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Category: Central Asia

  • MIL-OSI Russia: UN Green Climate Fund to Allocate $280 Million to Kazakhstan for Eco-Projects

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    ALMATY, June 3 (Xinhua) — The United Nations Green Climate Fund (GCF) will finance environmental projects in Kazakhstan worth $280 million, the Kazinform news agency reported on Tuesday.

    The Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan, Yerlan Nysanbayev, announced the new financing program during parliamentary hearings on the implementation of the best available technologies.

    According to the minister, the funds received will be used to develop renewable energy sources, stimulate the introduction of low-carbon technologies in the industrial sector, and support the development of electric vehicles.

    E. Nysanbaev said that in 2024, in order to promote green projects for the UN GCF, a country program was prepared, including 7 projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector, increasing the sustainability of centralized water supply systems in rural areas, modernizing livestock farms, and supporting private sector initiatives in the field of green financing.

    The total budget for these projects is more than $1 billion, of which the fund is expected to provide $630 million in funding. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Opening ceremony of the event on inter-civilizational exchanges and mutual learning “Meet and learn” was held in Turkmenistan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    ASHGABAT, June 3 (Xinhua) — An opening ceremony of the “Meet and Learn” event on exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations was held in the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, on Tuesday. More than 200 guests, including representatives of various social circles of China and Turkmenistan and representatives of some foreign embassies in Turkmenistan, attended the ceremony.

    The ceremony officially opened the Dehua White Porcelain Exhibition and the 2025 China Equestrian Culture Exhibition, which were jointly hosted by China and Turkmenistan. The two themed exhibitions reveal the common aesthetic preferences and emotional connection between the peoples of the two countries regarding horses and the color white.

    More than 150 horse-related exhibits, such as saddles, photographs, calligraphy works, sculptures, fur paintings, embroidery and paper crafts, have been selected for the China Equestrian Culture Exhibition, which demonstrates the diversity and profound content of China’s equestrian culture.

    The Dehua White Porcelain Exhibition features over 40 highly artistic contemporary porcelain pieces with designs that embody ancient motifs and new trends. The exhibits also include pieces featuring fast horses, which are intended to highlight the important role of equestrianism in strengthening ties between the cultures of China and Turkmenistan.

    During the ceremony, representatives of the National Museum of China, the China Horse Industry Association, the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and the National Horse Breeding Federation of Turkmenistan exchanged gifts, such as the Chinese translation of the “Collection of Magtymguly’s Poetry” and white porcelain items.

    Chinese and foreign guests shared the view that the two exhibitions fully demonstrate the unique charm of Chinese culture, the profound heritage and vibrant vitality of the friendly relations between the two countries.

    The event was organized by the Information Office of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Turkmenistan. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    H.E. Mr. Ignazio Cassis, Foreign Minister of Switzerland and Member of the Swiss Federal Council; Excellencies; Distinguished Delegates; Ladies and Gentlemen,

    This 2025 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction comes at a critical point in time.

    Let me express my sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Switzerland for welcoming us at this crucial juncture on the road to 2030, and to co-chairs Patricia Danzi and Kamal Kishore and their dedicated teams for their leadership in steering the 8th Global Platform forward.

    We gather here with a profound sense of urgency, but also among geopolitical tensions, and an unwavering responsibility.

    Just last week, I stood among global leaders at the first High-Level International Conference for Glaciers’ Preservation in Dushanbe, witnessing first-hand the impact of climate change on Tajikistan’s Glacier’s in the Pamir mountain range. As a global community, the Conference issued an urgent call for action to safeguard these fragile ecosystems, reduce the impact of climate change on water-related ecosystems and invest in disaster prevention.

    Days later, one of the biggest Alpine disasters struck just 130 kilometres from here in Blatten. A glacier collapse could have cost countless lives, but thanks to the early warning systems, people and their livestock were evacuated in time.

    Still, the devastation is profound. I extend my deepest sympathies to the people of Blatten, who now face a difficult task of recovering what was lost.

    This disaster is a stark reminder: early warnings save lives, but they alone cannot save glaciers from disappearing. Communities and ecosystems depend on these ice reserves, and the consequences of their loss are irreversible. 

    If global warming exceeds 1.5°C, the impacts will cascade across the planet. The UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All Initiative is helping countries prepare for climate-related shocks while strengthening climate resilience. But we must scale up this rapidly, ensuring that no one is left behind.

    Excellencies,

    When we came together in 2015 to adopt the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we did more than set ambitious goals, we made a solemn promise to build a world that is safer, more equitable, and more resilient.

    Yet, that promise stands at a crossroads.

    Although we have made progress since Paris in bringing down projected temperature increases, we are now dangerously close to the 1.5 degrees limit, and every new scientific report tells us that another climate indicator is flashing red.

    Just last week, WMO projected that we will likely see temperatures rise above 1.5 degrees not just for a single year but over the next five years.

    Disasters are not just increasing in scale and cost—they are striking with growing intensity and unpredictability, leaving no country or region untouched.

    Every delay in action carries a devastating human and economic toll.

    The 2025 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction highlights direct losses from disasters at $202 billion annually, but when cascading and ecosystem costs are considered, total losses exceed 2.3 trillion US dollars annually.

    Disasters have devastating effects on the world’s most vulnerable countries – LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS –derailing economies, deepening inequity, and pushing them further off the path of sustainable development.

    Middle Income Countries also face mounting setbacks, as disasters divert critical resources away from long-term growth.

    Even developed countries are not immune. Record-breaking disasters are making entire regions uninsurable, exposing new vulnerabilities.

    Meanwhile, the Sustainable Development Goals are dangerously off track, with an annual financing gap of over 4 trillion dollars.

    Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,

    Protecting development gains from disaster impacts is more urgent than ever.

    Progress is possible and we have seen it.

    Over the past decade, disaster mortality rates have declined, early warning systems have expanded, and two-thirds of countries that are part of the Sendai Framework now have disaster risk strategies in place.

    But this is not enough. We must go further and faster to deliver on Early Warning Systems for All by 2027.

    We must continue to build momentum powered by innovation, determination, and multi-networked leadership.

    Your actions demonstrate that “resilience does pay” when governments, local actors, the private sector, youth and all of society come together to take action.

    From Artificial Intelligence, predictive analytics and machine learning models, new tools together with traditional knowledge and on the ground practitioners are transforming how we predict, prevent, and mitigate disasters.

    They must be expanded for proactive, data-driven prevention – saving lives while protecting livelihoods and assets.

    Immediate, real-time monitoring, advanced satellite imagery and geographic information systems can complement preparedness strategies, coordination, and our 2030 Agenda’s promise of leaving no one behind.

    These transformative actions must be scaled to ensure resilience is not an after-thought, but the foundation for our long-term prosperity.

    Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    I see three key actions to accelerate the implementation of the Sendai Framework in the remaining five years.

    First, we must prioritize risk-informed development across all sectors and levels. This means putting prevention and resilience at the centre of every decision, investment, and policy that we make.

    Every dollar invested in infrastructure, energy, cities, agriculture… must strengthen resilience, not exacerbate future risk.

    At the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, we have a chance to reform global development finance and address the debt crisis, enabling us to have more fiscal space to avert these crises.

