AGP Executive Report

BRICS Summit Watch: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit and is set for a sidelines meeting with PM Narendra Modi, with Beijing stressing “properly handling differences” and building on recent thaw efforts. Uzbekistan-Serbia Deals: Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Belgrade produced a strategic partnership package spanning transport, renewable energy, agriculture, digitalization, and labor mobility, plus steps toward a possible free-trade deal and a direct air route. Uzbekistan Connectivity Push: Mirziyoyev also used the Armenia call to back unblocking regional communications and expanding trade, while reiterating plans to strengthen transport corridors linking Central Asia and the South Caucasus. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Russia’s Putin told BRICS business delegates Moscow is ready to support global energy and food security and logistics routes, while Ukraine’s Zelensky renewed calls for faster sanctions and reopening the Black Sea. Central Asia Governance: Uzbekistan marked the 20-year CANWFZ anniversary with renewed disarmament messaging, as regional foreign ministers warned arms-control strain is growing. Domestic Uzbekistan: Two workers died after a tyre explosion at a Navoi Mining and Metallurgy Company site; separate reporting says Uzbekistan is second in Central Asia for outstanding IMF loans.

BRICS Summit in Delhi: India hosts the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit on Sept. 12–13 at Bharat Mandapam, with Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian among the key arrivals; Beijing also urged India to “handle differences properly” ahead of the Modi–Xi meeting, while the agenda is set to focus on trade, finance, cross-border payments, energy, and Global South priorities. Finance & payments push: Russia floated an NDB-based investment platform to mobilize private capital for BRICS projects, and India’s Piyush Goyal urged BRICS members to link payment systems and expand local-currency trade, echoing Iran’s call for greater use of national currencies. Uzbekistan in the spotlight: Uzbekistan is set to be Central Asia’s first C-390 Millennium operator after Embraer unveiled the first aircraft for the Uzbek Air Force; separately, Uzbekistan’s international reserves topped $72bn and the country reported $101.2m in outstanding IMF loans. Safety & governance: Two workers died after a tyre exploded during maintenance at Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company; and Uzbekistan is moving to restrict excessive nighttime noise.

Central Asia Diplomacy: South Korea says President Lee Jae-myung will host a Seoul summit with leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan on Sept. 16 to discuss cooperation. Uzbekistan Governance: Uzbekistan’s Senate approved amendments to the Uzbek Latin alphabet, expanding it to 28 letters plus an apostrophe, and the law is now set for President Mirziyoyev’s consideration. Public Order & Health: Uzbekistan adopted a law limiting harmful noise, with night-time restrictions on working days (11 p.m.–7 a.m.) and weekends/holidays (10 p.m.–9 a.m.), plus court compensation for harm. Economic Statecraft: Mirziyoyev appointed Saida Mirziyoyeva to manage the Tashkent International Financial Center, tasked with coordinating its 2027 launch and representing it with investors and international partners. Regional Security Cooperation: Kazakhstan’s Tokayev met Turkic States Organization interior chiefs, urging deeper law-enforcement coordination amid global instability. BRICS Watch (Uzbek links): India’s BRICS summit in New Delhi (Sept. 12–13) is set to bring Xi and Putin and others; Uzbekistan is listed among BRICS partner countries, while Delhi rolls out major security and traffic controls.

Uzbekistan’s Financial Push: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev appointed Saida Mirziyoyeva to manage the Tashkent International Financial Center, a planned investment hub with a special legal regime aimed at attracting long-term FDI, including tax/customs breaks and a pilot stablecoin payments scheme. BRICS Summit Security & Agenda: As India hosts the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit on Sept. 12–13, New Delhi is tightening security and traffic protocols around Bharat Mandapam, while the agenda centers on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability—spanning health, food, energy, disaster-risk reduction, and critical supply chains. BRICS Leadership Lineup: Xi Jinping is confirmed for his first India trip in seven years, with Putin, Pezeshkian, Ramaphosa and Prabowo also expected, alongside broad participation from BRICS members and partner states including Uzbekistan. Regional Diplomacy: Algeria and Uzbekistan agreed to establish a joint business council and draft a preferential trade framework to expand bilateral trade and investment. Defense Watch: China exported its J-10C fighter jet to Uzbekistan, signaling Beijing’s push to broaden arms sales across new markets.

