The President of Azerbaijan Received the Head of the Mia of Turkey

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The President of Azerbaijan Received the Head of the Mia of Turkey THE PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN RECEIVED THE HEAD OF THE MIA OF TURKEY On December 28, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkey, Suleiman Soilu. During the meeting, I. Aliyev drew attention to a close dialogue with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, stressing that Azerbaijan and Turkey are two friendly countries. The head of the Azerbaijani state told the Turkish minister about joint projects implemented by Azerbaijan and Turkey. In his turn, S. Soiluthanked the President of Azerbaijan for the warm welcome. The Minister conveyed the greetings of the Turkish leader to I. Aliyev. S. Soilu also noted that the words of the nationwide leader of Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev “One people - two states”, describing the relations of two countries, are relevant today. According to him, the atmosphere of close cooperation and friendship between Baku and Ankara will contribute not only to the growth of the welfare of two peoples, but also to the development of countries of the region and the world as a whole. “The destinies of Turkey and Azerbaijan are interrelated,” S. Soilu stressed. HEADS OF TURKMENISTAN AND UZBEKISTAN DISCUSSED COOPERATION PRIORITIES On December 28, Presidents of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan GurbangulyBerdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed the priority areas of bilateral relations of their countries during a telephone conversation. The heads of two Turkic states noted the presence of solid potential for building up partnership in the fuel and energy complex, the industrial sector, the transport and communications sector, the agro-industrial complex, and the implementation of large-scale joint projects. The parties exchanged views on topical issues of regional and global agenda of mutual interest. In this regard, the continued commitment of the two Central Asian countries to coordinated interaction and mutual support within the framework of the UN, the CIS and other international organizations in the name of ensuring world peace, security and sustainable development was emphasized. According to statistics, in 2017, the trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan amounted to 177.3 million dollars. In April 2018, the two countries signed contracts and memorandums for joint projects worth over $ 250 million. Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, which have impressive hydrocarbon reserves, are in favor of diversifying energy flows. A good example is the implementation of a project on building the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan- Kazakhstan-China gas pipeline, commissioned in 2009. Ashgabat invited the business community of Uzbekistan to participate in the Turkmenistan- Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project (TAPI). The construction of the Turkmen section started in December 2015. Uzbekistan was also invited to start developing oil and gas fields in the Turkmen part of the Caspian shelf. Ashgabat is also ready to intensify cooperation in the framework of the project on the supply of electricity from Central to South Asia along the route Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Tajikistan- Afghanistan-Pakistan. At this stage, a project on the creation of the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman transport route is also being discussed. This will significantly increase international transit freight traffic and ensure the creation of a new communication corridor, giving access to world markets. TOURIST POLICE IS PRESENTED IN KYRGYZSTAN On December 28, the Tourist Police was presented in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, its units started to form in August 2018 in accordance with the order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic. In December 2018, the Minister of Internal Affairs KashkarDzhunushaliev issued an order “On the approval of insignia of Tourist platoons of the Patrol-police services of the Main Department of Internal Affairs of Bishkek”, according to which the uniforms change from dark gray to dark blue. In addition, sketches of distinctive signs of the Tourist Police were developed and approved: a badge (token) in the form of a curved shield with the image of the state emblem, and an armband in the form of a dark blue oval triangle with the image of the national flag embroidery. The task of the new division is to ensure the safety of tourists, citizens of other countries during their stay in the territory of Kyrgyzstan, as well as consultation of foreign tourists on all issues related to security and legislation. The main requirement for candidates for service in the Tourist Police is the knowledge of foreign languages and the legal framework. Guests of Kyrgyzstan can contact the Tourist Police on various issues, while the tourist can rely on any assistance, including protection of life and health, as well as terrain orientation, in case of not knowing the city well. AZERBAIJAN'S ATHLETES WON OVER 750 MEDALS IN 2018 In 2018, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijani athletes achieved great success. The Minister of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan Azad Ragimovannounced it at an event dedicated to the sports results of 2018on December 27. A. Ragimov noted that the attention and care shown by the head of the Azerbaijani state for sport created the basis for victories in international competitions. The minister stressed that in 2018, the Azerbaijani athletes won 753 medals - 263 gold, 230 silver and 260 bronze medals in the World and European Championships, Cup competitions and international tournaments. A. Ragimov added that the Azerbaijani athletes received 17 licenses to participate in the III Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, where they won seven medals - three gold, one silver and three bronze. In addition, the Minister said that due to the policy of President I. Aliyev, conducted in the field of sports, Azerbaijan is recognized as a sports country. A. Ragimov also added that successes were achieved also due to the development of the material and technical base of sports. The minister noted that in the future, Azerbaijani athletes would face serious tests: “They will take partin licensed competitions at the Summer Olympics, which will be held in Tokyo in 2020, as well as in a number of other international competitions. I hope that they will adequately cope with all these tasks.” .