    Second, we must urgently scale up public and private investments in resilience.  All nations must dedicate a larger portion of public budgets to disaster risk reduction and establish national financing frameworks that align economic development plans with risk reduction and climate adaptation needs.

    We must acknowledge resilience as a long-term economic necessity – and the best return on investment.

    Instruments like catastrophe bonds, risk pools, and climate-resilient insurance can ensure faster recovery while reducing economic strain on vulnerable communities.

    I encourage you to work with the private sector to mobilize new ways of funding resilience and integrating it into long-term business practices.

    Third, we must strengthen our solidarity and cooperation. The risks we face are interconnected — across geographies, political boundaries and development sectors.

    By September, nations will submit new climate plans – or nationally determined contributions. Strong, ambitious strategies to cut emissions and fortify resilience will shape our future and drastically reduce the risk of climate-related disasters.

    Our responses must also be based on behavioural science and predictive forecasting. We must focus particularly on those who are most vulnerable and those already living on the frontlines of crisis.

    The UN Secretariat is committed to supporting you seizing every global opportunity to drive change towards resilience, breaking the vicious cycle of debt, uninsurability and crises.

    This Platform, I believe must elevate disaster risk reduction across the UN system –  from the UN Ocean Conference, to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, to COP30, to the World Summit on Social Development, and beyond.

    Excellencies, Friends,

    This is not business as usual.

    The cost of inaction is already unbearable for many – and the choices we make now will shape the lives of generations to come.

    Disaster risk reduction is not an option – it must be at the heart of our efforts to secure a safer, more sustainable, and more just world.

    So let us rise to that moment — with resolve, with investment, and with the partnerships we need to deliver real results in the lives of people while protecting our planet.

    Thank you.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Special Report: Silkworms Weave New Ties of Cooperation Between China and Azerbaijan under Belt and Road Initiative

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BAKU, June 3 (Xinhua) — In the small town of Gakh, 350 km northwest of Baku, Chief Engineer Manet Suleymanli was inspecting a mulberry plantation at the Gakh Sericulture Breeding Station on a foggy morning. Pointing to the trees, he said: “There are 30,000 Chinese saplings planted in 2019 growing on these three hectares. See, they are almost reaching my shoulders. In six years, we have imported 4.5 million saplings, they are planted all over the country. This is a revival.”

    THIRTY YEARS OF DECLINE: FROM SOVIET GREATNESS TO OBLIVION

    Azerbaijan was one of the centers of the eastern silk industry with a history of more than 1,500 years. In the 1960s and 70s, cocoon production exceeded 20 thousand tons – the second place in the USSR after Uzbekistan. In terms of quality, Azerbaijani silk was considered the best in the world and was exported to Japan, Switzerland, and Italy. But after the collapse of the USSR in the 1990s, economic ties were destroyed, collective farms disappeared, plantations were abandoned, breeds degraded, and specialists left. Akram Fataliyev, who headed the Gakh station for 40 years, recalls: “In 1986, 6,000 tons of cocoons were produced, in 2014 – only 10 tons, in 2015 – 236 kilograms. Production was disappearing.” According to him, with the decline of sericulture, he had to go into business.

    CHINESE TECHNOLOGY BEARS FRUIT: “PROJECT GREEN” REVITALIZES THE INDUSTRY

    The turning point came in 2016, when President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on state support for sericulture. The “new silkworm project” began, and the first Chinese seedlings and silkworms crossed the Tien Shan and the Caspian to take root again in Azerbaijan. This became a new chapter in the cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. M. Suleymanli explains: “The Chinese tree has large leaves – the caterpillars love them. But the Chinese caterpillars eat little, but produce a lot of silk.”

    In order to develop the industry, the “State Program for the Development of Cocoon Farming and Sericulture in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2018-2025” was adopted in 2017. The country began actively purchasing cocoons from China, incubating them and distributing them free of charge to farmers in order to increase cocoon production to 6,000 tons per year.

    The main partner is Shandong Guangtong Silkworm Eggs Co., Ltd. Li Qiliang, who worked in Gakh from 2016 to 2019, explains: “The mulberry tree bears fruit for 15-20 years, then the harvest declines. Most of the trees were inherited from the USSR – they are old. China supplies grafted seedlings of the Jisang No. 3 variety – they are resistant to diseases, heat and drought, and produce high-quality leaves.” The Chinese breed of silkworms Huakang No. 3 forms cocoons up to 1,200 meters long – this is 300-400 meters longer than local caterpillars.

    GAKHSKAYA STATION OF SILKWORM BREEDING: INDEPENDENT SELECTION OF HYBRID LINES OF SILKWORMS

    In 2018, cooperation between China and Azerbaijan in the field of sericulture reached a new level. With technical support from China, the breeding station in Gakh was reconstructed. President I. Aliyev and his wife attended the opening ceremony, emphasizing the importance of the project. Three Chinese specialists, including Li Qiliang, took a commemorative photo with the presidential couple.

    Silkworms are the basis of sericulture. The Gakh station is the only institution in the country engaged in their breeding. Investment in its restoration was the first step towards self-sufficiency in this area. Founded in 1973, the station ceased operations in 1998, but after reconstruction it occupies five hectares, including an administrative building, a laboratory, incubation and hybrid centers.

    Three hectares of mulberry plantations have been created at the station. In 2019, 30,000 Chinese seedlings resistant to the harsh climate began to grow here. That same year, research on silkworm hybridization began – for the first time in the history of Azerbaijan. According to Li Qiliang, the training was carried out strictly according to Chinese standards. Hybridization increases the resistance of silkworms to diseases and increases the yield of cocoons.

    Chief Engineer M. Suleymanli said that currently “Gakh-1” and “Gakh-2” are being grown, having reached the fifth age. Soon they will begin to form cocoons, after which mating will occur to obtain a new species. Delivery of two more varieties of gren from China is expected.

    In 2018, Lalazar Gaidarova, an employee of the station, completed a two-week training in China. “Chinese technologies are modern and effective. Now we do everything the same way as in China. Even the equipment was brought from there,” she shared. L. Gaidarova advocates for a regular exchange of experience with the Chinese side and sending Azerbaijani youth for internships. “Our specialists are getting older. 62-year-old Manet is the youngest. We need to prepare a replacement,” she says.

    This year, the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan again imported 5,000 boxes of garnets from China, supplementing them with 1,000 boxes of local production. A total of 6,000 boxes were distributed among 40 districts and Nakhchivan. The projected harvest is 240 tons. M. Suleymanli noted that in sericulture, as in viticulture, there are lean years, and the current year is not the best.

    Farmers have realized the advantages of sericulture: high profits and quick results – after 40 days the caterpillars form cocoons. Capital turnover is only two months. Now farmers in 40 of the country’s 66 regions and in Nakhchivan are engaged in sericulture. The leaders are Zardab, Fizuli, Zagatala and others.

    According to Zaur Abbasov, Advisor to the Head of the Gakh District, registration of farmers begins in February. Based on applications, the Ministry of Agriculture imports the required amount of grains. By the end of April and the beginning of May, the grains are distributed among the regions. “Grans and mulberry tree seedlings are provided free of charge. The revival of sericulture is important for diversifying the economy and preserving traditions,” he noted.

