AGP Executive Report

SCO & Diplomacy: Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the SCO summit in Bishkek and make state visits to Kyrgyzstan and Egypt, as the bloc marks its 25th year and leans on the “Shanghai Spirit” for deeper regional cooperation. India–Uzbekistan Ties: Indian PM Narendra Modi is set for a four-day trip that includes a state visit to Uzbekistan (Aug 29–30) and attendance at the SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan (Aug 31–Sep 1), with talks expected to cover trade, energy, education, digital connectivity, and people-to-people links. Football (Women’s Youth): India’s U-17 women’s team opened with a 0-0 friendly draw against Uzbekistan in Tashkent, with a second match due Aug 30 ahead of AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers. Islamic Heritage in Tashkent: A Tashkent media forum session focused on Islamic civilization heritage, combating stereotypes, and using modern storytelling—plus an Uzbek-led push to adapt content for younger audiences with AI and short-form media. Culture & Music: A University of Iowa-linked duo released a landmark album, “Contemporary Uzbek Music for Clarinet and Piano,” aiming to put Uzbek classical voices on the global recording map. Sports & Culture Calendar: Qatar Museums plans to present “Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion” next month, spotlighting over 1,000 years of Islamic heritage. Justice Update: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a pardon decree covering 852 prisoners, including women, youth, and foreign nationals.

Islamic Heritage in Focus (Tashkent): Uzbekistan hosted an International Media Forum, “Islamic Civilization: A New Perspective – New Discoveries,” bringing journalists, filmmakers and digital specialists to discuss how Islamic history can be shared through modern media and technology. Manuscripts & Publishing: Russia, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan launched a joint project to publish “Shamayil an-Nabi,” based on an original manuscript preserved in Russia’s oriental collections. Cultural Diplomacy Event: The forum also featured plans for a facsimile edition of 114 Quran manuscripts, aiming to make heritage more accessible to wider audiences. Exhibition Announcement (Doha): Qatar Museums will present “Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion” (Sept 3–Nov 28), showcasing 1,000+ years of Islamic-era art, architecture and crafts through 146 objects. Sports & Youth Development (Tashkent): India’s U17 women’s team arrived for two friendlies against Uzbekistan, with AIFF appointing Anthony Andrews as assistant coach for the Young Tigresses ahead of AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers. Education & Culture Exchange (Malaysia–Uzbekistan): UiTM expanded international ties via a Malaysia-Uzbekistan creative culture and tourism entrepreneurship initiative, sending students to Uzbekistan to produce promotional media for tourism.

Islamic Culture & Media Diplomacy: Tashkent hosted the International Media Forum “Islamic Civilization: A New Perspective – New Discoveries,” focusing on heritage, storytelling, and how modern media and AI can bring Islamic scholarship to younger audiences. Manuscripts & Shared Heritage: Russia, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan launched a joint project to publish “Shamayil an-Nabi,” translating and reissuing a historic Prophet Muhammad virtues manuscript for wider readership. Museum Spotlight: Qatar Museums will present “Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion” at Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art from Sept 3 to Nov 28, featuring 1,000+ years of Uzbek artistic and Islamic-era traditions. Education & Tourism Entrepreneurship: UiTM Malaysia is sending 15 art, media, and film students to Uzbekistan for a 14-day mobility program to create creative content promoting Uzbek tourism. Sports & Youth Exchange: India’s U17 women’s team arrived in Tashkent for two friendlies against Uzbekistan (Aug 27 and 30) ahead of AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers. Regional Ties: Uzbekistan’s President sent birthday congratulations to Azerbaijan’s First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, underscoring deepening humanitarian and cultural links.

