Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) jointly with the Ministry of Public Education of Uzbekistan disseminated the results of the first-ever National Early Grade Reading and Early Grade Mathematics Assessments (EGRA and EGMA). The data collected on student reading and math skills will help the Ministry make informed decisions to further strengthen ongoing reform efforts.

Uzbekistan climbs to 133rd position among 180 countries in the 2022 World Press Freedom Index published by the Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Defying Taliban demands, authorities in Uzbekistan say dozens of aircraft flown into their territory as the former Afghan government collapsed last summer are the property of the United States and will not be returned to the interim government in Kabul.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan released a statement regarding social media posts referring some Afghan media outlets about an alleged skirmish on the Uzbek-Afghan border on the night of May 4, which allegedly resulted in the death of an Uzbek border guard.

On April 28, Deputy PM/Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade Sardor Umurzakov had a telephone conversation with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

A delegation of over 30 representatives of the European Union (EU), its Member States and governmental institutions of the Republic of Uzbekistan visited the Republic of Karakalpakstan and local project areas of the UN Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund as part of the EU’s commitment to support the Aral Sea region.

The Japan’s Foreign Minister will visit Uzbekistan. This is the first visit by a Japanese foreign minister to the country in 12 years. Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi will visit Uzbekistan on April 29-30. This is the first visit of a Japanese Foreign Minister to our country in the last 12 years, official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yusup Kabilzhanov said in a briefing.

At the plenary session, Senators reviewed amendments to some legislative acts of Uzbekistan in relation of regulations on weapons. According to the Senate, in addition to firearms, the amendments propose to give permission to own pneumatic, gas, signal, bladed, throwing weapons and electric shock devices.

On April 27 in commemoration of World Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Day, Deputy Chief of Mission Paul Poletes and representatives from the legal and business community representing Uzbekistani firms met in a roundtable to discuss joint concerns about IPR progress and challenges.

From May 21, 2022, Uzbekistan Airways will operate twice-a-week Tashkent to Batumi seasonal flights. To enter Georgia, one must provide the original vaccination certificate. Otherwise, passengers aged 10 and over must present a negative PCR test result (taken not earlier than 72 hours).

On April 28, at the plenary session, the senators considered the Security Activities Bill. According to the Senate, protecting the life and health of individuals, their property and objects from encroachment, maintaining public order on the territory of protected objects, preventing and suppressing offenses are the main goals of the bill.

The Russian airline Ural Airlines has canceled flights to Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Uzbekistan until October 29, the company said.

The Legislative Chamber will consider amendments extending VAT waivers for a number of food products, announced the MP of UzLiDeP Doniyor Ganiev.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov was dismissed from his post due to the transfer to another job, the president’s spokesman Sherzod Asadov said.

New road signs will appear on Uzbek roads after May 1. In mid-April, the government approved the new traffic rules to take effect on May 1.

On April 25, Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the Organic Products Bill into Law. The Law regulates the production, processing, storage, transportation, labeling and sale, as well as conformity assessment and authorization of organic products.

Another case of an attempt to send Uzbeks to the United States illegally was stopped in an operation by the Samarkand province State Security Service and Police Department, the Samarkand Province Police Department reported.

Simplified goods processing customs regime will be introduced as of May 1. This is provided for by the April 25 decree of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev dated on simplifying access to the customs regime for the processing of goods in the customs territory, the press service of the Ministry of Justice reported.

New airline Silk Avia will be created in Uzbekistan for domestic flights before October 1. This became known during the government meeting chaired by the President conference call on Tuesday.

The support and professional experience of international organizations is essential for ensuring media freedom in Uzbekistan, stated the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Public Fund for the Development and Support of National Mass Media, Komil Allamjonov.