    To stimulate farmers, the state increased the purchase price of cocoons from three to 11 manats per kilogram, of which five is paid by the buyer and six by the state in the form of a subsidy.

    There are already tangible results: 236 kg of cocoons were collected in 2015, and 643.7 tons in 2019, which provided income for more than 10,000 rural families.

    Xinhua met Sahib, Azerbaijan’s champion sericulturist. In 2018, he collected one ton of cocoons from 20 boxes of geraniums, setting a record. Now he works with five boxes, expecting a 250-kilogram harvest. His sericulture workshop resembles a factory, with two-tiered racks and temperature and humidity controls. “Look, the caterpillars are sleeping. In 15 days, the cocoons will be ready. At 11 manat per kilogram, that will bring in 2,750 manat, a third of the family’s annual income,” he said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE workshop in Uzbekistan supports development of national competency framework and training strategy on cybercrime and electronic evidence

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE workshop in Uzbekistan supports development of national competency framework and training strategy on cybercrime and electronic evidence

    OSCE workshop in Uzbekistan supports development of national competency framework and training strategy on cybercrime and electronic evidence | OSCE

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Autocrats don’t act like Hitler or Stalin anymore − instead of governing with violence, they use manipulation

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniel Treisman, Professor of Political Science, University of California, Los Angeles

    Autocrats today tend to govern by manipulation of the public, among other tactics, rather than solely using violence. Nanzeeba Ibnat/iStock/Getty Images Plus

    President Donald Trump’s critics often accuse him of harboring authoritarian ambitions. Journalists and scholars have drawn parallels between his leadership style and that of strongmen abroad. Some Democrats warn that the U.S. is sliding toward autocracy – a system in which one leader holds unchecked power.

    Others counter that labeling Trump an autocrat is alarmist. After all, he hasn’t suspended the Constitution, forced school children to memorize his sayings or executed his rivals, as dictators such as Augusto Pinochet, Mao Zedong and Saddam Hussein once did.

    But modern autocrats don’t always resemble their 20th-century predecessors.

    Instead, they project a polished image, avoid overt violence and speak the language of democracy. They wear suits, hold elections and talk about the will of the people. Rather than terrorizing citizens, many use media control and messaging to shape public opinion and promote nationalist narratives. Many gain power not through military coups but at the ballot box.

    The softer power of today’s autocrats

    In the early 2000s, political scientist Andreas Schedler coined the term “electoral authoritarianism” to describe regimes that hold elections without real competition. Scholars Steven Levitsky and Lucan Way use another phrase, “competitive authoritarianism,” for systems in which opposition parties exist but leaders undermine them through censorship, electoral fraud or legal manipulation.

    In my own work with economist Sergei Guriev, we explore a broader strategy that modern autocrats use to gain and maintain power. We call this “informational autocracy” or “spin dictatorship.”

    These leaders don’t rely on violent repression. Instead, they craft the illusion that they are competent, democratic defenders of the nation – protecting it from foreign threats or internal enemies who seek to undermine its culture or steal its wealth.

    President Donald Trump appears at an Air Force base in Doha, Qatar, on May 15, 2025.
    Win McNamee/Getty Images

    Hungary’s democratic facade

    Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán exemplifies this approach. He first served from 1998 to 2002, returned to power in 2010 and has since won three more elections – in 2014, 2018 and 2022 – after campaigns that international observers criticized as “intimidating and xenophobic.”

    Orbán has preserved the formal structures of democracy – courts, a parliament and regular elections – but has systematically hollowed them out.

    In his first two years he packed Hungary’s constitutional court, which reviews laws for constitutionality, with loyalists, forced judges off the bench by mandating a lower retirement age and rewrote the constitution to limit judicial review of his actions. He also tightened government control over independent media.

    To boost his image, Orbán funneled state advertising funds to friendly news outlets. In 2016, an ally bought Hungary’s largest opposition newspaper – then shut it down.

    Orbán has also targeted advocacy groups and universities. The Central European University, which was registered in both Budapest and the U.S., was once a symbol of the new democratic Hungary. But a law penalizing foreign-accredited institutions forced it to relocate to Vienna in 2020.

    Yet Orbán has mostly avoided violence. Journalists are harassed rather than jailed or killed. Critics are discredited for their beliefs but not abducted. His appeal rests on a narrative that Hungary is under siege – by immigrants, liberal elites and foreign influences – and that only he can defend its sovereignty and Christian identity. That message resonates with older, rural, conservative voters, even as it alienates younger, urban populations.

    A global shift in autocrats

    In recent decades, variants of spin dictatorship have appeared in Singapore, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ecuador and Venezuela. Leaders such as Hugo Chávez and the early Vladimir Putin consolidated power and marginalized opposition with minimal violence.

    Data confirm this trend. Drawing from human rights reports, historical records and local media, my colleague Sergei Guriev and I found that the global incidence of political killings and imprisonments by autocrats dropped significantly from the 1980s to the 2010s.

    Why? In an interconnected world, overt repression has costs. Attacking journalists and dissidents can prompt foreign governments to impose economic sanctions and discourage international companies from investing. Curbing free expression risks stifling scientific and technological innovation – something even autocrats need in modern, knowledge-based economies.

    Still, when crises erupt, even spin dictators often revert to more traditional tactics. Russia’s Putin has cracked down violently on
    protesters and jailed opposition leaders. Meanwhile, more brutal regimes such as those in North Korea and China continue to rule by spreading fear, combining mass incarceration with advanced surveillance technologies.

    But overall, spin is replacing terror.

    America too?

    Most experts, myself included, agree that the U.S. remains a democracy.

    Yet some of Trump’s tactics resemble those of informational autocrats. He has attacked the press, defied court rulings and pressured universities to curtail academic independence and limit international admissions. His admiration for strongmen such as Putin, China’s Xi Jinping and El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele alarms observers. At the same time, Trump routinely denigrates democratic allies and international institutions such as the United Nations and NATO.

    Some experts say democracy depends on politicians’ self restraint. But a system that survives only if leaders choose to respect its limits is not much of a system at all.
    What matters more is whether the press, judiciary, nonprofit organizations, professional associations, churches, unions, universities and citizens have the power – and the will – to hold leaders accountable.

    Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán delivers a speech at a hotel in Madrid on Feb. 8, 2025.
    Thomas Coex/AFP via Getty Images

    Preserving democracy in the US

    Wealthy democracies such as the U.S., Canada and many Western European countries benefit from robust institutions such as newspapers, universities, courts and advocacy groups that act as checks on government.

    Such institutions help explain why populists such as Italy’s Silvio Berlusconi or Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, although accused of bending electoral rules and threatening judicial independence, have not dismantled democracy outright in their countries.

    In the U.S., the Constitution provides another layer of protection. Amending it requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-quarters of the states – a far steeper hurdle than in Hungary, where Orbán needed only a two-thirds parliamentary majority to rewrite the constitution.

    Of course, even the U.S. Constitution can be undermined if a president defies the Supreme Court. But doing so risks igniting a constitutional crisis and alienating key supporters.

    That doesn’t mean American democracy is safe from erosion. But its institutional foundations are older, deeper and more decentralized than those of many newer democracies. Its federal structure, with overlapping jurisdictions and multiple veto points, makes it harder for any one leader to dominate.