Islamic Media & AI: Tashkent’s International Media Forum on Islamic civilization opened at the Center of Islamic Civilization, focusing on heritage, storytelling, and how AI can help journalists and filmmakers reach younger audiences on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Cultural Diplomacy: Qatar Museums announced “Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion,” a major exhibition at Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art running Sept 3–Nov 28 with 146 objects spanning 1,000+ years of Islamic-era art, manuscripts, crafts, and textiles. New Uzbekistan Identity: A new report highlights how Uzbekistan’s Center of Islamic Civilization blends ancient manuscripts and the Uthman Quran with modern tech to reshape national identity and global perceptions. Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Ties: Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the Treaty on Eternal Friendship in Tashkent, setting a $1bn trade target and boosting Middle Corridor and cultural links. Sports & Youth: India’s U17 women’s team arrived for friendlies in Tashkent on Aug 27 and 30 ahead of AFC qualifiers. Reading Culture: Uzbekistan’s “Thousand Books for Youth” project aims to translate key works into Uzbek to build a stronger reading habit among young people.

Islamic Culture Spotlight: Tashkent hosted an international media forum at the Center for Islamic Civilization, bringing journalists, filmmakers and digital specialists together under “Islamic Civilization: A New Perspective — New Discoveries,” with major partners including CNN and Euronews. Museum & Heritage Exchange: Qatar Museums will open “Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion” at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha from 3 September to 28 November, featuring 146 objects spanning over 1,000 years of Uzbek artistic and Islamic-era traditions. Local Culture Meets AI: A report highlights the Islamic Civilization Center’s vast architecture and its blend of ancient manuscripts and modern digital storytelling. Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Cultural Diplomacy: Coverage around the “Eternal Friendship” push keeps spotlighting shared cultural initiatives, including art events like the Bukhara Biennial viewing by Leyla Aliyeva. Youth & Sports Lifestyle: India’s U17 women’s team arrived in Tashkent for two friendlies (27 and 30 August) ahead of AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers. Women’s Entrepreneurship: Visa and Ipak Yuli Bank announced winners of the first wave of She’s Next in Uzbekistan, awarding grants to seven projects after a nationwide pitch day.

Uzbek-Azerbaijan Cultural Diplomacy: First Ladies Mehriban Aliyeva and Leyla Aliyeva, alongside Uzbekistan’s Ziroatkhon Mirziyoyeva and daughters, toured Tashkent’s “Okhun Gozar” art space (ceramics, needlework, jewelry, woodcarving) and the Islamic Civilization Center, highlighting rare manuscripts, a vast library, and the “Quran of Uthman.” Eternal Friendship, With Cultural Backing: During President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan signed the Treaty on Eternal Friendship, setting a $1bn trade target by 2030 and pairing the political deal with culture-and-people projects like sister-city ties and new initiatives. Education & Heritage Spotlight: The National Pedagogical University named after Nizami Ganjavi opened in Tashkent as leaders cut the ribbon and planted a tree, reinforcing shared intellectual heritage. Bukhara Biennial Preview: Leyla Aliyeva visited works from the first Bukhara Biennial, organized by the ACDF, with the next edition planned for 2027. International Media Forum in Uzbekistan: A Turkmen delegation joined the “Islamic Civilization: A New Perspective, New Discoveries” media forum in Tashkent and Samarkand, with documentary and digital-media discussions. Sports & Culture Crossover: FIDE barred Russian teams from the 2026 World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, turning the chess spotlight back to Uzbekistan. Global Mobility Legal Update: A US court struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting countries including Uzbekistan, restoring case-by-case visa processing.

