Central Asia

Roman Pontiff Benedict XVI received Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev in Vatican on Friday, reported with reference to the press service of the Holy See.

The visit of Korean business circles delegation to Uzbekistan is planned on November 8-11 with a purpose of development of trade and economic cooperation between entrepreneurs of both countries.

President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov will pay an official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt in 2010.

At least 17 citizens of Kyrgyzstan have tested positive for swine flu, Sabirjan Abdikarimov, the Assistant Health Care Minister told reporters in Bishkek Thursday.

No cases of A/H1N1 influenza has been reported in Turkmenistan. The Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan acquired all necessary medicine and additional diagnostic equipment, and purchased the vaccine in sufficient quantities.

According to the "Kazakhstanskaya Pravda" newspaper, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev yesterday arrived to Rome.

Switzerland canceled sanctions against Uzbekistan introduced after Andijan events in May 2005, radio "Ozodlik" ("Liberty") reported.

The first group of pilgrims from Uzbekistan will depart for Saudi Arabia on November 10, the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan said.

London is the world financial center 2009, reported "Business Week" with reference to the research of the World Economic Forum.

Kyrgyzstan’s GDP rate could reach 200 billion soms by the end of 2009. The estimates have been voiced at the meeting of the World Bank executive directors with members of the Kyrgyz government in Bishkek Tuesday.