    Still, the global rise of spin dictatorships should sharpen awareness of what is happening in the U.S. Around the world, autocrats have learned to control their citizens by faking democracy. Understanding their techniques may help Americans to preserve the real thing.

    Daniel Treisman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Autocrats don’t act like Hitler or Stalin anymore − instead of governing with violence, they use manipulation – https://theconversation.com/autocrats-dont-act-like-hitler-or-stalin-anymore-instead-of-governing-with-violence-they-use-manipulation-256665

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The first passengers arrived from Uzbekistan to the Chinese city of Urumqi since the visa waiver agreement came into force

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    URUMQI, June 3 (Xinhua) — A plane carrying 160 passengers landed at Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi at 7:00 a.m. Sunday. They became the first passengers from Uzbekistan to visit China since the Agreement on Mutual Exemption from Visa Requirements between China and Uzbekistan came into force.

    The flight time from Tashkent to Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region /Northwest China/, is about five hours. According to an Uzbek citizen named Tadjibayev, he plans to take a tourist trip around Xinjiang for 21 days. He is extremely interested in visiting Lake Sairam-Nur, the ancient city of Kashi /Kashgar/ and other picturesque areas.

    Currently, every week, planes of the two countries’ airlines operate 18 flights on routes connecting Urumqi and Uzbek cities.

    The local customs service promised to do everything necessary to help passengers resolve any problems they may encounter during inspection.

    Under the agreement, citizens of both countries are exempt from visa requirements when entering, leaving or transiting through the territories of the two countries for a period of no more than 30 days for each individual stay and for a total period of no more than 90 days within any 180-day period.

    Moreover, the duration of each entry and stay on the territory of the states of both parties must not exceed 30 days.

    If citizens need to stay for more than 30 days, they must obtain an entry visa in advance. The visa-free regime does not apply to work, education, and media activities, as well as other activities that require prior approval from the competent authorities of the other party. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin takes part in the 10th conference “Digital Industry of Industrial Russia”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    “Digital Industry of Industrial Russia” (CIPR) is the main business event on the digital economy and technologies in Russia. For many years, it has been a key platform for dialogue between business and government representatives on issues of digital transformation of society and various sectors of the economy.

    This year, the main track of the business program will be “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State”. “CIPR-2025” will be visited by delegations from more than 30 countries: China, Serbia, Cuba, India, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, the Philippines and others.

    Drive

    The conference business program will include more than 100 sessions covering the digitalization of key economic sectors and interaction with partner countries in the global market. International sessions will be held in partnership with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. The event will also feature bilateral panel discussions with representatives of the Republic of Belarus and the PRC.

    The exhibition of technological solutions will occupy three pavilions, including solutions from international participants from the BRICS and EAEU countries. International solutions from Chinese, Indian, Cuban and Belarusian companies will be presented here. In addition, for the second time, the CIPR site will feature a specialized stand of “digital attachés” – employees of Russian trade missions abroad who are engaged in the promotion of Russian IT products (the stand will reflect the experience of international cooperation in this area).

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tickets for the Shanghai-Almaty flight, which will be launched in July by China Eastern Airlines, have gone on sale

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) — Tickets for the direct Shanghai-Almaty flight, which will be launched on July 4 by China Eastern Airlines, have already gone on sale, the airline’s website reported.

    The plane will leave Shanghai at 16:05 Beijing time and arrive in Almaty at 19:35 local time, on the return flight it will depart at 20:50 local time and land at Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 05:45 the next day.

    Flights numbered MU6041/6042 on this route will be operated three times a week: on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

    China is Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner. The parties maintain close trade and economic contacts. The opening of the new flight, as stated by China Eastern Airlines, promotes the development of bilateral cooperation in the sphere of trade, cultural exchanges and tourism.

    Starting from June 1, when purchasing airline tickets for flights Shanghai-Almaty and back, it will be possible to receive discounts, the airline reminded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Djokovic beats Norrie to join Nadal in French Open century club

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic cruised past Britain’s Cameron Norrie to secure his 100th singles victory at the French Open on Monday.

    The 38-year-old triumphed 6-2, 6-3, 6-2, reaching the quarterfinals at Roland Garros for the 16th consecutive year.

    “It’s a very pretty number, but 101 victories sound better,” said Djokovic. “I will continue to search for another victory, it’s clearly not finished for me here. I’m very honored to make history in this sport, which has given me everything in my life.”

    Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates defeating Cameron Norrie of Britain after the men’s singles 4th round match at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros, Paris, France, June 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing)

    Alexander Zverev advanced to the quarterfinals for the seventh time in eight years after Dutch opponent Tallon Griekspoor retired with an abdominal injury while trailing 6-4, 3-0.

    World No. 1 Jannik Sinner swept 17th seed Andrey Rublev 6-1, 6-3, 6-4. The Italian, who is chasing his third consecutive Grand Slam title, will next face Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik.

    “I’m very, very happy, because things can go quickly in a bad way, especially in best of five,” Sinner said in his on-court interview. “They can go so long, so I’m very happy to finish in three. Night sessions here in Paris are always amazing, so thank you all for coming.”

    On the women’s side, 22-year-old French wildcard Lois Boisson, ranked No. 361 in the world, staged an impressive comeback to defeat third seed Jessica Pegula 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, becoming the first Frenchwoman to reach the Roland Garros last eight since 2017.

    “For the match point, I really felt very tense, and when I saw that my forehand was a winner, well, the whole pressure went off,” Boisson said. “I was just so happy to win and to be able to play the quarterfinals.”

    Elsewhere, American star Coco Gauff beat Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-0, 7-5 to set up an all-American quarterfinal clash with Australian Open champion Madison Keys.

    China’s Paris Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen is scheduled to face top seed Aryna Sabalenka on Tuesday on center court. Meanwhile, Zhang Shuai of China and Marcelo Arevalo of El Salvador advanced to the mixed doubles semifinals, marking Zhang’s first-ever appearance in the final four of the Roland Garros mixed doubles. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Consumers from all over the world have fallen in love with Chinese shopping: great value for money, convenient and easy

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    As the competitiveness of Chinese products grows dynamically, the attractiveness of local brands for foreign consumers is also gradually increasing.

    Stephanie, a tourist from Australia, said: “I really enjoyed the scenery and the shopping experience here. I bought souvenirs and clothes, especially Chinese brands that are gaining popularity among Australians.”

    Mo Junjun, a Malaysian international student studying at Nankai University, recently ordered a high-performance blender at a bargain price from a Chinese marketplace as a gift for his family. He noted, “The products made in China are impressive in their functionality and design.”

    Liliya, a girl from Russia, believes: “The most vivid impression of Chinese shopping is speed, convenience and reliability. This also includes the recent optimization of the tax refund policy when leaving the country: now it has become easier and more comfortable for foreign tourists to travel and buy. This, by the way, also demonstrates China’s sincere desire to continue to expand its external openness.”

    According to official reports, the “tax refund on purchase” service has already been launched in a test mode in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangdong, Sichuan, Zhejiang and other cities and regions.