Eternal Friendship Treaty: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan signed a Treaty on Eternal Friendship in Tashkent, setting a $1bn trade target by 2030 and launching new cooperation in banking, energy, tourism, mining, and transport links. Culture & education diplomacy: The leaders opened the National Pedagogical University named after Nizami Ganjavi and backed cultural projects like Azerbaijan Park in New Tashkent plus plans for Days of Azerbaijani Culture and a joint film on Navoi’s literary heritage. Art in the spotlight: Azerbaijani First Lady Leyla Aliyeva visited works from the first Bukhara Biennial ahead of the next edition in 2027, while the First Ladies also toured the “Okhun Gozar” art space. Media cooperation: Uzbek and Azerbaijani journalists highlighted growing ties through reciprocal visits and joint events, framing culture and shared values as a bridge. Islamic Civilization forum: Turkmenistan’s media delegation joined an international forum in Tashkent and Samarkand focused on documentary filmmaking and modern media tools. Sports (Uzbek link): FIFA Women’s World Cup play-offs draw Ghana against Ecuador, Uzbekistan, and Papua New Guinea, keeping Uzbekistan in the spotlight for fans. Samarkand chess: FIDE barred Russian teams from the 2026 World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.

Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan Eternal Friendship: Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Ilham Aliyev signed a Treaty on Eternal Friendship in Tashkent, aiming to lift bilateral trade to $1bn by 2030, with cooperation spanning investment, education, tourism and more. Cultural diplomacy in the capital: The leaders’ visit also brought major cultural milestones—foundation stone laid for the “Azerbaijan” Park in New Tashkent and high-profile First Ladies’ visits to the “Okhun Gozar” art space and the Islamic Civilization Center, showcasing crafts, exhibitions, and rare manuscripts. Education as a bridge: The National Pedagogical University named after Nizami Ganjavi officially opened in Tashkent, with ribbon-cutting and tree planting by both presidents. Literature spotlight: Indian-American poet Usha Akella released three new books, including a Romanian collaboration, and is set to read in Uzbekistan in September. Sports—Women’s World Cup play-offs: FIFA confirmed preliminary-round fixtures for the 2027 Women’s World Cup play-offs, with Uzbekistan drawn against Papua New Guinea, Ghana, and South Africa. Sports—Inspiration story: Ankur Warikoo highlighted Mirabai Chanu’s comeback from Olympic failure to Commonwealth Games gold, a reminder that setbacks can fuel future wins.

Uzbek-Azerbaijani Cultural Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced that “Days of Azerbaijani Culture” will be held in Uzbekistan by year-end, alongside a second forum of university rectors in Azerbaijan, as the two leaders also move ahead with major education and heritage projects: inaugurating the new Nizami Ganjavi–named university building and starting construction of an “Azerbaijan Park” in New Tashkent, plus plans for a joint film linking Nizami Ganjavi and Alisher Navoi. Eternal Friendship Treaty: Mirziyoyev and Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev signed the “Treaty on Eternal Friendship,” framing cooperation around mutual trust and long-term commitments, including safeguards against threats to sovereignty and security. Cultural Events Abroad: Uzbekistan’s cultural ties were also visible overseas, including an Uzbek cultural evening for Uzbeks of Afghanistan in Germany, aimed at preserving music and art amid restrictions. Sports & Women’s Football: FIFA released the 2027 Women’s World Cup playoff fixtures, with Uzbekistan drawn against South Africa, Papua New Guinea, and Ghana in the preliminary phase. Heritage & Scholarship: A new push for Turkic-world archaeology cooperation proposes a shared digital atlas and research portal to connect Central Asian heritage across borders. Immigration Policy Ripple: A US court struck down a Trump-era immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Uzbekistan, after ruling it exceeded legal authority.

US Immigration Ruling: A Manhattan federal judge struck down the Trump administration’s blanket suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, calling it “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department chief’s authority; the list includes Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, among many others. Uzbekistan Politics & Governance: Saida Mirziyoeva’s role expands after a law signed Aug. 14, boosting her formal authority in the Security Council—fueling fresh succession talk. Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Alliance & Culture: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev tells UzA that ties have reached an “alliance” level, rooted in shared history and culture, and highlights cooperation across transport, education, science, culture, and humanitarian work. Regional Heritage Tech: Turkic-world archaeologists push a shared digital research model, including an electronic atlas of sites across Turkic countries—aimed at studying Central Asia as one connected historical space. Diaspora Culture: Uzbek artists from Afghanistan held a cultural evening in Frankfurt, spotlighting Uzbek music and art for migrants in Europe. Sports & Identity: Uzbekistan is set to face South Africa in the 2027 Women’s World Cup playoff final group match, after intercontinental draw results.

