President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met with President of FIFA Joseph Blatter at the Oqsaroy on May 16.

Greeting the guest, the head of our state noted that Joseph Blatter is renowned in Uzbekistan as a prominent public figure who has devoted himself to the development of world and national football. FIFA leader’s current third visit to Uzbekistan has coincided with the centenary celebration of Uzbek soccer this year.

At the meeting, the parties exchanged views on prospects of Uzbek football, consolidation and enrichment of our country’s fruitful cooperation with this eminent international institution. One of the effects of that interaction has been the implementation of “Goal”, “Goal-2” and “Goal-3” projects, in accordance with which a soccer pitch with artificial covering and a training base for junior national teams of Uzbekistan have been built in Tashkent, while an indoor mini-football gym is being erected in Samarkand. Uzbekistan is also interested in boosting cooperation with FIFA in promoting children’s and youth soccer as well as the national school of referees and coaches.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov partook in the jubilee session of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and informal meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Moscow on May 15.

The CSTO Collective Security Council session started in the Kremlin with a meeting of heads of state in restricted format, followed by one that included wider delegations escorting the leaders of member nations.

The session has been timed to the twentieth anniversary of Tashkent Collective Security Treaty and the tenth birth date of the Organization.

The CSTO affiliate countries have endured a taxing path throughout this past period in shaping a collective security system. They have hoarded a sufficient experience for practical interaction in addressing a broad range of issues in the post-Soviet space.

Initiated by President Islam Karimov as the Day of Memory and Honor, May 9 is widely celebrated in Uzbekistan as a national holiday

Memory is an expression of uppermost respect and reverence for our ancestors. Under the leadership of the President, historical justice has been recovered, while the noble deeds and the courage of our forefathers are being glorified and perpetuated.

Our selfless compatriots who displayed audacity and heroism on the battlefields of World War II, who fought for the peace and freedom of their land, for the harmony of their families and children – are always at the esteem of our people. The more than 6,600 war veterans living today in our country have been afforded comprehensive attention and care by the government.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received credentials from the newly appointed Head of the European Union Delegation in Uzbekistan, Ambassador Norbert Jousten.

Uzbekistan has attached prominent importance to the expansion of mutually advantageous and constructive cooperation with the EU, an entity that plays a significant role in global and regional politics and wields remarkable economic and scientific-technical potential.

At the start of conversation, Islam Karimov congratulated the ambassador with a high appointment and wished success in his honorable and responsible mission.