“Mirziyoyev returned the amity to Uzbekistan” – Alisher Usmanov

A Russian businessman of Uzbek origin Alisher Usmanov, during a frank interview with a Forbes correspondent, shared his opinion on the reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan and spoke about President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

“Shavkat Mirziyoyev is specific in his plans. He is a true patriot and will never allow the state of Uzbekistan to corrode,” Mr. Usmanov said.

“Firstly, he returned the amity to Central Asia. This is recognized by all the leaders of the region. It is very important. Previously, there was a very tense situation that even turned into hostility - borders with neighboring states – Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan were mined. Thus, establishing peace in the region seemed very difficult.

Secondly, he is on equal footing with both Washington and Moscow.

Thirdly, Uzbekistan is beginning to play the role of an international platform for effectively addressing the issue of peace in Afghanistan,” the businessman noted.

According to Mr. Usmanov, Uzbekistan is now liberalizing the regime in relation to dissidents, eliminating the relic bans that existed for entering and leaving the country. 

“In general, society, the state and the economy are being reorganized,” Mr. Usmanov added.