Author Archives: Marina Kozlova

About Marina Kozlova

Founder and Editor of Yep.uz. 30 years in international journalism (AP, UPI, Interfax, World Politics Review). Born in Tashkent, she lived in Europe for five years and has traveled extensively across Central Asia and the world. Translator, educator, and founder of the "Suhbat" Tashkent Book Club. Amateur chef and connoisseur of home cooking from many countries.

Uzbekistan eases entry for some Indian citizens: what the data shows about tourism, business and education

Uzbekistan has eased entry rules for Indian citizens holding valid multiple-entry visas issued by the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand or Schengen countries, effective September 1. Such Indian citizens may stay in Uzbekistan without an Uzbek visa for up to 30 days. To enter the country, they must

Uzbekistan Airways warns of changes to Thailand entry rules for Uzbek citizens (updated)

Uzbekistan Airways has warned passengers about changes to Thailand’s entry requirements for citizens of Uzbekistan starting September 15, 2026. According to the airline, Uzbek citizens will be required to obtain a visa in advance for tourist travel to Thailand from that date. The current visa-free regime allowing stays of up to 60 days for Uzbek

Putin, Xi and Trump top the list: What Independence Day congratulations say about Uzbekistan’s foreign policy

Congratulations from foreign leaders on the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence offer an unusual snapshot of Tashkent’s foreign relations. The order in which the messages are published on the president’s official website is not, in itself, an official ranking of partners. But it does draw attention to which countries appear at the very top of

Modi and Mirziyoyev agree to elevate Uzbekistan-India relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have agreed to elevate relations between their countries to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. The announcement was made following talks between the two leaders in Tashkent on August 30. One of the key economic goals agreed upon during the meeting is to increase

Uzbekistan’s automotive paradox: Production is growing, but imports are growing faster

The automotive industry remains one of the most visible pillars of Uzbekistan’s industrial sector, yet statistics for the first half of 2026 reveal an increasingly clear gap between domestic production and demand for transport equipment. While local factories are increasing passenger car output and expanding production of new models, imports of vehicles, components, and other

Mirziyoyev congratulates Zelenskyy on the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, Zelenskyy responds with thanks

On August 24, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people on the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. As in the previous year, Zelenskyy publicly thanked Mirziyoyev for the congratulatory message. In 2026, both presidents emphasized the further development of bilateral relations, while Zelenskyy specifically highlighted trade and economic

Treaty on Eternal Friendship: Why Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Tashkent could mark a new chapter in Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan relations

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan elevated their bilateral relations to a new level on August 23 by signing a Treaty on Eternal Friendship. At the same time, the two sides signed a package of agreements covering trade, investment, culture, tourism, and social security, aimed at the long-term development of bilateral relations. The Treaty on Eternal Friendship was

Uzbekistan announces 2026/2027 academic year start dates for school and university students

The new 2026/2027 academic year at schools, academic lyceums and technical schools in Uzbekistan will begin on September 2, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation said. Classes at all general education schools across the country will start on Wednesday, September 2. The academic year at

Zakharova criticizes Hakimov’s opponent after Tashkent court verdict

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova’s statement on the case of Uzbek blogger Aziz Hakimov showed that the verdict handed down in Tashkent remains a matter of attention for Moscow even after the completion of the trial at the court of first instance. While in July Russian diplomacy limited itself to calls for a “fair

Uzbekistan has one-third more schools and nearly half more students: How the education system has changed since independence

The number of schoolchildren in Uzbekistan is growing faster than school infrastructure. Over the past 35 years, the number of students in general education schools has increased by 2.12 million, or 45.6%, while the number of schools has grown by only 30%. As a result, there are now about 619 students per school on average,