Recommended publications
  • The Post-Soviet Space and Uzbekistan in the International Division of Labour from Transition to Capital Accumulation
    THE POST-SOVIET SPACE AND UZBEKISTAN IN THE INTERNATIONAL DIVISION OF LABOUR FROM TRANSITION TO CAPITAL ACCUMULATION A thesis submitted to The University of Manchester for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Humanities 2021 Franco Galdini School of Social Sciences Department of Politics Contents List of Figures 6 List of Acronyms 7 Abstract 10 Declaration and Copyright Statement 11 Acknowledgements 12 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER 13 From Transition to Capital Accumulation in the Post-Soviet Space 13 0. INTRODUCTION 13 1. FROM TRANSITION TO CAPITAL ACCUMULATION: POSITIONING THE THESIS, RESEARCH QUESTIONS, AND CONTRIBUTION 14 2. METHODOLOGY AND RESEARCH METHODS 21 2.1. Form analysis: Global content, national forms 21 2.2. Class and Internal relations 22 2.3. Levels of generality 24 2.4. Research methods 25 3. CHAPTER STRUCTURE AND KEY ARGUMENTS 26 4. THE LIMITS OF THE DISSERTATION 31 5. CONCLUSION 32 CHAPTER 1 34 A Monopoly on ‘Normality’: A Review of the Literature on Transition as Development 34 0. INTRODUCTION 34 1. DEVELOPMENT IN TRANSITION 35 1.1. Neoliberal theory 35 1.2. Developmental state theory 37 1.3. Dependency theory 41 1.4. Methodological nationalism common to the literature 43 2. ON ‘NORMALITY’ AND EXCEPTIONALISM (1): TRANSITOLOGY IN THE FSU 44 2.1. The roaring 1990s: (revolutionary) shock therapy and (evolutionary) gradualism 46 2.2. Permanent exceptionalism: From the 2000s to today 51 3. ON ‘NORMALITY’ AND EXCEPTIONALISM (2): TRANSITOLOGY IN UZBEKISTAN 54 3.1. Neoliberal transitology: Uzbekistan as negatively exceptional 55 3.1.a. The 1990s: Non/slow/late reform and the ‘Uzbek growth puzzle’ 55 3.1.b.
    [Show full text]
  • Could Uzbekistan Lead Central Asia?
    Could Uzbekistan Lead Central Asia? In surprise move, previously isolated state calls for tighter regional integration. Uzbek president Shavkat Mirziyoyev. (Photo: Uzbek president’s press service) Uzbek president Shavkat Mirziyoyev has called for closer cooperation between all five countries of Central Asia in a move which some believe signals a new and more vigorous regional role for Tashkent. At an international conference on the Central Asia’s future, held in the historic Uzbek city of Samarkand in early November, Mirziyoyev emphasised that he supported efforts to create “a stable, economically developed and thriving region”. “I am sure that all will win from this – both the Central Asian states and other countries,” Mirziyoyev told the event, held under the auspices of the UN and attended by senior officials, diplomats and experts from the region, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and further afield. The event itself and Mirziyoyev’s address were both unusual. Initial attempts at regional unity following the fall of the Soviet Union were short-lived. For more than a decade the five states have not seriously discussed cooperating on domestic development and remain embroiled in disputes over water resources, borders and market protectionism amid general mistrust between the leadership. In fact, it was Uzbekistan, under the rule of former president Islam Karimov, which was the most sceptical about regional cooperation. As the successor to Karimov, who died in September 2016, Mirziyoyev has taken a number of measures that appear to show willingness to open up one of the world’s most isolated states. (See Could Uzbekistan be Opening Up?).
