs, Local Politics, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and China Establish Joint Cargo Terminal in Baku

November 12, 2024
By Sergey Kwan

Azerbaijan, China, and Kazakhstan have signed an agreement to establish an intermodal cargo terminal in the Port of Alat in Baku, the Azerbaijani capital. The agreement was signed in Baku on November 12 by SK-AIH Investment Fund Ltd (Samruk-Kazyna, Azerbaijan Investment Holding), Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (Kazakhstan’s national railway company), Baku International Sea Trade Port (Azerbaijan), and Xi’an Free Trade Port Construction and Operation Co., Ltd (China).

The project was made possible through Azerbaijan’s provision of a land plot, operational berths, and terminal facilities at the Port of Alat. This new terminal is expected to increase container train traffic between China and Europe along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, reducing delivery times, transportation costs, and transshipment time.

The terminal will feature a universal cargo yard, a covered warehouse complex spanning 5,000 square meters, and a container yard with a capacity of over 1,000 containers.

Kazakhstan and China plan to increase the volume of cargo transported along the TITR to 600 container trains per year by 2025–2026, with targets of 1,000 container trains in 2027 and 2,000 by 2029, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport.

In 2023, transit volumes between China and Europe through Kazakhstan reached 2.76 million tons—a 65% increase from 1.7 million tons in 2022.

The TITR connects China and Europe via Central Asia and the Caucasus, bypassing Russia, offering a strategic link between the two regions.

12 Nov 2024

Central Asian Leaders Arrive in Azerbaijan for UN COP29 Climate Summit

November 12, 2024
By Vagit Ismailov

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) opened in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku on November 11, drawing approximately 50,000 participants, including government representatives, politicians, investors, and environmentalists from 198 countries.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended the Summit, where he was welcomed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Tokayev will open the plenary session and hold talks with various heads of state, as well as representatives of international organizations and businesses.

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has also arrived at the conference and is scheduled to address the opening session on November 12. He will participate in the special session “High-Level Dialogue: Advancing the Mountain Agenda and Mainstreaming Mountains and Climate Change,” organized by Kyrgyzstan with the support of Azerbaijan and Mongolia. This discussion will also feature Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, Nepali President Ram Chandra Poudel, and representatives of international organizations.

Russia is represented at the summit by its Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Additionally, representatives of the Taliban, which the UN does not recognize as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, have been included in the delegation for the first time. Armenia, however, has not yet confirmed its participation due to ongoing territorial disputes with Azerbaijan.

The Summit is being held at the Baku Olympic Stadium, with sessions set to conclude on November 22. COP29 has been termed a “finance summit” due to its primary focus on financing developing nations in the fight against climate change. Delegates are also working to establish a framework to improve national emissions reduction programs.

12 Nov 2024

Central Asia, Uzbekistan, International Affairs, Local Politics, Uzbekistan Business & Economy, Business & Economy, Uzbekistan International Affairs, Uzbekistan Local Politics

Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Ties: $2.5 Billion Investment Expected by Year-End

November 12, 2024
By Sadokat Jalolova

On November 11, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investments, Khalid al-Falih, during the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit currently being held in Riyadh.

Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia has rapidly developed in recent years. The volume of mutual trade, the scope of cooperation, and also the number of flights between the countries are increasing.

By the end of this year, Saudi Arabian companies are expected to attract about $2.5 billion worth of investments in areas such as “green” energy, healthcare, transport infrastructure modernization, heat and water supply, agriculture, housing, and communal economy.

Mirziyoyev also met with Muhammad bin Salman Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Mirziyoyev noted that effective cooperation has been established with the leading company “ACWA Power,” which is modernizing Uzbekistan’s energy sector through direct investments and advanced technologies.

Emphasis was placed on developing wind and solar power plants across various regions of Uzbekistan and accelerating projects to produce “green” hydrogen. Additionally, an agreement was reached to engage Saudi Arabian companies and consultants to localize production and improve energy efficiency in Uzbek enterprises.

12 Nov 2024

Central Asia, Home, Uzbekistan, International Affairs, Uzbekistan Features, Features, Uzbekistan International Affairs

Mirziyoyev Offers to Bring Wounded Palestinians to Uzbekistan for Treatment

November 12, 2024
By Sadokat Jalolova

On November 11, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a speech at the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, expressing concern over the spread of the Middle East conflict into Lebanon. He reiterated Uzbekistan’s support for initiatives to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli issue peacefully and diplomatically.

In his speech, Mirziyoyev said, “Uzbekistan fully supports all practical initiatives to address the Palestinian-Israeli problem through peace and diplomacy. We believe today’s Summit will demonstrate common political will and unity, develop effective global and regional mechanisms and specific solutions, and swiftly put them into practice.”

Mirziyoyev called for the United Nations and the Security Council to play an increased role in ending hostilities. He emphasized the need for safe humanitarian corridors and the immediate initiation of peace talks.

With the Palestinian national holiday on November 15 approaching, Mirziyoyev underscored the nation’s right to an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders. He also supported the Global Alliance for Implementing the Two-State Solution initiated by Saudi Arabia.

Mirziyoyev called for expanding humanitarian aid to Palestine and Lebanon to prevent the escalation of the crisis and confirmed Uzbekistan’s readiness to treat wounded Palestinian children and women in its hospitals. He announced plans to discuss further assistance at the Gulf Arab States – Central Asia summit in Samarkand next year.

Finally, he stressed the importance of preserving the Al-Aqsa Mosque and other cultural monuments in Jerusalem, urging members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to prioritize protecting these historic sites.

Mirziyoyev concluded by urging an urgent and unified response to the crisis and highlighting Uzbekistan’s commitment to peace and humanitarian support in the region.