    In fact, “Chinese shopping” is not only easy and accessible, but also, with the necessary and high-quality service, can cross the ocean and provide customers with free home delivery. Up to now, e-commerce platform JD.com has expanded its “free international delivery area” to 9 countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, etc. Another Chinese e-commerce giant, Taobao, recently announced that its “Free Global Delivery Service Project” will cover 12 countries and regions, including Australia, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia, as part of the upcoming “6.18” summer promotion.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: Cooperation between Tajikistan and China is actively developing thanks to the Belt and Road initiative – Vice-Rector of the Tajik Technical University named after Academician M. Osimi R. Jurakhonzoda

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Dushanbe, June 2 /Xinhua/ — Tajik-Chinese relations are currently at a high level of strategic partnership, Vice-Rector for International Relations of the Tajik Technical University named after Academician M. Osimi Rauf Jurakhonzoda said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua recently.

    “Cooperation between our countries is actively developing thanks to the Belt and Road initiative, especially in key areas such as science and education,” he stressed.

    According to R. Jurakhonzoda, within the framework of this initiative, quotas for studying in Chinese universities are allocated annually for Tajik students. The two countries are actively implementing joint educational and scientific projects and carrying out academic exchanges. Thus, the Tajik Technical University named after Academician M. Osimi has established a partnership with the Tianjin Vocational and Technical College of Urban Construction Management, the vice-rector said.

    R. Jurakhonzoda noted that in recent years there has been a positive trend in cultural and humanitarian exchanges between the two countries. A striking example of this, according to him, is the launch in Tajikistan of the first “Lu Ban Workshop” in Central Asia, aimed at training engineering personnel for the industrialization and modernization of the country. The activities of this workshop cover such areas as geodesy, intelligent cartography, construction, architecture, water and heat supply, as well as renewable energy sources.

    “We plan to introduce new formats of cooperation with Chinese universities. This is not only a contribution to the development of education, but also strengthening the friendship between our peoples,” he added.

    Speaking about the upcoming 2nd China-Central Asia Summit, which will be held in June, the Vice-Rector expressed hope for further deepening of the strategic partnership, especially in the field of high technology.

    He emphasized that the Tajik Technical University is interested in developing cooperation with Chinese universities in such areas as digitalization of education, artificial intelligence and smart technologies. Within the framework of the Lu Ban Workshops, it is planned to implement new joint programs that will allow training specialists in demand in various sectors – from agriculture to energy and industry, added R. Jurakhonzoda. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vice Chairperson of the CPPCC National Committee Visited Uzbekistan and Attended the 2nd China-Uzbekistan Interregional Forum

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Tashkent, June 2 (Xinhua) — From June 1 to 2, Vice Chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Shen Yueyue visited Uzbekistan and took part in the 2nd China-Uzbekistan Interregional Forum, where she delivered a speech.

    During the visit, she met with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis (upper house of parliament) of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbaeva, Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev, and also held a friendly exchange of views with Deputy Prime Minister Zulaykho Makhkamova.

    Shen Yueyue noted that under the strategic leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the China-Uzbekistan all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era has entered an accelerated development trajectory. The Chinese side is ready to work with Uzbekistan to implement the agreements reached by the heads of the two states, strengthen political mutual trust, deepen all-round mutually beneficial cooperation, promote cultural and humanitarian exchanges, and jointly build a community of shared future for China and Uzbekistan from a higher starting point, bringing even more benefits to the two countries and their peoples, the vice-chairwoman of the CPPCC National Committee emphasized.

    Prime Minister A. Aripov, for his part, asked Shen Yueyue to convey sincere greetings to Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang and noted that Uzbekistan and China are good partners, distinguished by mutual benefit and common gain, as well as reliable friends who support each other. Uzbekistan is ready to deepen cooperation with China in such areas as the economy, trade, investment, cultural, humanitarian and interregional exchanges, to promote high-quality construction of the “Belt and Road”, the head of the Uzbek government assured. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: ZA Miner Enhances Cloud Mining Platform with Flexible Contracts and Automated Payout Architecture

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZA Miner’s new flexible contracts and automated mining systems broaden secure access to regulated crypto earnings.

    Image by ZA Miner

    MIDDLESEX, United Kingdom, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ZA Miner, a United Kingdom-based cloud mining platform operated by FCA-regulated ZA Fundings Ltd, has announced a new set of features designed to expand secure and structured access to cryptocurrency mining. The platform’s latest update introduces flexible contract options and a fully automated payout system, reinforcing its commitment to infrastructure transparency and regulatory compliance.

    In response to growing interest in decentralized digital asset participation, ZA Miner now offers mining contracts with varied durations and projected performance estimates. These options are designed to accommodate different risk profiles and investment goals, from short-term entry-level contracts to longer-term commitments.

    Each contract is processed through ZA Miner’s automated backend system, which activates mining operations immediately upon user registration or contract execution. This reduces manual handling and ensures real-time integration with performance monitoring tools, allowing users to track contract activity through a secure dashboard.

    Mining activity is powered by energy-efficient equipment located in distributed data centers across regions such as Iceland and Kazakhstan. These locations were selected for their access to renewable energy and stable infrastructure, aligning with the platform’s emphasis on environmental responsibility and operational continuity.

    ZA Miner Contract Options

    Daily mining payouts are automatically distributed to users’ designated cold wallets using encrypted transfer protocols. The automated process removes the need for user-initiated withdrawals and supports consistent, secure delivery of earnings. The platform’s interface also includes analytics tools that allow users to evaluate mining performance and adjust their engagement based on data.

    A spokesperson for ZA Miner stated: “The addition of flexible contracts and automation reflects our mission to improve transparency and reduce entry barriers for users globally. Every update we implement is guided by our commitment to operational security and compliance.”

    ZA Miner operates under the supervision of the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). All mining activities and user-facing systems are developed in line with UK regulatory frameworks. While historical performance data is made available for reference, the company emphasizes that all automated crypto earnings are subject to market volatility and cannot be guaranteed.

    The platform currently serves users in over 100 countries. All contract activations and user registrations are completed online, without the need for software downloads or physical mining equipment.

    About ZA Miner

    ZA Miner is a cloud-based mining provider headquartered in Middlesex, United Kingdom. Operated by ZA Fundings Ltd under FCA oversight, the platform offers regulated access to automated crypto mining with a focus on system automation, renewable energy sourcing, and global accessibility.

    Media Contact:
    Anisah Fatema Sheikh
    ZA FUNDINGS LTD
    info@zaminer.com
    https://www.zaminer.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/01ffe0f0-ac9b-401c-91e4-efb4548d100b

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c7109d9e-258d-4dad-870f-8668670a04ef

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE Seminar in Ashgabat Enhances Capacity to Tackle Technology-Facilitated Human Trafficking

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE Seminar in Ashgabat Enhances Capacity to Tackle Technology-Facilitated Human Trafficking

    Zhanara Seytayeva, expert of Kazakhstan’s Prosecutor General Office, delivering a presentation on Kazakhstan’s Mapping of Online Platforms with High Risks of Human Trafficking, Ashgabat, 29 May 2025 (OSCE) Photo details