Uzbekistan–Serbia Diplomacy: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić met Uzbekistan’s FM Bakhtiyor Saidov in Belgrade, stressing momentum for the strategic partnership, regular high-level contacts, and steps toward opening Serbia’s embassy in Tashkent. Defense Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan held staff talks on military cooperation under the 2026 plan, including discussion of a draft 2027 bilateral military cooperation plan. Trade & Connectivity: Uzbekistan and Serbia are preparing a free trade agreement with reciprocal zero-rate tariffs, alongside an industrial cooperation program spanning light industry, agriculture, pharma, geology, metallurgy and IT. BRICS Diplomacy: India’s BRICS summit (Sept. 12–13) is set to focus on resilience in food, energy, health and critical supply chains, with Uzbekistan listed among BRICS partners; leaders’ attendance includes Xi, Putin and Iran’s president. Tourism Push: Uzbekistan reported 9.1 million foreign tourists in the first eight months of 2026, with August alone bringing 1.4 million arrivals and tourism services exports reaching $4.6bn. Education Expansion: Korean-language education is expanding beyond Tashkent, with a new Bukhara Korean department and a teacher training center expected to train 60 teachers annually. Regional Frameworks: Turkmenistan hosted C5+1 talks with the U.S., focusing on trade, transport and critical minerals, and Uzbekistan remains part of the format. International Spotlight: Xi Jinping’s Central Asia and Middle East trip highlighted SCO “multipolar” governance themes, reinforcing the wider regional diplomacy backdrop.

BRICS Summit Watch: India is hosting the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 12–13, with leaders including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Masoud Pezeshkian, Cyril Ramaphosa and Prabowo Subianto expected to attend; the agenda centers on resilience in food, energy, health, disaster reduction and critical supply chains, alongside trade, investment and global governance reform. Uzbekistan–India Diplomacy: Ahead of the summit, reporting on PM Modi’s recent Uzbekistan visit highlights an upgrade of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and plans to deepen coordination via higher-level mechanisms. Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan Talks: Turkmenistan’s MFA says officials met to review political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural cooperation, with both sides preparing upcoming joint events and emphasizing UN-focused coordination. Regional Connectivity Project: Armenia’s former Security Council secretary Armen Grigoryan has joined PMCG as a senior adviser, including work tied to TRIPP feasibility—an Armenia-territory connectivity plan involving Azerbaijan’s Nakhichevan route. Education Signal: OECD PISA 2025 results show sharp declines in reading, math and science across participating countries, with Armenia ranking below regional peers including Uzbekistan. Finance & Markets: Hong Kong and Uzbekistan signed an MOU to strengthen gold market cooperation at the Belt and Road Summit.

Uzbekistan-Serbia Strategic Pivot: In Belgrade, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Serbian leader Aleksandar Vucic signed a strategic partnership package, exchanging 20 documents on transport, renewable energy, agriculture, digitalization, labor mobility and support for the Middle Corridor, plus a joint intent to explore a free-trade agreement and a direct air route. Regional Diplomacy: Armenia and Uzbekistan held foreign-ministry political consultations in Yerevan, focusing on trade, investment, high-tech, education and tourism, and welcoming the restoration of direct flights between Yerevan and Tashkent. Central Asia Connectivity Test: A customs pilot shows Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan using eTIR for a cross-Caspian shipment—one digital transit document across borders—aimed at easing Middle Corridor frictions. Tourism Numbers: Uzbekistan welcomed 9.1 million foreign tourists in the first eight months of 2026, up 21.1%, with tourism services exports reaching $4.6bn. Sports & Identity: Kyrgyzstan opened the Issyk-Kul Games with athletes from Uzbekistan and others competing across 21 sports through Sept. 12.

Uzbekistan–Serbia Strategic Pivot: In Belgrade, Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Aleksandar Vucic moved toward a strategic partnership, signing a joint statement and exchanging 20 bilateral documents covering digitalisation, customs cooperation, renewable energy, transport, agriculture, culture, tourism, and a planned working group for a free trade agreement. Economic Cooperation in Focus: The Uzbekistan–Serbia Intergovernmental Commission held its first meeting, with both sides stressing that trade volume still falls short of potential and pushing new investment and joint projects, especially in agriculture and food. Armenia–Uzbekistan Talks: Uzbek and Armenian foreign ministry officials met in Yerevan to expand cooperation across industry, transport, agriculture, digital technologies, tourism, and education, including discussion of restoring direct air links. Regional Security Data Point: South Korea reported 110 foreign fugitives hiding in the country as of Aug. 12, with Uzbekistan listed among the top nationalities, as authorities expand efforts to repatriate suspects. Central Asia Nuclear Commitment: Central Asian states reaffirmed their CANWFZ Treaty commitments on its 20th anniversary, urging progress on global nuclear disarmament and NPT implementation. Sports Diplomacy in Uzbekistan: Samarkand prepares to host the 46th Chess Olympiad (15–27 Sept) with a record 398 teams, reinforcing Uzbekistan’s role as a regional convening hub.

