Bangladesh and Uzbekistan have discussed ways for establishing air connectivity between Dhaka and Tashkent. The code-sharing between two airlines – Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Uzbek Airways – will ensure easy and hassle-free travel between the two countries. With the initiative of the Bangladesh Embassy in Tashkent, an online meeting of two ministries for establishing air connectivity between Dhaka and Tashkent through code-sharing between Bangladesh's Ministry of Civil Aviation and Uzbek Ministry of Transport was held Tuesday. The Bangladesh side was led by Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Mokammel Hossain. MD and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, additional secretary of the ministry and officials from Biman and Civil Aviation were also present. Read more: Uzbekistan to set up embassy in Bangladesh, restart Dhaka-Tashkent direct flights The Uzbek side was led by Jasurbek Choriev, deputy minister of Transport (Aviation) at the Ministry of Transport, and officials from the Uzbek Ministry of Investments, Uzbek Airways and the "Uzaviation" agency. During the meeting, Jasurbek emphasised code-sharing to introduce air connectivity. In response, Mokammel requested to confirm the Air Service Agreement pending with the Uzbek side. He also called for forming technical committees to expedite the process of establishment of air connectivity through code-sharing. The Uzbek side agreed to the proposal and assured the Bangladesh side that they will approve the agreement and send it back soon. Also, during the online meeting, Bangladesh Ambassador to Uzbekistan Md Zahangir Alam emphasised ziyarat tourism and mentioned the tourist opportunities in Bangladesh such as the world's longest sea beach in Cox's Bazar, the largest mangrove forest – the Sundarbans – and other tourist attractions. Uzbekistan has the mazars of Imam al-Bukhari, Imam at-Tirmizi, Imam al-Nakshbandi and many other Islamic saints, he said. Read more: Uzbekistan keen to invest in Bangladesh's oil, gas exploration sector

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday said Bangladesh is encouraging it's investors to set up fertilizer factories in Uzbekistan under joint ventures. She said this when Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations Jamshid Abdurakhimovich Khodjaev paid a courtesy call on her at PM’s official residence Ganobhaban here. In a media briefing PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said the premier put emphasis on developing direct connectivity with Uzbekistan. She said both Bangladesh and Uzbekistan should work together to explore many areas for the mutual benefits of the two countries. Hasina said Bangladesh is setting up 100 economic zones across the country to utilise the young and vibrant manpower. She said Bangladesh attaches importance to the relationship with Uzbekistan. Recalling the visit of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur to Tashkent, Uzbekistan in 1973, she said the trip had laid the foundation of the bilateral relations between the two countries which has got strengthened over the years. She said Bangladesh is emphasising on the development of ago-processing industries to meet the growing demand of local markets and export those to the international markets. About the Russia-Ukraine war, the PM said it is causing problems for all the countries and the people are suffering for it.  She said Bangladesh has started taking precautionary measures amid the global crisis. The Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister put emphasis on strengthening further his country’s long-term friendship and cooperation with Bangladesh. Read: PM: Useless Ukraine-Russia war benefitting only arms producers "Bangladesh is a potential partner of Uzbekistan and we want to transform it to a strategic partnership," he was quoted as telling the Bangladesh PM. He said his country is keen to enhance economic cooperation with Bangladesh. Jamshid Abdurakhimovich Khodjaev, also the Investment and Foreign Trade Minister, said Uzbekistan is a good hub of CIS (Commonwealth Independent States) countries as there is a lot of potentials for developing business here. He sought cooperation with Bangladesh in the pharmaceuticals and ICT sectors. The visiting Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister highly appreciated Bangladesh's economic advancement, growing per capita income and development of agriculture sector. He said they hope to set up Uzbekistan embassy in Dhaka. In this regard, the Bangladesh PM assured him of all support and cooperation. Jamshid Abdurakhimovich Khodjaev conveyed the greetings of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Sheikh Hasina. Hasina also conveyed her regards to Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and invited him to visit Bangladesh at his conveniences.  During the meeting, both sides have agreed to work on for avoidance of double taxation. Uzbek Deputy Minister for Investment and Foreign Affairs Laziz Kudratov and Uzbek Deputy Minister for Civil Aviation Jasurbek Choriev,  Bangladesh PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim and Bangladesh ambassador to Uzbekistan Jahangir Alam were present.