Uzbekistan’s Saida Mirziyoeva Power Shift: A new law expanded the Presidential Administration’s powers, formally boosting Mirziyoeva’s role in coordinating the Security Council—fueling fresh succession talk. Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Cultural Diplomacy: Defense ministries in Tashkent exchanged experience on ideological work and psychological services, with joint cultural and mass events, concerts, and music festivals highlighted as part of the relationship-building. Turkic Heritage Goes Digital: Archaeologists across the Turkic world are pushing a shared digital atlas and research portal, aiming to treat Central Asia’s archaeological past as one connected historical space. Sports & Youth Culture: Uzbekistan-linked international sports coverage included a major judo cadets event in Guayaquil featuring top athletes now mentoring the next generation, plus Uzbekistan’s presence in women’s World Cup playoff draws. Crafts & Identity: A feature on Bukharan jewelry preservation spotlighted how Uzbek artisans document traditional techniques to keep heritage alive for future generations.

Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Alliance Talk: Ilham Aliyev tells UzA that relations have reached an “alliance” level, rooted in shared history, culture, language and moral values, and backed by the Supreme Interstate Council as a key mechanism for long-term cooperation. East–West Connectivity: Aliyev calls Baku and Tashkent “natural partners” on strategic transport routes, linking the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway with the Middle Corridor and TRIPP to open new transit and economic opportunities. Turkic Culture in Defense: Azerbaijani and Uzbek defense ministries met in Tashkent to exchange ideological and psychological services know-how, with joint cultural and mass events, concerts and music festivals highlighted as part of strengthening friendship and preserving folklore heritage. Craft Heritage Spotlight: A new handbook on Bukharan jewelry making profiles Uzbek jeweler Zokir Negmatov and the master-to-apprentice tradition behind Bukhara’s gold-and-silver craft legacy. Women’s Football Path: Ghana’s Black Queens were drawn to face Ecuador, Uzbekistan and Papua New Guinea in the 2027 Women’s World Cup play-off preliminary phase. Accessibility Watch: Kyrgyzstan’s ombudsman reports only four of 20 government websites meet partial accessibility standards for people with disabilities, underscoring a wider push for inclusive digital services. Sports Note: Banaat FC (UAE) routed Master FC (Laos) 9-0 in the AFC Women’s Champions League preliminary stage in Qarshi, Uzbekistan.

Ethnography & Heritage: An international “Great Altai: Turkic Heritage 2026” expedition (Aug 10–19) studied Central Asian traditions across about 2,000 km, with researchers from Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan documenting rituals, folk games, crafts, food and beliefs among the Kumandins, Chelkans, Tubalars and Altaians. Diplomacy & Culture in Action: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev told UzA that Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are “natural” partners on East–West routes, linking transport/logistics plans with the Middle Corridor and OTS cooperation, framing the Turkic bloc as a carrier of shared history, culture and spiritual values. Defense, Ideology & Arts: In Tashkent, the Azerbaijani and Uzbek defense ministries exchanged experience on ideological work and psychological services, highlighting patriotism-building through joint cultural events, concerts and music festivals. Craft & Identity: Uzbek jeweler Zokir Negmatov shared how Bukharan jewelry making is preserved—skills passed master-to-apprentice—plus the role of Bukhara’s historic Toqi Zargaron dome in keeping the craft alive. Women’s Football: Ghana’s Black Queens were drawn to face Ecuador, Uzbekistan and Papua New Guinea in the 2027 Women’s World Cup play-off preliminary phase (Nov 24–Dec 5), with top teams advancing toward Brazil 2027. Sports Spotlight: Banaat FC (UAE) thrashed Master FC (Laos) 9–0 in Qarshi, Uzbekistan, in the AFC Women’s Champions League preliminaries. Islamic Tourism & Scholarship: Azerbaijani journalists toured the Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex near Samarkand, focusing on its Islamic scholarly heritage, museum and visitor capacity.