Customs Modernization: Uzbekistan says 94% of exports and 87% of imports are now cleared under simplified procedures, cutting customs declaration processing time to about 20 minutes as it prepares for WTO accession, with more digital interaction and tighter enforcement. Water Governance Upgrade: Kazakhstan is overhauling its water management system, planning 42 new reservoirs, rebuilding 37 facilities, and modernizing 14,500 km of irrigation canals by 2030 to tackle droughts, floods, and farm shortages. Uzbekistan–Serbia Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev begins a two-day official visit to Belgrade, with ceremonial honors and plans for a strategic partnership joint statement, business forum talks, and further transport and labor-mobility cooperation. Regional Security Cooperation: The SCO summit logistics get a boost as Pakistan’s upcoming 2027 hosting is supported by an ECC-approved grant for 30 bullet-proof vehicles for head-of-state movement. Finance & Tech Policy: Uzbekistan’s central bank rejects a retail CBDC as unnecessary, pointing instead to existing fast payment systems and stablecoins for retail use. Culture & Education Ties: Qatar and Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies expand cooperation on Islamic cultural diplomacy and academic exchange.

SCO Logistics & Security: Uzbekistan’s regional diplomacy stays in focus as Pakistan prepares to host the next SCO summit in 2027; the Cabinet’s Economic Coordination Committee approved a technical supplementary grant of Rs6.6bn for 30 bullet-proof vehicles to move heads of state. Uzbekistan–Serbia Ties: Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic will host Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Belgrade on Sept 7-8, with talks on a strategic partnership, a joint business forum, and a ceremonial Order handover. Diplomacy & Education: Qatar’s Alliance of Civilizations leadership met Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies to expand academic and cultural cooperation during the Islamic Cultural Heritage conference in Tashkent. BRICS Legal Track: The BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum in New Delhi highlighted judicial cooperation and “digital justice,” with India’s CJI Surya Kant holding bilateral meetings including with Uzbekistan’s judicial leadership. Fiscal Management: Uzbekistan and the IMF discussed steps to strengthen fiscal stability, budget planning, and public financial management, emphasizing tighter fiscal discipline. Energy & Industry: Uzbekistan outlined plans for a joint engineering venture to provide independent oversight for its first nuclear power plant, while also reporting rapid solar growth under the Solar House net metering scheme. Controversy in the Region: Ratko Mladić’s funeral in Belgrade drew EU criticism over the “glorification of war criminals,” as thousands attended despite the lack of state honors.

Uzbekistan–Russia Nuclear Deal: Uzbekistan’s presidential update on the new nuclear plant project notably omitted Rosatom and instead floated a new consortium to oversee construction, signaling a shift in trust and control. Macroeconomics: Headline inflation in Uzbekistan eased to 6.2% y/y in August (from 6.4% in July), with food and transport driving most of the monthly rise. Digital Payments & Diplomacy: At the IPU conference in Samarkand, Indian MP Raghav Chadha pushed a “digital future” theme, highlighting the India–Uzbekistan UPI–UZQR interoperability deal as a model for access and rights. Regional Security & Aviation: Reports say Russian airports suspended operations nearly 1,000 times in August due to Ukrainian drone attacks; Uzbekistan Airways also faced Moscow route disruptions tied to Russian airspace restrictions. International Cooperation: China’s public security minister met Uzbekistan’s interior minister in Beijing, focusing on anti-fraud, online gambling, drug control, and border security. Business & Investment: UzNIF said it plans to take six state-owned companies public over the next three years, citing governance changes and energy tariff reforms.

Uzbekistan–Qatar Ties: Uzbekistan marked 35 years of independence with a spotlight on rapidly expanding cooperation with Qatar across investment, trade, energy, infrastructure, transport, education, culture and tourism. Security Cooperation: In Beijing, China’s public security minister met Lao and Uzbekistan counterparts, pushing joint work against telecom fraud, online gambling, drug control and border security. Digital Payments Diplomacy: At the IPU’s young parliamentarians conference in Samarkand, India’s Raghav Chadha urged a “digital future” built on inclusion and rights, highlighting India–Uzbekistan interoperability plans linking UPI with Uzbekistan’s UZQR for cashless payments. Youth & Rights on the Agenda: Bahrain’s IPU delegation showcased climate targets and reforms tied to political rights and protections for women and youth. Startup Financing Push: Uzbekistan outlined a 2027–2030 “Future Entrepreneur” program to fund up to 30 startups via interest-free convertible loans/SAFE deals, with IT Park Uzbekistan supporting the venture ecosystem. Regional Infrastructure: China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway works hit a milestone as the first tunnel on the Kyrgyz section was drilled through. Markets & Capital: UzNIF said it aims to take six state-owned portfolio companies public over three years, citing governance changes and energy tariff reforms.

