Press Release
What Does Putin's Visit to Uzbekistan Mean?
(Translated)

On 26/5/2024, at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a state visit to Uzbekistan. This is Putin's third foreign visit after his election to the presidency. His previous visits were to China and Belarus. The visit included a very large delegation, nearly half of the government, as Putin puts it. The main events of the visit took place on 27/5/2024. What attracted media attention this time was the fact that Mirziyoyev and Putin held one-on-one talks outside the scheduled time of the visit. According to reports, they held talks until three in the morning. Mirziyoyev also invited Putin to his own home.

It can be said that the reason for this visit is the growing concern of Putin’s regime due to the recent intensification of the West’s relations with Central Asia, especially Uzbekistan. The fact that Putin's first visit after his election was to Uzbekistan among the Central Asian countries indicates that Uzbekistan is very important to Russia. The fact that the bilateral talks between the two presidents exceeded their scheduled time, and the intention behind Mirziyoyev hosting Putin at his own home, appears to show that the Uzbek president is still loyal to Russia. While Mirziyoyev went on vacation the day before David Cameron's visit, and was unable to meet him. Although Putin was received with a warm welcome and although it is said that the visit was historic and achieved great results, it is unlikely that Putin will not feel very disappointed with the government led by Mirziyoyev because the construction of the nuclear power plant was postponed by the Uzbek government for 6 years. So, Putin had to come himself to renew the previous contract. After all, building the nuclear power plant, which will cost billions of dollars, is extremely important for the Russians not only on the economic level, but also on the political level. However, most activists in our country express concerns about the construction of the nuclear power plant, saying it will increase dependence on Russia. In addition, Uzbekistan is still not a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization(CSTO) and the Russian-ruled Eurasian Customs Union. Recently, Russian propagandists have made various threatening statements towards Uzbekistan.

On the other hand, Russia promised to solve Uzbekistan's transportation and logistics problems and meet its energy needs. It is particularly interesting that Uzbekistan's most vulnerable aspect, it is cut off from waterways, is resolved through the International North–South Transport Corridor. This includes increased supply of gas and lubricants in the energy sector. Russian companies initially acquired large gas fields in our country, then gas production by government companies decreased year after year. Two years ago, in the fall and winter season, the Uzbek government was forced to sign a gas agreement with Russia due to the worsening energy crisis. Now, unfortunately, our gas-rich country is moving towards dependence on Russian gas. Imports of oil and petroleum products from Russia are also increasing year after year.

It is also worth noting that under the guise of combating terrorism and extremism in Uzbekistan, interest in fighting Islam and Muslims has recently increased. Before Putin's visit, the government was likely to take various anti-Islamic measures, and this has already taken place. This, of course, suggests that this was done so that Mirziyoyev could inform Putin that activities aimed at alienating Muslims from Islam are constantly being carried out in Uzbekistan.

It is clear that every Muslim is worried about Putin's evil steps in our country because this kaffir Russian colonial state is an eternal enemy of the Muslims of Central Asia and Uzbekistan. Their atheist communist ancestors invaded our country, plundered our wealth, raped Muslim women, and committed barbaric massacres. Just as they try to brand Muslims who spread the message of Islam as terrorists and extremists, our brave ancestors who fought against the Russian invasion were previously described as oppressors of our Ummah. Today, as if nothing had happened, they are interfering in our country again and acting like masters. The Uzbek government is also colluding with our enemies without learning any lessons from the past.

In order to please them, it arrests our brave people, and ignores the fact that its citizens are condemned to humiliation and dependence on the lands of the Russian state, even being forced to go to the Ukrainian war, and donating our wealth to them for free... There is great dissatisfaction among our people regarding these matters. However, the government still acts under the control of the Russian president. This proves once again that Mirziyoyev's constant ranting that we must please the people is nothing more than nonsense.

There is only one thing that will save our Muslim people from dependence on Russia in all fields, it is when Islam is in power. Above all, the fact that the army and armed forces, which are considered the stronger side of the Russians, are much weaker than they claim themselves. This has become clear after the Ukrainian war. In the end, isn't this evidence that Alah helps His Muslim servants, by showing us the weakness of our enemies?! Isn't this actually Allah's help for us?! There is no doubt that this contains signs for those who want to learn lessons from it! Allah (swt) says:

[وَلَن يَجْعَلَ اللهُ لِلْكَافِرِينَ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ سَبِيلاً]

“…And never will Allāh give the disbelievers over the believers a way [to overcome them” [An-Nisa: 141].

Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir
in Uzbekistan