Women’s Football Play-Off Draw: Ghana’s Black Queens learned their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup play-off route: they’ll face Ecuador first, then Uzbekistan, and finish against Papua New Guinea in the preliminary phase (Nov 24–Dec 5, 2026), with the top two advancing to the knockout final phase for three World Cup spots. Cultural Heritage Tourism: Azerbaijani journalists toured Uzbekistan’s Samarkand highlights, visiting the Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex and the Registan Square, spotlighting restored Islamic scholarship sites, major mosque and museum facilities, and the UNESCO-listed “Samarkand – Crossroads of Cultures” heritage. Sports Spotlight (Taekwondo): Uzbekistan athletes picked up medals at the World Taekwondo President’s Cup in Lahore, including bronze finishes for Uzbekistan competitors across multiple weight categories. Digital Accessibility (Regional Rights): A Kyrgyzstan ombudsman report at a Tashkent conference found only four of 20 government websites were partially accessible for people with disabilities, pointing to low accessibility across most digital services. Business & Media: Timur Turlov’s Freedom Holding ecosystem continues expanding into Kazakhstan media, with new stakes in business publishing and radio/TV outlets. Women’s Entrepreneurship: Uzbekistan’s push to boost women’s economic participation includes major funding for SMEs and women-led projects under national reform efforts.

Women’s Football Play-Offs: Ghana’s Black Queens have been drawn to face Ecuador, Uzbekistan and Papua New Guinea in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 preliminary phase, with matches set for a centralised venue from Nov 24 to Dec 5, 2026. Uzbekistan Cultural Tourism: Azerbaijani journalists toured Samarkand’s Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex, highlighting its mosque, museum pavilions and expanded visitor capacity after reconstruction. Heritage in the Spotlight: The same media tour included Registan Square, with focus on the Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor and Tilla-Kari madrasas and their science-and-architecture legacy. Cultural Diplomacy: Another stop was the Center of Islamic Civilization, described as a platform for preserving Central Asia’s Islamic scholarly heritage and promoting intercultural dialogue. Sports & Talent: Uzbekistan-linked international sport news also surfaced, including taekwondo golds for Uzbekistan athletes at the 8th President’s Cup in Lahore and Uzbekistan’s presence in regional football play-off draws. Women’s Entrepreneurship: Uzbekistan’s push for women’s economic participation continues, with major 2026 funding earmarked for small business and women entrepreneurs.

Women’s Entrepreneurship: Uzbekistan’s “New Uzbekistan” push is backing women entrepreneurs with major funding—140 trillion UZS for small and medium businesses in 2026, including 43 trillion UZS earmarked for women and young founders. Islamic Tourism: Malaysia’s tourism industry is urging a special Budget 2027 allocation for Islamic tourism and Islamic MICE, framing it as a wider economic ecosystem beyond just Muslim travelers. Sports & Talent: Uzbekistan athletes kept showing up on the international stage—taekwondo golds included Uzbekistan’s Soberjanova (silver) and Jaserbek (gold) in Lahore, while Informatics Olympiad results in Tashkent brought Mongolian honorable mentions (with Uzbekistan hosting the event). Culture & Heritage: Azerbaijani media toured Uzbekistan’s Chorsu Bazaar and the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, highlighting heritage preservation and cultural diplomacy. Archaeology: Excavations in southeastern Uzbekistan at Tugunbulak suggest a lost iron-producing metropolis tied to Silk Road-era sources. Lifestyle & Community: A new women-focused entrepreneurship dialogue and grassroots “Industry and Services in the Mahalla” initiatives aim to turn local business ideas into jobs.