Category Archives: Politics

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

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

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

Lifetime immunity and the Security Council: What the new law on Uzbekistan’s Presidential Administration changes

Uzbekistan has adopted the Constitutional Law “On the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Uzbekistan,” which for the first time comprehensively defines the status, powers, and structure of one of the country’s key state institutions. The document signed by the president does more than describe the functions of the Presidential Administration. It turns the Administration

Aziz Hakimov sentenced to 4 years and 2 months in prison by Tashkent district court (updated)

The Shaykhantakhur District Criminal Court of Tashkent has convicted blogger Aziz Hakimov, known online as Comrade Aziz. The court found him guilty of inciting national hatred, defamation and insult, sentencing him to four years and two months of imprisonment. The information was announced on August 11 by Hakimov’s lawyer, Sergey Mayorov, following the verdict. According

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan sign alliance treaty, settle long-disputed border spring issue

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan signed a Treaty on Allied Relations following talks between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President Sadyr Japarov held on July 30 in Cholpon-Ata on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. The talks took place at the Rukh Ordo cultural center. The package of signed documents also included an agreement on the joint use of

The Aziz Hakimov case: from a Tashkent courtroom to debates about Central Asia in Moscow

On July 24, the fourth court hearing was held in Tashkent in the case of blogger Aziz Hakimov (Comrade Aziz), who is charged with war propaganda, defamation, insult, and incitement of ethnic hatred. Details of the proceedings remain unknown because the trial is being conducted behind closed doors. However, beyond Uzbekistan, the case has already

Military exercises and combat readiness inspections held in Nukus and Termez

In recent days, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Defense has reported on several military training activities conducted at the Nukus and Termez training grounds, as well as in the Termez garrison. According to the ministry, regular field training exercises were held at the Nukus training ground of the Northwestern Military District. Service members carried out combat training