Uzbekistan has expressed its interest to invest in oil and gas exploration sector of Bangladesh. Uzbek energy minister’s advisor Jumaev Jasur Khudaykulovich expressed his country’s interest when he met State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid at his office in the Power and Energy Ministry on Thursday. Read: Hong Kong based company Campvalley to invest $ 54 million in BEPZA Economic Zone Jumaev Jasur Khudaykulovich was leading an 8-member delegation of Uzbekistan when he met Nasrul Hamid. The Uzbek energy minister’s advisor said that his country has vast experience in working in the petrochemical and hydrocarbon sector. It has experience to drill wells to the depth of 700 metres in the underground. He also informed that Uzbekistan has 75 drilling rigs now working across the world of which one is now engaged in Bangladesh as well. The advisor showed interest to work in construction of gas pipelines and in the renewable energy sector and also work with Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (Bapex). Uzbekistan’s energy minister A. Sultanov has sent a letter to Nasrul Hamid expressing increased cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector and invited him to visit the Central Asian country. Read: Contactless payment service to be available for debit, prepaid card users: BB Appreciating the interest of Uzbekistan in energy sector cooperation Nasrul said Bangladesh can utilise the experience of the Central Asian nation in the hydrocarbon sector and Uzbekistan can provide training to Bangladeshi engineers in this regard. Akhmedjanov Otabek Ulugbekovich, Gabov Evgeniy Hyich, Parkahoenko Alexander Nikolaevich, Minajitdinov Kuat Maratovich, Dusmukhamedov Erzhigit Daniyalovich, and Baisov Alisher Karabekovich were, among others, present in the meeting.  

Bangladesh and Uzbekistan have discussed the prospects for expansion of multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen had a meeting with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the International Conference on 'Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity, Challenges and Opportunities' in capital Tashkent on Friday. At the meeting, the two sides also discussed the issues of further expansion of practical interaction and promotion of new bilateral cooperation projects. READ: Uzbekistan FM stresses on economic, cultural cooperation with Bangladesh These would further help in deepening the economic ties between South Asia and  Central Asia, "which has historically and closely linked to our region in economic, social, cultural and civilisational dimensions", the Foreign Ministry said on Saturday. Dr Momen also handed over an invitation letter to the Uzbekistan leader from Bangladesh President Md Abdul Hamid to pay an official visit to Dhaka preferably in December this year. The Uzbek President happily accepted the invitation and expressed thanks and gratitude to his Bangladeshi counterpart, and said that he would try to visit Dhaka as soon as possible, according to the Ministry. Dr Momen conveyed greetings and best wishes to the President of Uzbekistan on behalf of President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Foreign Minister also shared with the President of Uzbekistan information on youth activities in Bangladesh.  Dr Momen told the Uzbek President that youth activities "are improving much in Bangladesh and they are directed to increase youth resilience to violent extremism and anti-democratic activities".  Accordingly, young people are now playing a vital role in the economic and political growth of Bangladesh. The Foreign Minister also underscored the importance of opening Uzbekistan's Embassy in Dhaka and resumption of direct passenger flights between Dhaka and Tashkent to bring bilateral and inter-regional relations to a new height.  President Mirziyoyev assured that the Uzbekistan government would examine the proposal for resumption of direct flights, the Foreign Ministry said. Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, who was present at the meeting, requested his colleagues to initiate necessary steps for opening Uzbek Embassy in Dhaka, the Foreign Ministry said. READ: China, Uzbekistan reaffirm commitment to strengthening ties At the end of the meeting, Dr Momen appreciated the initiatives of the President of Uzbekistan to strengthen regional connectivity.  The President, on his part, thanked him for participating in the international conference and said his appreciation and inspiration would help push bilateral relations forward.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen left Dhaka on Wednesday for Tashkent, Uzbekistan to attend an international conference titled “Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity - Challenges and Opportunities” which begins on Thursday. Dr Momen will hold a meeting with the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his stay there. “I’ll thank the President of Uzbekistan on behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," said the Foreign Minister. Read:Nothing to be sceptical about Chinese vaccines: FM He said he will also hold a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the conference, including meetings with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Dr Momen said he will discuss vaccine and Rohingya issues during his engagements in Tashkent. “Repatriation of Rohingyas remains our number one priority. We’ll seek additional efforts.” He said China will give 10 lakh doses of Sinopharm vaccine as a gift to Bangladesh and he will discuss vaccine issues during his meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister. “This is also very good news.” Dr Momen said Bangladesh is a leader in terms of seeking wider connectivity and he will discuss with the Civil Aviation Minister of Uzbekistan to introduce direct Dhaka-Tashkent flight. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev is hosting the two-day global forum to strengthen regional connectivity in the context of the new open foreign policy strategy of Tashkent. The idea is aimed at further deepening economic cooperation in Central Asia, with access to South Asia, which has historically been closely linked to this region in economic, social, cultural and civilizational dimensions. Read: FM to join global conf on South, Central Asia connectivity in Tashkent