    The rising threat of technology-facilitated trafficking in human beings was the focus of a two-day OSCE seminar in Ashgabat from 29 to 30 May 2025.
    Jointly organized by the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, the seminar explored how digital platforms are increasingly exploited by traffickers, and promoted best practices for prevention and response.  
    “Technology facilitates anonymity for perpetrators, erodes jurisdictional boundaries, and presents increasingly complex challenges to law enforcement, justice systems, and support services” said John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.
    Recognizing the cross-sectoral nature of the issue, the seminar brought together representatives from Turkmenistan’s Prosecutor General’s Office, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Communications, State Migration service, Supreme Court and civil society organizations.
    “The growing intersection of cutting-edge technology and organised crime demands a proactive response to effectively address the evolving threats posed by these advancements” said Dr. Kari Johnstone, OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings. 
    Participants discussed how traffickers use artificial intelligence, encrypted applications, the dark web, and private messaging platforms to recruit victims, obscure their identities, and evade traditional tracking methods.
    “We see a surge in scam centers, the digitalization of advertisements and a change in the profile of victims” said Zhanara Seytayeva, an expert from Kazakhstan’s Prosecutor General’s Office, who shared Kazakhstan’s experience in mapping online platforms with high trafficking risks.  
    Stephanie Baroud, Criminal Intelligence Analyst at INTERPOL, led an interactive session focused on spotting red flags in fake online advertisements. She also shared insights on the emerging role of artificial intelligence in the fight against human trafficking.  
    The seminar’s outcomes will contribute to policy recommendations in line with Turkmenistan’s newly adopted National Action Plan, with a particular focus on leveraging technology to enhance anti-trafficking responses.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chairperson of the Senate of Uzbekistan held a meeting with the Russian Ambassador

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Tashkent, June 2 (Xinhua) — Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis (upper house of parliament) of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbaeva held a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Oleg Malginov, the Narodnoye Slovo newspaper reported on Monday.

    As reported, during the conversation, the results of the successful and productive period of the ambassador’s work in Uzbekistan were summed up. His significant contribution to the development and strengthening of Uzbek-Russian relations over the past four years was noted.

    “Special attention was paid to issues of further strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation, including within the framework of international parliamentary structures. The decisive role of the political will of the Presidents of Uzbekistan and Russia as a basis for the development and deepening of bilateral ties was emphasized. The growing importance of parliaments in activating bilateral dialogue was also noted,” the statement said.

    It is noted that following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation in the interests of the peoples of both countries. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Africa Dialogue, Occupied Palestinian Territory & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (30 May 2025)

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    Secretary-General/Africa Dialogue
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Sudan
    South Sudan
    Cyprus
    Security Council
    Haiti – Hurricane Season
    International Days
    Programming Note – Monday
    Deputy Secretary-General/Travels

    SECRETARY-GENERAL/AFRICA DIALOGUE
    The Secretary-General will speak at the Africa Dialogue at 3 pm today and will focus on reparations, which is also the African Union’s theme for 2025.
    He will say that for too long, the colossal injustices inflicted by enslavement, the transatlantic slave trade, and colonialism have been left unacknowledged and unaddressed.
    And he will argue that reparatory justice frameworks are critical – to redress historic wrongs, address today’s challenges, and ensure the rights and dignity of all.

    DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL/TRAVELS
    Today, in Tajikistan, the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed participated in the High-Level International Conference on Glacier Preservation, taking place in Dushanbe. She underscored the urgent need to preserve glaciers and keep the 1.5°C climate target within reach — not only to protect ecosystems and water sources, but to ensure the livelihoods of people and prospering communities.
    The Deputy Secretary-General called for bold, coordinated action ahead of COP30 rooted in cooperation, solidarity, and science. She later held a series of bilateral meetings with senior government officials, delegations, and youth constituents. She also met with the UN Country Team to acknowledge the UN’s continued support in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in Tajikistan.
    Tomorrow, the Deputy Secretary-General will travel to Marrakech, Morocco, to attend the 2025 Ibrahim Governance Weekend.

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    Turning to the situation in Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tell says that the catastrophic situation in Gaza is the worst it has been since the war began.
    Strikes have continued across Gaza, particularly in North Gaza, where the last remaining partially functioning hospital, Al Awda, was forced to evacuate last night after repeated strikes on and around the facility in recent days. Attacks also continued farther south in Deir al Balah, in areas of Al Bureij and An Nuseirat camps.
    IHH, an international aid organization that runs community kitchens and nutrition points, reported on Wednesday that five of its workers had been killed and two injured in the previous two days.
    OCHA underscores once again that civilians, including aid workers, must always be protected.
    Displacement continued across Gaza, with nearly 200,000 people displaced in the last two weeks alone. Yesterday, Israeli authorities issued a renewed displacement order covering about 30 per cent of Gaza’s total territory in North Gaza, eastern parts of Gaza City and Deir al Balah.
    To date, displacement orders have covered the entirety of the northernmost and southernmost governorates, as well as the eastern parts of each of the three governorates in between. Partners note that the limited movement of people observed in recent days appears to be driven by the search for food and necessities, rather than displacement orders.
    The UN and its humanitarian partners continue to provide support to people in need, despite the immense challenges on the ground and the crippling restrictions on the amount and type of assistance being allowed into Gaza. Yesterday, the UN and the humanitarian partners only managed to collect five truckloads of cargo from the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom. The other 60 trucks had to return to the crossing due to intense hostilities in the area.
    Meanwhile in Gaza City, our partners working to address shelter needs managed to distribute 45 emergency shelter kits to families as part of a pilot initiative aimed at pooling resources to respond to some of the most critical needs.
    Humanitarian needs have exploded in Gaza following nearly 80 days of a total blockade of all supplies.
    The limited amounts of aid now entering the Strip are nowhere near sufficient to support 2.1 million people in desperate need of assistance.
    As conditions on the ground further deteriorate and public order and safety break down, looting incidents continue to be reported. Today, a group ‎of armed individuals stormed the warehouses of a field hospital in Deir al Balah, looting large quantities of ‎medical equipment, supplies, medicines and nutritional supplements intended for ‎malnourished children.

    Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=30%20May%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE59Bf_GH5M

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI China: Mongolia, Turkmenistan sign cooperation documents

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Mongolia and Turkmenistan have signed several cooperation documents to enhance bilateral ties, according to the Mongolian presidential office website on Monday.

    The documents, which include a joint statement on further development of cooperation between Mongolia and Turkmenistan, as well as memorandums of understanding on cooperation in health, education, science, media, culture and light industry, were signed in Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia.

    Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in Ulan Bator on Sunday evening for a two-day state visit at the invitation of Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, accompanied by a high-ranking delegation. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s westernmost border port goes 24/7 to boost Central Asia trade

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    The Irkeshtam port in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region launched a trial of 24-hour freight clearance operations on Sunday, making it the second land port in the region and the first in southern Xinjiang to adopt such a system. This move is aimed at enhancing trade logistics between China and Central Asia, according to the local immigration inspection station.

    As China’s westernmost land port, Irkeshtam serves as a critical gateway to Kyrgyzstan and a hub for Central and West Asia, with rising cross-border activity and robust transport demand.

    To support the round-the-clock operations, the Irkeshtam immigration inspection station optimized staffing through shift rotations and implemented “on-arrival inspection” for freight vehicles, which strikes a balance between security and efficiency.

    Jiang Zhidong, chairman of the Kashgar-based Xinjiang Jiujiuxi International Trade Co., Ltd., said that the system will significantly boost cargo efficiency, cut logistics costs, further energize port operations and unleash foreign trade potential.

