DOCSLIB.ORG

S Accession to the EAEU: “Kremlin Put Tashkent in an Uncomfortable Position”

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
S Accession to the EAEU: “Kremlin Put Tashkent in an Uncomfortable Position” Discussion of Uzbekistan’s accession to the EAEU: “Kremlin put Tashkent in an uncomfortable position” “The issue of integration should neither be considered as a solution to the migration problem, nor should it be confined to it, since migration is a negative phenomenon, while nations usually unite on the basis of positive drivers,” says Uzbek political scientist Farhod Tolipov, director of non-governmental scientific –educational institution “Bilim carvoni” (“Caravan of knowledge”). Follow us on Facebook After the meeting with the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko stated that Uzbekistan is considering the issue of joining the EAEU. Photo: president.uz In early October, the discussion about the possible entry of Uzbekistan into the Eurasian Discussion of Uzbekistan’s accession to the EAEU: “Kremlin put Tashkent in an uncomfortable position” Economic Union (EAEU) was again intensified with the help of the Chairman of the Council of the Federation of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko. The latter, after meeting with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev as part of her visit to Tashkent, said that “the issue of Uzbekistan’s joining the Eurasian Economic Union was being worked out.” Her statement marked the beginning of an active discussion of this issue among experts, politicians and users of social networks within Uzbekistan, as well as among its neighbors in the Central Asian region. The public in Uzbekistan turned out to be heterogeneous in their positions: there are supporters and opponents, as well as those who call for considering other ways for cooperation with the EAEU, which includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia. Uzbekistan is the largest country in Central Asia, the first in terms of population, the second in terms of GDP, and one of the key partners of the international community in resolving the “Afghan issue”. Along with other countries in the region, Uzbekistan is a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Commonwealth of Independent State (CIS). Moreover, in different periods it was part of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) – a military association and the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC), however, under the previous president Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan ultimately chose to remain outside of these associations due to its “non-alignment” policy. Nevertheless, Uzbekistan and Russia, the latter being one of the key leaders of the above associations, are linked by close economic, trade and humanitarian ties, which received a new impetus with the presidency of Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The editorial board of the regional analytical platform CABAR.asia addressed a well-known political scientist and international expert, Farhod Tolipov, director of Bilim Karvoni Nongovernmental and Noncommercial Organization, with questions about what further steps Uzbekistan will take in the light of official statements that there are elaborations for the country’s accession to the Eurasian Economic Union. CABAR.asia: How do you comment on the latest statements by politicians in Russia and Uzbekistan about the possible entry of the latter into the EAEU? Discussion of Uzbekistan’s accession to the EAEU: “Kremlin put Tashkent in an uncomfortable position” Farhod Tolipov: Kremlin put Tashkent in an uncomfortable position, when it is difficult to openly object to a great power, a strategic partner and ally, but it is also impossible to agree immediately. The resonance caused in society, as well as in political and expert circles by this “sensational” message, of course, forces Tashkent to voice its attitude towards it. And this position has been carefully voiced already: Uzbekistan will Farhod Tolipov believes that for a start, the countries of study all the pluses and minuses of a possible Central Asia should unite at the regional level, and then jointly consider issues of joining other international entry into the EAEU, but will, when time comes to associations. Photo: sayasat.org make a decision, proceed from the perspective of its national interests. So far, a peaceful formula has been found: an observer status in the EAEU. How do you see the work of the EAEU through the eyes of an expert from Tashkent? In politics, especially in international politics, there are situations de jure and de facto. De jure – that is, in documents and agreements – the principle of equality is, of course, respected. But de facto, it is obvious that with the clear dominance and leadership of Russia, the EAEU member countries are absolutely not equal in both economic and political weight. A number of cases are known when this superiority gave the Russian leadership the “right” to speak and make decisions on behalf of all members of the organization without first obtaining their consent. In addition, many advocates, so to speak, of the “theory and concept of the EAEU” basically try to justify the expediency of joining this association with arguments