    [Show full text]
  • Opportunities and Limits of Cooperation Between Uzbekistan and Russia
    Opportunities and Limits of Cooperation Between Uzbekistan and Russia “Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia is characterized by a steady rise and certain breakthroughs, and this is the main difference between the current stage of Uzbek-Russian relations. At the same time, relations are still concentrated at the bilateral level, and the refusal to join Russian-centric structures is the continuity of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy strategy”, Ildar Yakubov, an Uzbek expert, said in an article written specifically for the analytical platform CABAR.asia. in the field of international relations. Presidents of Russia and Uzbekistan Vladimir Putin and Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the 2018 Interregional Cooperation Forum in Tashkent. Photo: Mikhail Metzel The first presidential term of the head of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev demonstrated the consistent expansion of the country’s foreign policy and foreign economic relations. The openness of the new Uzbekistan is called the main distinguishing feature of the country’s foreign policy over the past five years. Russia traditionally takes the leading place for Uzbekistan. Both states are united by historically established political, economic and cultural ties. In this regard, it is of interest to study the changes in Uzbek-Russian relations that have been observed under the presidency of Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Opportunities and Limits of Cooperation Between Uzbekistan and Russia The legacy of the “old” Uzbekistan Uzbekistan’s first president left a controversial legacy in relations with Russia. Some observers note the uneasy interaction between the countries, which has become a “calling card” of foreign policy under Islam Karimov. He was probably the most uncomfortable partner of Russia in Central Asia.
    [Show full text]
  • Uzbekistan: a New Model for Reform in the Muslim World?
    Feature Article May 12, 2018 Uzbekistan: A New Model for Reform in the Muslim World? S. Frederick Starr and Svante E. Cornell ramatic and imp- ortant changes are Dtaking place in Central Asia. For more than a year the region’s historic core and geopolitical focal point has been immersed in a whirlwind of reform without precedent in the region. At a time when one-man rule has been reinforced in China and Russia, when the rule of law is in abeyance in countries as diverse as South Africa and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev Venezuela, and when most organized around solid commitment to the rule Muslim majority societies appear to be receding of law, the rights of citizens, elective into a new authoritarianism informed by governance, an open market economy, religious religious ideology, Uzbekistan has instituted tolerance, cordial relations with the great reforms that are ambitious in aim and extensive powers without sacrificing sovereignty, and a in scope. new embrace of the Central Asian region itself It is far too early to say how it will all come out, as an actor on the world state. It’s time for the or even how far it will go. But there is little world to take stock of this startling doubt that that the current reforms are all development. © 2018 Central Asia-Caucasus Institute & Silk Road Studies Program, Joint Center American Foreign Policy Council / Institute for Security & Development Policy 509 C St NE, Washington, DC 20002 / V. Finnbodavägen 2, 13130 Stockholm-Nacka, Sweden www.silkroadstudies.org 2 Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst To the extent it has been acknowledged at all by unconvertible and then only semi-convertible the world’s press and punditry, the reform for a quarter century, which drastically curtailed movement in Uzbekistan has been presented as both international and national economic a personal project of Uzbekistan’s new activity.