    Statistics show that port traffic has surged this year at Irkeshtam, with the station handling over 105,800 trips and 98,500 vehicles by Sunday, up 80 percent and 79 percent year on year, respectively. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Uzbekistan finalizes WTO accession talks with Britain

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Uzbekistan has finalized World Trade Organization (WTO) accession talks with Britain, Azizbek Urunov, special representative of the president of Uzbekistan on WTO issues, said on Saturday.

    Urunov announced the completion of bilateral negotiations with Britain on LinkedIn. “Since then we have gone through internal procedures to sign the Protocol on the margins of the 10th Working Party meeting in Geneva on June 12, 2025,” he wrote.

    Britain is the 24th country to finish bilateral market access negotiations with Uzbekistan, he added, noting that “a few more WTO members are left for the entire completion of bilaterals.”

    According to his press office, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on May 14 reviewed Uzbekistan’s efforts and gave specific instructions to accelerate and systematically organize the accession process.

    “As part of the bilateral track, negotiations have been held with 33 countries on market access, of which talks with 24 countries have already been successfully concluded,” the press service said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Strengthening Personal Data Protection Across Kyrgyzstan: Over 1,000 Officials Trained with OSCE Support

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Strengthening Personal Data Protection Across Kyrgyzstan: Over 1,000 Officials Trained with OSCE Support

    Participants during the training on Enhancing Personal Data Protection. (OSCE) Photo details

    The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, in close partnership with the State Agency for Personal Data Protection under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, has helped raise national awareness and improve institutional knowledge in the field of personal data protection.
    Over the past three years, more than 1,000 public and municipal officials across the country have taken part in these efforts. Participants included representatives of local governments, district administrations, mayor’s offices, healthcare and education institutions, and school management bodies.
    The training sessions focused on:

    Understanding national laws on personal data protection
    Learning practical methods for secure data management
    Preventing data leaks and cyber threats

    As Kyrgyzstan continues to expand digital services, protecting sensitive information has become more important than ever. The rise of cybercrime and digital fraud means that both institutions and citizens face greater risks. That’s why building the capacity of public officials to handle data responsibly is essential for protecting privacy, increasing trust in digital tools, and boosting the country’s digital resilience.
    Participants also learned about:

    The national Register of Personal Data Holders (developed with OSCE support)
    Safe internet use and basic cyber hygiene
    Privacy protection in public service delivery
    Key elements of the draft Digital Code of the Kyrgyz Republic

    Importantly, the initiative promoted inclusive participation — with more than 50% of trainees being women, reflecting the OSCE’s commitment to gender equality in all its capacity-building efforts.
    This work forms part of the OSCE’s wider support to good governance, digital security, and the protection of individual rights in the Kyrgyz Republic.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Today, NSU opened an internship program for foreign specialists in the field of engineering InteRussia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Today, June 2, NSU hosted the grand opening of the InteRussia 2025 internship program for foreign specialists. This is the second internship of this kind that is taking place at Novosibirsk State University. This time, 17 students from 14 countries, such as Chile, Jordan, India, Pakistan, Brazil, Albania, Serbia, Bangladesh, Turkmenistan, Belarus, Indonesia, Ecuador, Uzbekistan and Tanzania, came to NSU.

    The internship is conducted by the Gorchakov Fund, the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the ANO “Mezhdunarodniki” with the support of the Directorate of the World Youth Festival and the Presidential Grants Fund.

    For a month — from June 2 to June 29 — young researchers will be trained at the university in the promising areas of “Artificial Intelligence and Medicine” and “Modern Quantum and Information Technologies in Electronics and Photonics”. The school participants will work in one of two groups in accordance with the chosen area. The event will result in the preparation and presentation of their own scientific project.

    — We are organizing the internship for the second time, but we already see that our program is in great demand — this year, more than 160 applications were submitted, so the competition was almost 10 people per place. As a result, the best students who passed a tough and competitive selection came here. This year, we decided to make only two directions, and not three, as it was a year ago. We left the direction “Artificial Intelligence and Medicine”, since the 2024 internship showed that this topic is very interesting and in demand. We also added a new promising direction related to quantum mechanics. Among other innovations, we increased the duration of the internship from three to four weeks, — said Evgeny Sagaydak, Head of the Education Export Department at NSU.

    Artur Pogosov, Professor of the Department of Semiconductor Physics, Faculty of Physics, NSU, Head of the Department of General Physics Physics Department of NSU, in his welcoming speech to the participants, he spoke a little about the specifics of Akademgorodok and the special atmosphere that characterizes this unique place. He also spoke in more detail about the program of the direction that he supervises – “Modern quantum and information technologies in electronics and photonics”. It will include both lectures from scientists of the SB RAS Research Institute and NSU teachers, and practical computer sessions, during which, using special computational and modeling methods, listeners will be able to delve deeper into quantum mechanics, explore new crystals and new compounds, and model the processes occurring in them.

    Evgeny Pavlovsky, Head of the Laboratory of Streaming Data Analytics and Machine Learning Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of NSU and head of the Artificial Intelligence and Medicine department, noted that the students will have the opportunity not only to expand their knowledge, but also to present their projects, since one of the school’s goals is to ensure that the participants continue their research after completing their internship.

    The audience of the program was greeted by the leading specialist of the A.M. Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Support Fund Ilya Demkin. He thanked the partners for their cooperation, spoke about the activities of the Fund and about the internship program for foreign specialists in various fields of InteRussia. In addition, he noted that for the audience, participation in this event is an excellent opportunity to gain new knowledge in one of the best Russian universities, take thematic courses from leading experts, take part in innovative professional master classes in one of two areas, and exchange experience with colleagues from different countries.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mongolia and Turkmenistan signed a number of documents on cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    ULAN BATOR, June 2 (Xinhua) — Mongolia and Turkmenistan have signed a number of documents on further development of bilateral relations and cooperation, the press service of the President of Mongolia said on Monday.

    The documents, including a joint statement on further development of cooperation between Mongolia and Turkmenistan, as well as memorandums of understanding on cooperation in the fields of healthcare, education, science, media, culture and light industry, were signed in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.

    Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in the capital of Mongolia on Sunday evening for a two-day state visit at the invitation of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, accompanied by a high-ranking delegation.

    This is the first state visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Mongolia since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: At the Irkeshtam checkpoint on the Chinese-Kyrgyz border, customs clearance of goods has begun on a trial basis in the “24/7” mode

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    URUMQI, June 2 (Xinhua) — The 24/7 customs clearance regime officially began trial operation at the Irkeshtam border checkpoint on the China-Kyrgyzstan border in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Sunday, the local border control agency said.

    Thus, Irkeshtam, which is the westernmost land border crossing of China, became the second such checkpoint in Xinjiang, where it was possible to ensure continuous operation in the field of customs clearance of goods, following the Khorgos checkpoint. This will further contribute to the uninterrupted trade and logistics channels between China and Central Asia.

    There has been a steady increase in the number of people and vehicles entering and leaving China through the Irkeshtam checkpoint in recent years, indicating high demand for cross-border transportation.

    According to Jiang Zhidong, chairman of a local international trade company, 24/7 customs clearance of goods will significantly improve the efficiency of cargo transit through Irkeshtam and reduce logistics costs.

