Latest news with #Mirziyoyev
Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
The surging gold price is boosting Central Asia's economies
Tian Shan—the name for the mountains that cross Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan—roughly translates as 'Mountains of Heaven". It is fitting for a range that is dotted with gold mines, including Kumtor, one of Central Asia's largest and a symbol of Kyrgyz national pride. Moreover, it is not just the mountains of Central Asia that hold big reserves. Hundreds of kilometres to the west, in Uzbekistan's Kyzylkum Desert, sits Muruntau, the world's largest open-pit gold mine. Now the good times are rolling. The price of gold has more than doubled since 2019. In March it breached $3,000 per troy ounce for the first time. That is good news for both governments and miners in the poor but mineral-rich Central Asian states. The yellow metal is the biggest export for Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, and one of the biggest in Kazakhstan, the region's largest and richest economy. Indeed, the Uzbek Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company (NMMC), which operates the Muruntau mine, is the world's fourth-largest gold producer. It accounted for almost one-sixth of the Uzbek state's revenue in 2023, when prices were significantly lower than they are today. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development forecasts average economic growth of 5.7% for Central Asia this year—well above its forecast of 3.2% for emerging markets in general. The gold boom has made life easier for the region's central bankers. After the Kazakh tenge struck a record low against the dollar in January, the country's policymakers sold some of their gold reserves—the value of which had soared to a record $25.9bn in October—to prop up the currency. Little surprise, then, that the region's leaders are eager to mine still more gold. Under his 'Uzbekistan 2030" strategy, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the country's president, seeks 50% more production by the end of the decade. Mr Mirziyoyev wants to reduce the government's role in the economy and entice foreign capital. To that end, the state-owned NMMC is reportedly planning an initial public offering (in London, with a rumoured valuation of more than £4bn, or $5.2bn). China has also invested in Central Asian gold-mining as part of its Belt and Road Initiative, focusing on Tajikistan, the region's poorest country. In 2018 it agreed to build a power station in return for the right to develop the Upper Kumarg gold mine. Foreign investors have not always had an easy time in the region. Kyrgyzstan's Kumtor mine had for decades been run by Centerra Gold, a Canadian company. In 2021, amid tax disputes and allegations of environmental damage, it was taken over by the government of Sadyr Japarov, Kyrgyzstan's nationalist president. In ordinary times, that might give overseas investors pause. But gold is alluring, especially when prices are this high. Correction (May 30th 2025): An earlier version of this article wrongly stated that central banks in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan had used gold to settle their own transactions. Sorry.
Euronews
4 days ago
- Business
- Euronews
Uzbekistan and Slovenia strengthen ties with new cooperation deals
The landmark visit of Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Slovenia was marked by high-level discussions and a joint business forum, as the Alpine EU member state remains a key partner to the Central Asian country. Uzbekistan is Slovenia's second-largest foreign trade partner in Central Asia, and the two plan to increase trade turnover to €500 million by further expanding the exchange of goods and services and investment opportunities. During the visit, Mirziyoyev and his Slovenian counterpart Nataša Pirc Musar participated in a business forum attended by over 100 industrial and trade enterprises from both countries. A symbolic flower-laying ceremony at the Memorial to the Victims of All Wars in Ljubljana's Zvezda Park underscored "a sign of respect for the memory of the fallen and commitment to the ideals of peace and humanism," Uzbekistan's president's office said in a statement. In a separate meeting with Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob, the two governments announced the signing of several bilateral agreements, including visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders, as well as cooperation in transportation, logistics, education, science, culture and tourism. "The conversation was an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the two countries - both political and economic," Golob said in a statement on Facebook. "Together, we build bridges between our countries - based on trust, knowledge and common goals," he added. Both nations have also discussed establishing direct air lines and easing Uzbekistan's access to the EU market through Slovenia's port of Koper. Meanwhile, the newly established Intergovernmental Commission's first meeting is scheduled for July in Ljubljana. Uzbekistan's exports to Slovenia include garments, specialised chemical products and precision tools, while Slovenia exports ceramics, stone products and furniture. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1993, following the declarations of independence by Slovenia and Uzbekistan from the former Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union, respectively.