Startup Finance Push: Uzbekistan will launch the “Future Entrepreneur” program (2027-2030), with IT Park Uzbekistan backing tech projects and the UzVC National Venture Fund financing up to 30 startups in priority sectors; each can get up to 5 billion soums via interest-free, unsecured convertible loans/SAFE, with the state capped at 49% and an initial 150 billion soums earmarked for 2027. Regional Connectivity Milestone: The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project marked a breakthrough as the first Kyrgyz-section tunnel was drilled through (Kosh Dobo North No. 2), alongside ongoing work on dozens of tunnels, bridges, stations, and a planned rail link from Kashgar to Andijan. SCO Governance & Security Talk: At the SCO summit in Bishkek, leaders emphasized security and counter-terror coordination, while Uzbekistan-linked officials highlighted Xi’s “four global initiatives” as interconnected across development, security, civilization, and governance. Parliamentary Rights Signal: Uzbekistan’s upper house urged non-selective application of international human rights law and humanitarian law at a conference in Samarkand. Travel Rule Update: Thailand ends Uzbekistan’s visa-free arrangement for most travelers on Sept. 15, replacing it with nationality-specific entry categories and new stay limits. Uzbekistan-Serbia Diplomacy: President Mirziyoyev is set to visit Serbia Sept. 7-8 for talks on trade, investment, transport, industry, labor migration, and a package of agreements.

SCO Counter-Terror Push: PM Modi urged SCO leaders to “dismantle the entire ecosystem” of terror financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens, calling for one voice and rejecting double standards. BRICS Judicial Cooperation: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant told the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum to become a “living Nalanda University,” stressing healthy disagreement and faster, more predictable justice for the rule of law. Uzbekistan-Serbia Diplomacy: Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is set to visit Serbia on Sept 7-8 for high-level talks and a business forum, with a package of intergovernmental agreements expected. Regional Connectivity Milestone: On the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, the first Kyrgyz tunnel has been drilled through, while work continues on major structures including a 956.67m bridge in Suzak. Parliamentary Outreach: Uzbekistan’s Senate first deputy chairman Sodiq Safoyev highlighted the interconnected logic of Xi’s “four global initiatives” and praised China-Uzbek ties as built on leadership trust. Sports & Youth in Tashkent: India’s U20 men face Bangladesh at Do’stlik Stadium on Sunday, with qualification scenarios tied to the Uzbekistan-Syria match later the same evening.

Judicial Diplomacy: India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant used the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum in New Delhi to push closer judicial cooperation, including mediation and arbitration for cross-border commercial disputes, and held bilateral talks with judicial leaders from Russia, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, South Africa—and Uzbekistan—on mutual recognition of court decisions and faster commercial justice. Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan Ties: Uzbekistan marked its 35th Independence anniversary with a reception in Turkmenistan, with officials stressing ongoing reforms and “good-neighbourliness” as a strategic foreign-policy priority. Regional Security & Governance: The SCO continues to frame itself as a non-bloc platform, with leaders emphasizing security, connectivity, technology, and Afghanistan-related calls for inclusive governance. Cross-Border Tech Links: Hong Kong’s Cyberport deepened ties with Kazakhstan’s Astana Hub, with a stated goal of channeling Central Asian startups into AI, fintech, and smart-city markets. Uzbekistan in International Legal Risk: Amsterdam & Partners filed an ICSID arbitration request against Uzbekistan seeking over $100 million in compensation tied to a detained company director. Local Development Spillover: Kyrgyzstan plans a new production zone on land transferred from Uzbekistan, with city and defense officials assessing logistics and suitability. Sports (Uzbek Connection): At the US Open, world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka briefly paused play after complaining about a strong cannabis smell during her match against Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova. Youth Parliament: Uzbekistan hosted the 12th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Samarkand, focused on human rights, justice, digital rights, youth employment, and ending violence against women.

Parliament & Rights: Uzbekistan opened the 12th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Samarkand, with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev presiding and the IPU leadership attending; the two-day agenda spotlights youth rights in crises, digital rights, climate resilience, ending violence against women, and youth economic and political empowerment. Social Policy: Uzbekistan, the World Bank and UNICEF are drafting an Adaptive Social Protection Strategy to help households absorb climate, natural and economic shocks faster, with tighter coordination across social protection institutions. Regional Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s ties with India got a fresh boost after PM Modi’s visit, with the Uzbek ambassador to India calling it a “firm groundwork” for a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and progress on uranium and critical minerals cooperation. SCO & Governance: The BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum began in New Delhi, with Uzbekistan’s Supreme Court representation among participants, and sessions set to cover mediation, cross-border enforcement, AI in justice, and sustainable development. Cross-border Connectivity: A production zone is planned on 105 hectares transferred from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan, following recent border agreements and ratification steps. Security & Courts: Russia’s Southern District Military Court sentenced Uzbek and Tajik nationals to long terms over a 2024 hostage-taking at a detention center in Rostov-on-Don. International Cooperation: Uzbekistan’s Presidential Administration head Saida Mirziyoyeva met Qatar’s Emir in Doha, discussing new joint initiatives around cultural heritage.