indicating the role of Russia exclusively, the importance of cooperation with it, as well as explicit or implicit dependence on it (for example, by exaggerating the problem of labor migration). The economy never went in isolation or even ahead of politics. Political motivation is always present in the creation of a particular international organization, as well as in deciding on the entry of a new state into it. It is necessary to look at things realistically and not close our eyes to the political component of the EAEU, not to mention the fact that there is also a geopolitical dimension of the issue. Several million citizens of Uzbekistan work in the territory of the EAEU member countries – Russia and Kazakhstan. Does Tashkent consider the issue of entry from Discussion of Uzbekistan’s accession to the EAEU: “Kremlin put Tashkent in an uncomfortable position” this point of view? The integration issue should neither be considered as a solution to the migration problem, nor should it be confined to it, since migration is a negative phenomenon, while countries usually unite on the basis of positive drivers. In addition, the migration problem is quite successfully being resolved at the bilateral level. Integration springs from other incentives and not from the migration dependence of one country on another, which, with such integration, will only be highlighted, underlined and solidified. What is the interest of Russia in the entry of Uzbekistan into the EAEU? I still see no reason to exclude the presence of a geopolitical component of this process. But this is not a confrontation in the truest sense of the word. Gaining allies, partners, creating buffer zones around the perimeter of its vast borders (another form of the concept of “gathering the lands”) is an important strategic task for Moscow, especially against the background of its international isolation due to sanctions and rivalry with the United States in world politics. Our region, as the center of the historic Silk Road, has always been at the epicenter of the geopolitical ambitions of world powers. Apparently, in the future we will still be accompanied by geopolitical turbulences. The format of associations like the EAEU requires handing over certain part of the authority from member countries’ governments to the organization’s headquarters. Is Uzbekistan ready for this? No, not ready. At least that was so during the rule of Karimov. That is why, until recently, Uzbekistan refrained from active membership in multilateral formats. But the resumption of participation in regional structures will again actualize the issue of delegation of authority. Therefore, I believe that the countries of Central Asia should, so to speak, learn how to delegate authority to supranational bodies, primarily within the framework of their regional structure – in a small group of five states – before experiencing the pains of delegation of authority to a larger, more complex structure not free from geopolitical overloads and consisting of unequal members. In order not to be subjected to the imposition, as you say, of political decisions within the framework of the EAEU, it would be strategically more important and a priority to first fully launch the process of the Central Asian regional association and ensure its irreversibility. And only then together, that is, already after being a regional integration bloc, build relations with other organizations and even great powers. Discussion of Uzbekistan’s accession to the EAEU: “Kremlin put Tashkent in an uncomfortable position” Shavkat Mirziyoyev tightened cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia. But what will its outcome be? Photo: RIA Novosti / MIA Russia Today How will other foreign policy partners of Uzbekistan react to the start of the discussions on this issue? The opinion of the West is, of course, important for Tashkent, especially since, unlike other major actors, the West will definitely express its assessment of this event. I think that from a geopolitical point of view, the West, Turkey and China are not interested (to varying degrees and for various reasons) in Uzbekistan joining the EAEU. On the other hand, thanks to Mirziyoyev’s efforts, Turkmenistan began to abandon self- isolation in the region and began to participate in regional summits. This gave hope that Turkmenistan will finally return to the family of Central Asian countries. Therefore, the possible entry of Uzbekistan into the EAEU may again put Turkmenistan, as Discussion of Uzbekistan’s accession to the EAEU: “Kremlin put Tashkent in an uncomfortable position” well as Tajikistan, which in many respects try to follow Uzbekistan’s example, in an ambiguous position. Will the authorities take into account the opinion of the expert community and the general public when deciding on this issue? A number of public figures expressed their point of view, there are active discussions in the Uzbek segment of social networks. What we are observing now is a lively and complex discussion process; struggle of positions not only among parties, but even among experts and analysts.
Load more

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]
  • 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.
    [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]