Budapest Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Budapest Times
House Speaker holds talks with Uzbek President in Parliament
House Speaker László Kövér held talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Parliament on Tuesday. At the meeting, Kövér highlighted the 'deep-rooted' sympathy between the two countries and their peoples, adding that both nations were proud of their history, culture and traditions, and valued the independence they had fought for. 'We are grateful for the gestures Uzbekistan has made towards Hungary, and we greatly appreciate our dialogue based on mutual respect,' Kövér said, adding that the two countries wanted to extend their strategic partnership to closer cooperation between their parliaments and strengthening the relations between their friendship groups and committees. Mirziyoyev expressed his appreciation for Hungary's active role in the Organisation of Turkic States, and that, like Uzbekistan, Hungary also strove for the operation of multilateral diplomatic relations based on mutual and equal cooperation. Kövér said Hungary considered western European efforts to bring back blocs 'very dangerous', and did not want to become the periphery of 'another empire'. Hungary, Kövér said, aimed to be a connecting and meeting point between East and West and was seeking opportunities for cooperation rather than conflict. Mirziyoyev is on an official visit to Hungary at the invitation of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán with the purpose of strengthening bilateral economic, trade, parliamentary and cultural cooperation. He is also attending the informal summit of the Organisation of Turkic States.
Observer
17-04-2025
- General
- Observer
The Centre of Islamic Civilisation in Uzbekistan: A Monument to Heritage and Knowledge
The Centre of Islamic Civilisation in Uzbekistan is poised to become a landmark of cultural and scientific significance, located within the historically rich Hazrat Imam Complex in Tashkent. Established following a decree from President Sh. Mirziyoyev on 23rd June 2017, this ambitious project took a significant step forward on 15th June 2018, during Eid al-Fitr, when the cornerstone was laid. This initiative represents a considerable commitment to preserving and celebrating the nation's extensive Islamic heritage, with the Centre scheduled to open its doors to the public in September 2025. Designed by the esteemed architect Abdukahhor Turdiyev, the Centre spans 7.5 hectares and seamlessly blends traditional Uzbek architecture with modern advancements. The three-storey building, which covers an impressive 42,000 square metres, features a striking 65-metre dome that enhances the Tashkent skyline. Visitors will be welcomed through four grand entrances, each adorned with Quranic verses and Hadiths that emphasise essential values such as knowledge, tolerance, and respect for parents. The main entryway, facing Karasaroy Street, draws inspiration from the iconic portal of the Ulugh Beg Madrasah in Samarkand's renowned Registan Square. Upon entering, guests will discover a stunning foyer measuring 36x24.5 metres and soaring to a height of 20 metres. This impressive space is accessed through three intricately crafted traditional Uzbek doors and is surrounded by fourteen half-oval panels showcasing micro-mosaic tile paintings that narrate Uzbekistan's rich history. These artworks, meticulously curated by a team of historians, architects, and artisans, promise an engaging introduction to the country's past. The Centre is dedicated to preserving Islamic culture and educating future generations through several key objectives. It aims to explore and uphold the remarkable contributions made by scholars and thinkers throughout Islamic history, particularly in science, culture, and education. Additionally, it promotes humanism, respect for national history, and tolerance among youth, fostering peace and coexistence. As a platform for intercultural and interfaith dialogue, the Centre collaborates with esteemed international organisations such as UNESCO and ISESCO to enhance understanding and cooperation among diverse cultures and religions. Furthermore, its educational initiatives seek to counter extremism by illuminating Islam's peaceful tenets, focusing on values of tolerance, progress, and harmony. The Centre of Islamic Civilisation in Uzbekistan: A Monument to Heritage and Knowledge In alignment with the goals set by the state leadership, the Centre will continuously evolve, with its content organised into five main sections: Pre-Islamic Civilisations, The First Renaissance Period, The Second Renaissance and the Khanate Period, Uzbekistan in the 20th Century, and The New Renaissance, New Uzbekistan. Thoughtfully designed to showcase the rich legacy of Islamic civilisations, the Centre features various dedicated spaces. At its heart lies the Quranic hall, which will display the revered 7th-century Uthman Quran, a significant artefact currently housed within the Hazrat Imam Complex. The second floor will house the Museum of the History of Islamic Civilisation, spanning 8,350 square metres and presenting rare artefacts, manuscripts, and educational resources related