    [Show full text]
  • The President of Uzbekistan Speaks with the First President Of
    toshvil.uz The President of Uzbekistan speaks with the First President of Kazakhstan over the phone On May 23 a telephone conversation took place between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Elbasy Nursultan Nazarbayev. The head of our state expressed sincere gratitude to the First President of Kazakhstan for full-fledged support and personal contribution to the development and consolidation of the Uzbek-Kazakhstan bonds of friendship, good neighborliness and multidimensional cooperation. It was stressed that owing to joint efforts, the traditionally close relations between our two countries have reached a qualitatively new level over the past few years, they are filled with solid practical substance. The prolific first state visit by the President of Kazakhstan Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev to Uzbekistan this April, which once again demonstrated the continuity of Elbasy’s foreign policy course, was recollected with high delight. Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Nursultan Nazarbayev discussed during the telephone conversation the pressing issues in bilateral relations, as well as those in the international and regional agenda. They paid priority attention to the implementation of agreements in the trade and economic sphere, to building up the cooperation at the level of leading enterprises and businesses in industry, energy, transport and other sectors. The dynamic growth and the diversification of the structure of mutual trade were positively evaluated. In 2018, the turnover exceeded 3 billion US dollars, while the aim for the next period is $ 5 billion at minimum. Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Nursultan Nazarbayev noted the importance of continuing intensive interregional (among the regions of the two nations) contacts designed for the effective use of broad economic opportunities and great potential in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, including in the framework of the Year of Kazakhstan in Uzbekistan.
    [Show full text]
  • Uzbekistan: Recent Developments and U.S
    Order Code RS21238 Updated May 2, 2005 CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web Uzbekistan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests Jim Nichol Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Summary Uzbekistan is an emerging Central Asian regional power by virtue of its relatively large population, energy and other resources, and location in the heart of the region. It has made limited progress in economic and political reforms, and many observers criticize its human rights record. This report discusses U.S. policy and assistance. Basic facts and biographical information are provided. This report may be updated. Related products include CRS Issue Brief IB93108, Central Asia, updated regularly. U.S. Policy1 According to the Administration, Uzbekistan is a “key strategic partner” in the Global War on Terrorism and “one of the most influential countries in Central Asia.” However, Uzbekistan’s poor record on human rights, democracy, and religious freedom complicates its relations with the United States. U.S. assistance to Uzbekistan seeks to enhance the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of Uzbekistan; diminish the appeal of extremism by strengthening civil society and urging respect for human rights; bolster the development of natural resources such as oil; and address humanitarian needs (State Department, Congressional Presentation for Foreign Operations for FY2006). Because of its location and power potential, some U.S. policymakers argue that Uzbekistan should receive the most U.S. attention in the region. 1 Sources for this report include the Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS), Central Eurasia: Daily Report; Eurasia Insight; RFE/RL Central Asia Report; the State Department’s Washington File; and Reuters, Associated Press (AP), and other newswires.
    [Show full text]
  • General Assembly Distr.: General 7 May 2018
    United Nations A/72/796 General Assembly Distr.: General 7 May 2018 Original: English Seventy-second session Agenda item 21 Globalization and interdependence Letter dated 13 March 2018 from the Permanent Representative of Tajikistan to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General I have the honour to transmit the joint statement of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on strengthening friendship and neighbourliness (see annex). I should be grateful if you would circulate the present letter and its annex as a document of the General Assembly, under agenda item 21. (Signed) Mahmadamin Mahmadaminov 18-04352 (E) 150518 150518 *1804352* A/72/796 Annex to the letter dated 13 March 2018 from the Permanent Representative of Tajikistan to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General [Original: Russian] Joint statement by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on strengthening friendship and good-neighbourliness At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, conducted a State visit to the Republic of Tajikistan on 9 and 10 March 2018. During fruitful talks held in an open, friendly and constructive atmosphere, the Heads of State discussed in detail key issues relating to the current state of relations between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, the prospect of further broadening and deepening bilateral multidimensional cooperation in the political, commercial and economic, transport and communication, cultural and humanitarian and other spheres, as well as current regional and international issues of mutual interest.
    [Show full text]
  • People of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan Are Welcoming the Current Level of Relations
    The committee for roads Uzbekistan News People of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are welcoming the current level of relations People of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are welcoming the current level of relations On October 5, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Almazbek Atambayev arrived in our country with a state visit at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his spouse met the President of Kyrgyzstan and his spouse at "Tashkent" international airport named after Islam Karimov. President Almazbek Atambayev, accompanied by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, visited the Mustakillik square. The distinguished guest laid flowers at the Monument of Independence and Humanism, which is a symbol of our freedom, bright future and noble aspirations. The President of Kyrgyzstan emphasized that this majestic square is a unique complex reflecting the peaceful policy of Uzbekistan, the noble aspirations of people of Uzbekistan for the sake of creation and prosperity. Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Almazbek Atambayev got acquainted with the exhibition of industrial products of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, at Uzexpocentre. The exhibition became a demonstration of success in the sphere of economy, achieved by our countries in recent years. Products of companies operating in various industries, innovative projects and development of scientific-production centers are presented here. Presidents, getting acquainted with the exposition, noted that such exhibitions are of great importance in further development of multifaceted cooperation between our countries, emphasized that strengthening relations will serve to improvement of the production process and further promotion of products. The main events within the framework of the state visit were held at Kuksaroy residence.
    [Show full text]
  • Mirziyoyev's Uzbekistan: Towards Openness and Real Democracy
    MIRZIYOYEVS UZBEKISTAN: TOWARDS OPENNESS AND REAL DEMOCRACY? Jasur Salomov EUCACIS Online Paper No. 6 April 2019 PhD Support Programme The EU, Central Asia and the Caucasus in the International System About EUCACIS “The EU, Central Asia and the Caucasus in the International System” (EUCACIS) is a PhD Support Programme for Postgraduates and Doctoral Researchers in Central Asia and the Southern Caucasus, organized by the Institut für Europäische Politik (IEP) and the Centre international de formation européenne (CIFE). Funded by the Volkswagen Foundation and the programme Erasmus+, it offers scholarships for three years to excellent postgraduates who are working on a doctoral thesis in political science, contemporary history or economics on a topic related to its thematic focus at a university or academy of sciences in the Southern Caucasus or Central Asia (including Afghanistan, the Kashmir region in India and the autonomous region Xinjiang in China). It is the objective of the EUCACIS programme to provide EUCACIS.eu intensive PhD research training for its participants to bring them closer to international standards, to support them until they submit their doctoral theses, and to help them establish their own networks with other young researchers in the target regions and in Europe. This will be achieved through four international conferences, four PhD schools, two research training stays and continuous online coaching. About IEP Since 1959, the Institut für Europäische Politik (IEP) has been active in the field of European integration as a non-profit organisation. It is one of Germany’s leading research institutes on foreign and European policy. IEP works at the interface of academia, politics, administration, and civic education.
    [Show full text]
  • INTRODUCTION in Recent Years, a New Page Has Been Opened in The
    ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 6 | 2021 ISSN: 2181-1385 Scientific Journal Impact Factor (SJIF) 2021: 5.723 DOI: 10.24412/2181-1385-2021-6-415-419 UZBEKISTAN-TURKEY: COOPERATION BASED ON MUTUAL TRUST AND FRIENDSHIP Shaxnoza Abdikhakimovna Khamidova Faculty of architecture, Department of landscape and interior design, Samarkand State Institute of Architecture and Construction Dildora Zubaydulla kizi Fozilova Student, Samarkand State Institute of Architecture and Construction ABSTRACT This article deals with issues of cooperation based on mutual trust and friendship Uzbekistan-Turkey. Economic, political, social and friendly relations between our country and the Turkic peoples are also covered. In addition, the measures taken in our country with Turkey were covered. In addition, conclusions were made on the development of Uzbekistan-Turkey: cooperation based on mutual trust and friendship. Keywords: Uzbek-Turkish, economic and social relations, friendly relations, political relations, Turkish politics, social relations. INTRODUCTION In recent years, a new page has been opened in the relations between Uzbekistan and Turkey the political will and determination of presidents shavkat mirziyoyev and recep tayyip erdogan were an important basis for this. in other words, the friendly relations between the leaders of the two countries, regular meetings and cordial talks are a great impetus to the development of bilateral cooperation. It should be noted that the Republic of Turkey was the first to recognize the state independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In 1996, our countries signed the Treaty of Eternal Friendship and Cooperation. Our peoples are closely linked by centuries-old history, language, religion, values and common traditions.
    [Show full text]
  • Uzbekistan Faces Choice Between Closer Ties to US, Russia
    12/4/2019 Uzbekistan Faces Choice Between Closer Ties to US, Russia | Voice of America - English South & Central Asia Uzbekistan Faces Choice Between Closer Ties to US, Russia By Navbahor Imamova December 01, 2019 06:01 PM https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/uzbekistan-faces-choice-between-closer-ties-us-russia 1/7 12/4/2019 Uzbekistan Faces Choice Between Closer Ties to US, Russia | Voice of America - English FILE - A soldier stands in front of the national flag of Uzbekistan during an Independence Day celebration in Tashkent, Aug. 31, 2012. WASHINGTON - After two decades of disengagement from international entanglements, a newly confident Uzbekistan is seeking a larger role in its Central Asian neighborhood, prompting the United States and Russia to compete for its favor in ways that echo their long-past Cold War rivalry. Moscow hopes to cement Uzbekistan into its regional bloc, the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), which includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Doing so would preserve Russia's primacy in Central Asia. Washington, for its part, aims to keep Uzbekistan out of that bloc while pursuing counterterrorism measures and economic cooperation and promoting Western values. The long-term impact of the battle for influence remains uncertain, however, since it is another rising superpower -- China -- that has increased its economic presence most rapidly in Uzbekistan and the region. Tashkent is in talks with Russia on EEU membership but insists no decision has been made yet. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s foreign policy adviser, Senator Sodiq Safayev, argues that Uzbekistan needs to consider EEU membership but insists that Tashkent does not approach economic issues through the prism of ideology or https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/uzbekistan-faces-choice-between-closer-ties-us-russia 2/7 12/4/2019 Uzbekistan Faces Choice Between Closer Ties to US, Russia | Voice of America - English exclusionary blocs.
    [Show full text]
  • Nations in Transit Brief
    Nations in Transit brief August 2017 Uzbekistan: The Year After Bakhtiyor Nishanov Deputy Director for Eurasia, International Republican Institute Source: The Kremlin, Moscow • A year ago, Islam Karimov, who had ruled Uzbekistan for 27 years, passed away with no designated or apparent heir. After a few days’ of uncertainty, then prime minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev took over and was subsequently elected president in December 2016. This was the first change of power in Uz- bekistan’s post-Soviet history and its aftermath was closely watched by those following the country’s politics. • There are signs of positive change in Uzbekistan, particularly in the media space. Uzbekistan’s media outlets are now publishing pieces indirectly or—much more rarely—directly criticizing legacy policies and advocating changes, unseen and unheard of during the Karimov years. The new president has also relaxed some trade and economic regulations, particularly export procedures, and has taken steps toward floating the national currency. Additionally, Uzbekistan significantly improved relations with neighboring states. • Yet none of these changes constitute systematic reform in any one area and are seemingly only de- signed to strengthen Mirziyoyev’s hold on power. It seems clear that the Mirziyoyev government has chosen the path of China and, to an extent, Russia, with a heavy focus on growing the economy and carrying out only as much political reform as needed to boost these policies. In addition, by increasing the transparency of some government operations and slightly cutting back on corruption that has tra- ditionally enriched law enforcement, Mirziyoyev may be looking to weaken the entrenched elites and transfer wealth to his support base—a more dynamic, pro-trade, pro-business elite.
    [Show full text]