Uzbek academic builds bridges with smart agriculture in China

Farkhod Kasimov, an academic from Uzbekistan who now serves as a technical advisor to a smart agricultural machinery company in east China's Shandong Province, is committed to finding creative ways to help strengthen cooperation between his homeland and China, two partners in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Following the signing ceremony, associate professor Farkhod Kasimov from Tashkent State Technical University in Uzbekistan has officially assumed his new position in Shandong Province.

Uzbekistan, a country with a rich history and beautiful landscapes, plays an important role in China's agricultural cooperation and is a key participant in the Belt and Road Initiative. As part of these expanding exchanges, in 2018, Farkhod was selected for China's Ministry of Science and Technology's Talented Young Scientist Program.

"After coming here, we used a project of smart agricultural machinery with our team, and we have tested this type of machines Nowadays, I want to develop this project and add some artificial intelligence," he said.

While discussing his plans in an interview, Farkhod offered to cook and share a traditional Uzbek pilaf with the crew.

"I'm happy if you like the pilaf, because pilaf is our national food and we prepare it often," he said.

Farkhod said that during the years he's traveled between China and Uzbekistan, he has witnessed the continued progress of the Belt and Road Initiative and has gained a lot from the experience.

Reflecting on these developments, he shared his perspective on the growing international ties the Initiative has helped foster.

"The Belt and Road Initiative has truly united researchers and given scientific researchers an international view. Nowadays in Uzbek markets, you can see more Chinese products like electronic products and electric cars made in China. In Jinan City, you can also see stores and restaurants from Türkiye and Kazakhstan. I believe that the Belt and Road Initiative has brought benefits and deepened our relationship," he said.

Uzbek academic builds bridges with smart agriculture in China

Protesters filled Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma on Saturday, rallying in solidarity with Venezuela and denouncing U.S. influence in Latin America.

The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Jan 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Holding numerous flags and banners while chanting slogans intermittently, a huge crowd of protesters criticized U.S. military actions against Venezuela and the unlawful control over President Maduro and his spouse, calling for respect for national sovereignty and regional peace.

"We oppose the U.S. intervention and hegemony towards the countries in Latin America. The United States has flagrantly trampled on international law, bombed Caracas and kidnapped the Maduro couple. The U.S. interventionism has become extremely blatant. We must firmly oppose and be highly vigilant, because this is not only related to a certain country, but also to all countries," said a protester.

"We demand that the United States stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs. The country must immediately cease its exploitation and plundering of the countries in Latin America," said another protester.

Protest erupts in Mexico City over US military operation in Venezuela