    According to data as of June 1, the number of people and vehicles that passed through the Irkeshtam checkpoint after inspection amounted to more than 105,800 person-times and more than 98,500 units, respectively, which is 80 percent and 79 percent more in annual terms.

    Since the trial launch of the 24/7 customs clearance regime for cargo at 10:00 on Sunday, as of 08:00 on Monday, a total of 966 incoming and outgoing trucks have been checked and cleared at the Irkeshtam checkpoint. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Uzbekistan and the UK have completed bilateral negotiations on WTO accession

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Tashkent, June 2 /Xinhua/ — Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom have completed bilateral negotiations on joining the WTO, the UzDaily.uz news portal reported on Sunday, citing the words of Uzbekistan’s chief negotiator Azizbek Urunov.

    “At the end of last month, we were in London to hold bilateral talks with the British side. Now I am happy to announce their completion,” A. Urunov noted. According to him, after returning to Tashkent, the Uzbek delegation carried out all the necessary internal procedures.

    It is noted that the UK has become the 24th country with which Uzbekistan has completed bilateral negotiations on market access.

    According to him, negotiations still need to be held with several WTO member countries to complete the entire process of bilateral agreements. The agreement reached with the UK is considered a significant step forward in the overall process of Uzbekistan’s accession to the international trading system. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE continues to promote green mobility through VI Cycling Marathon in Djizak

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE continues to promote green mobility through VI Cycling Marathon in Djizak

    The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) organized the VI Cycling Marathon for preschool children on 30 May 2025 in Djizak, marking another step in its ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness, sustainable mobility and healthy lifestyles.
    This annual initiative brought together 100 children and their families, highlighting the importance of early environmental education and active living.
    “The Cycling Marathon takes place on the eve of International Children’s Day. This reminds us that we have to work against climate change now. We must not steal the right to a clean and safe environment from our children,” said Ambassador Antti Karttunen, Head of Office of PCUz.
    Earlier this year, the PCUz donated 500 balance bicycles to preschool educational institutions in the Djizak region. In addition, instructors and educators were coached to provide cycling training in accordance with international practices, ensuring children develop essential motor and co-ordination skills through fun and safe eco-friendly activities.
    By encouraging the use of green transport and raising awareness about environmental protection, the PCUz supports Uzbekistan’s transition to a green economy and promotes sustainable development values from an early age. This sixth edition of the cycling marathon follows successful events held in Tashkent, Samarkand, Khiva, Nukus and Namangan.
    The marathon was opened jointly by Ambassador Karttunen; Sherzod Karimov, Deputy Minister of Preschool and School Education; and Akmal Savurbaev, Deputy Governor of the Djizak region.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Development Asia: Empowering Women, Greening Urban Transport in Uzbekistan

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Until recently, legal restrictions in Uzbekistan limited women’s access to many jobs. Although a 2019 presidential decree abolished a list of more than 300 professions where female labor was either completely or partially prohibited, legal restrictions remained and prevented women from driving buses or freight vehicles weighing over 2.5 tons or carrying more than 14 passengers. This changed with Cabinet of Ministers’ Resolution No. 85 in February 2024, which officially lifted the remaining barriers.

    While this legislative reform marks a significant step forward, there are still obstacles that limit women’s full participation in public transport employment, highlighting the need for coordinated and effective solutions.

    A key obstacle is the lack of public awareness regarding available opportunities in the transport sector. Although there is strong demand for skilled drivers, information about the benefits of working as an electric bus driver—particularly for women—is still limited.

    Targeted information campaigns, showcasing success stories of female drivers, and media visibility of their contributions to urban mobility could play a vital role in reshaping public perceptions of the profession and inspire more women to consider careers in public transport.

    Working conditions also need to be improved since bus driving is physically and mentally demanding. The World Bank report Closing Gender Gaps in Transport recommends measures such as better shift scheduling, access to clean and well-lit rest areas, provision of sanitary facilities, and implementation of safety programs, which can attract more women to the profession. Modern electric buses, designed with ergonomic driver workstations, also help reduce physical strain and make vehicle operation more comfortable.

    Access to quality training remains a significant barrier. Acquiring the necessary driver’s license and completing required certification courses involve financial costs, which can deter potential candidates. To address this, government support through training subsidies and incentives for companies that hire female drivers could overcome these barriers and encourage higher female participation in the transport sector.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Development Asia: Empowering Women, Greening Urban Transport in Uzbekistan

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Until recently, legal restrictions in Uzbekistan limited women’s access to many jobs. Although a 2019 presidential decree abolished a list of more than 300 professions where female labor was either completely or partially prohibited, legal restrictions remained and prevented women from driving buses or freight vehicles weighing over 2.5 tons or carrying more than 14 passengers. This changed with Cabinet of Ministers’ Resolution No. 85 in February 2024, which officially lifted the remaining barriers.

    While this legislative reform marks a significant step forward, there are still obstacles that limit women’s full participation in public transport employment, highlighting the need for coordinated and effective solutions.

    A key obstacle is the lack of public awareness regarding available opportunities in the transport sector. Although there is strong demand for skilled drivers, information about the benefits of working as an electric bus driver—particularly for women—is still limited.

    Targeted information campaigns, showcasing success stories of female drivers, and media visibility of their contributions to urban mobility could play a vital role in reshaping public perceptions of the profession and inspire more women to consider careers in public transport.

    Working conditions also need to be improved since bus driving is physically and mentally demanding. The World Bank report Closing Gender Gaps in Transport recommends measures such as better shift scheduling, access to clean and well-lit rest areas, provision of sanitary facilities, and implementation of safety programs, which can attract more women to the profession. Modern electric buses, designed with ergonomic driver workstations, also help reduce physical strain and make vehicle operation more comfortable.

    Access to quality training remains a significant barrier. Acquiring the necessary driver’s license and completing required certification courses involve financial costs, which can deter potential candidates. To address this, government support through training subsidies and incentives for companies that hire female drivers could overcome these barriers and encourage higher female participation in the transport sector.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI China: Afghan police foil attempt to smuggle 790 sheep abroad

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    The Afghan police have foiled an attempt to smuggle 790 sheep abroad, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock reported late Sunday.

    Without giving details on whether anyone was arrested on the charge of the case, the ministry added that the police would not allow anyone to smuggle livestock.

    The police thwarted attempts to smuggle 500 sheep from northern Badakhshan province to neighboring Tajikistan a couple of months ago.

    Animal smugglers occasionally try to transport livestock across borders to neighboring countries in pursuit of profit. Afghan security forces remain vigilant and consistently intercept these attempts. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The first China-Europe/China-Central Asia freight train departed from the Chinese city of Korla

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    URUMQI, June 1 (Xinhua) — The first freight train on the China-Europe/China-Central Asia international freight train route departed from Korla city in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Saturday.

    After leaving the country through the Xinjiang Khorgos checkpoint, the train will transport cargo to five junction railway stations, namely Almaty, Medea and Astana in Kazakhstan, as well as Tashkent and Chukursay in Uzbekistan.

    It has been revealed that the freight train is carrying 41 containers containing various household goods worth approximately $1.29 million.

    It is noteworthy that this is the first international freight train in Xinjiang carrying goods sold through barter trade. The opening of this route will both deepen cooperation between China and Central Asia in terms of production capacity through barter trade and improve the logistics network in Xinjiang. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –