Switzerland’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan Konstantin Obolenskiy has reaffirmed that Switzerland is repatriating assets obtained from criminal sources to Uzbekistan, with the funds being directed toward projects that reduce poverty and improve social infrastructure.
Speaking to Dunyo at the III International Forum “From Poverty to Prosperity” in the Uzbek city of Namangan, Obolenskiy expressed admiration for Uzbekistan’s reported progress. “I had the privilege to attend the opening of the forum, and I was deeply impressed by the outcomes announced, how many people have been lifted out of poverty, how new economic and social assistance is being provided, the conditions being created so people can live a dignified life. This information is very important,” he said.
The ambassador underscored Switzerland’s direct involvement in supporting Uzbekistan’s anti-poverty efforts. “We are returning to Uzbekistan funds taken from criminal sources, and these funds are being used for social projects that directly contribute to poverty reduction,” he stated.
As an example, Obolenskiy pointed to a new initiative being signed at the forum. “Documents are being signed for a project to modernize over forty schools, improving sanitation and hygiene facilities such as toilets and showers, and enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings. All this is done in the interest of the people, for the country’s future.”
He emphasized that the asset repatriation process reflects the shared will of both the Swiss and Uzbek governments. “The results achieved in reducing poverty are remarkable and these pleased not only me but all forum participants. In Uzbekistan, we believe every person has the right to fully realize their economic and social potential and live in dignity.”
Swiss authorities have long been involved in legal proceedings related to Gulnara Karimova, the daughter of Uzbekistan’s late president. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Switzerland has agreed to return approximately $182 million in confiscated assets linked to Karimova. These funds were seized during Swiss criminal investigations and will be transferred to Uzbekistan through the UN-managed Uzbekistan Vision 2030 Fund.
A separate, earlier agreement between the two countries involved the return of around $131 million, also tied to Karimova, using the same trust fund mechanism.
