The second Uzbekistan–China Interregional Forum, held in Samarkand from Sunday to Monday, reinforced bilateral ties through the signing of multiple cooperation agreements spanning investment, industry, agriculture, and education.
Building on the consensus of the first China-Central Asia Summit, the forum gathered participants from diverse sectors in China and Uzbekistan to deepen collaboration across key areas.
"I'm a flower grower from Andijan. We are currently working with Chinese partners on flower cultivation projects. Being part of this important forum has brought us tremendous opportunities. We've had a wonderful experience and feel truly delighted. We've built a very friendly relationship with our Chinese counterparts. Seeing the products they produce has been a real source of inspiration for us," said an Uzbek businesswoman.
The forum was co-hosted by the Shaanxi Provincial Government and the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan. It featured sub-sessions covering a range of topics, including education, agriculture, economic and trade cooperation, and women's innovation and entrepreneurship.
"I am honored to participate in this forum. Compared to the past, this year's event has shown remarkable progress, which also reflects Uzbekistan's efforts in infrastructure development. It can be said that, in our cooperation with the global community, our country's infrastructure is increasingly regarded as a key asset. This is clearly reflected in our cooperation with China as well. Supporting infrastructure-related startup projects, promoting scientific innovation, advancing digital cooperation between nations, and facilitating the exchange of new experiences are all important aspects of this forum," said Zulaykho Makhkamova, Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister.
Uzbekistan-China forum advances bilateral ties with signing of multiple agreements
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