to Islamic science and culture. These exhibits will utilise cutting-edge technology to create an immersive experience for visitors. The same floor will also include a 550-seat conference hall for educational and cultural events. On the third floor, a vast library will contain over 200,000 printed books, ancient manuscripts, and more than one million digitised sources, serving as a hub for scholarly research and international academic collaboration. Additionally, the Centre will provide spaces for cultural and educational activities, including a restoration laboratory, conference rooms, and offices for international organisations like UNESCO, ISESCO, and branches of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, along with over 100 scientific institutions, museums, and libraries from Turkey, Russia, and Central Asia. As a global hub for Islamic cultural heritage, the Centre will host exhibitions featuring collections from renowned international institutions, including the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, the Süleymaniye Library in Turkey, the Azret-Sultan Complex in Kazakhstan, and the Bologna University Library in Italy. This initiative aims to highlight nearly 50 world-class collections centred on Uzbekistan's cultural and historical legacy, marking a pioneering global museology project focused on the heritage of a single nation. The 'Roadmap' for the Centre outlines research on 823 scientific projects to be conducted in three phases, involving over 100 organisations, including local governments. More than 4,400 local and international scholars, specialists, and experts will actively contribute to these initiatives. Central to the Centre's mission is fostering collaboration between Eastern and Western cultures, creating a space where ideas can converge. By promoting the core Islamic values of knowledge, peace, and tolerance, the Centre aims to showcase Islam as not merely a faith but also as a catalyst for scientific discovery, cultural exchange, and mutual respect. As this significant project unfolds, the Centre of Islamic Civilisation in Uzbekistan will play a crucial role in addressing modern extremism and promoting peace through education, becoming a vital platform for global dialogue and understanding.
Euronews
04-04-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Central Asia-EU summit in Samarkand marks historic regional unity
ADVERTISEMENT This week's Central Asia-EU summit in Samarkand has shown historic unity of the countries in the region, the five nations' leaders highlighted on Friday. Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev praised the improvement of neighbourly relations in Central Asia, saying the summit between the region and the EU would not have been possible just a short time ago. Mirziyoyev made the comment in the Uzbek city of Samarkand during talks between Central Asian leaders and an EU delegation led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. 'The countries of the region are strengthening trust and good neighbourliness among each other, expanding large-scale collaboration and cooperation,' Mirziyoyev noted. Until recently, relations between some Central Asian countries were 'simply frozen' and some of their borders were closed, the Uzbek president added. 'No one could even imagine that in the near future we would be representing our region together during discussions with European leaders,' he said. Mirziyoyev went on to say that Central Asia was ready for a new future, one in which Europe would play a role as a partner. During the first summit between the EU and the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, a strategic partnership between the regions was announced. The agreement includes cooperation in developing transport infrastructure, raw material extraction, clean energy and digital connectivity. 'Kazakhstan remains a reliable supplier of oil and gas to Europe. 13% of all the imports of the EU come form our country. A large part of it goes through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium," said Kazakhstan President Kasym Tokayev. "We appreciate the support of the European Union aimed at securing the stable and longterm functioning of this consortium. We are also developing the alternative routes for the transport of crude oil,' he stated. Days before the summit, Kazakhstan announced the discovery of a vast rare earth deposit. The region's natural resources include lithium and manganese, which are both in demand from the tech industry. The Central Asia five have pledged to cooperate with the European Union on their extraction. Related Diversifying from Russia and China main goal as EU and Central Asia meet Unlike others 'we're reliable', EU tells Central Asia, as it seeks greater access to rare earths The summit discussed a wide range of proposals for cooperation, from joint development funds and investment forums to regional water management strategies, all with the European Union's participation. As part of these plans, the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor — which will bypass Russia — will be established with the aim of cutting the overland journey between Europe and Central Asia in half.