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will attend an international conference titled “Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity - Challenges and Opportunities” which will be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on July 15-16. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev is hosting the global forum to strengthen regional connectivity in the context of the new open foreign policy strategy of Tashkent. The idea is aimed at further deepening economic cooperation in Central Asia, with access to South Asia, which has historically been closely linked to this region in economic, social, cultural and civilizational dimensions. Dr Momen will hold a meeting with the President of Uzbekistan during his stay there. “I’ll thank the President of Uzbekistan on behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.” The Foreign Minister will also hold a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the conference, including meetings with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Read: FM reassures on adequate vaccine supply from multiple sources Dr Momen said he will discuss vaccine and Rohingya issues during his engagements in Tashkent. “Repatriation remains our number one priority. We’ll seek additional efforts.”  He said China will give 10 lakh doses of Sinopharm vaccine as a gift to Bangladesh and he will discuss vaccine issues during his meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister. “This is also very good news.” Dr Momen said Bangladesh is a leader in terms of seeking wider connectivity and he will discuss with the Civil Aviation Minister of Uzbekistan to introduce direct Dhaka-Tashkent flight. The Foreign Minister is scheduled to leave Dhaka for Tashkent around 6:35am on Wednesday as part of his five-day visit, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. The Foreign Minister will return home on Monday (July 19) morning.  Read: Dhaka to host World Peace Conference Dec 4-5: FM Conference Highlights   The conference will be attended by the President of Uzbekistan, the President of Afghanistan, foreign ministers and high-profile representatives of the central and south Asian countries, other foreign states, heads of authoritative international and regional organizations, global financial institutions and companies, leading research and analytical centres. The high-level international conference is intended to form a political and expert platform for multilateral discussion of the mutually beneficial strategic model - Central Asia - South Asia -in transport and logistics, energy, trade, industry, investment, technological, cultural and humanitarian domains. The conference will consist of an opening ceremony, a plenary session, three breakout sessions and a final part. The conference will be attended by more than 250 participants from over 40 countries and international organizations who have confirmed their participation. Read: FM mourns loss of lives in Japan’s Atami The opening ceremony of the International Institute of Central Asia (IICA) will take place in Tashkent on July 15 which will be attended by the ministers of foreign affairs of the Central Asian states and experts. On July 16, the conference will start by the plenary session on Central and South Asia: Regional connectivity. During the meeting, Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as well as the heads of state and government, and ministers of foreign affairs and international financial organizations will deliver their speeches. The session will also consider the state of affairs and prospects of interregional cooperation in Central and South Asia, successful examples of cooperation, promising interconnected infrastructure projects.

Bangladesh has urged Uzbekistan to sign an agreement in the field of tourism, to finalise agreement on avoiding double taxation for traders, and setting up an Embassy in Dhaka.

Turkey will export to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan locally-produced COVID-19 detection kits that can get results in 90-120 minutes, Turkish Health Minister said on Friday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday demanded "demonstrable evidence" from the Taliban that they can and will reduce violence before signing a deal that would lead to Afghanistan peace talks and a withdrawal of American troops from the country.

For the past four days, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has been calling for authoritarian governments in eastern Europe and Central Asia to ease restrictions on press freedom despite criticism for his own treatment of journalists at home.