11.09.2026: As part of UK Music’s work to showcase the UK industry’s global reputation and in support of international growth, Chief Executive Tom Kiehl accepted an invitation to meet the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ozodbek Nazarbekov.
Mr Nazarbekov is one of Uzbekistan’s most popular contemporary singers and was in London marking the country’s 35th anniversary of independence at an event in London with a keynote from Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP. The Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the UK, His Excellency Ravshan Usmanov, also attended the meeting with Tom.
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They explored the relationship between the countries music sectors, including the Ministers aspirations to strengthen Uzbekistan’s copyright protections as part of wider reforms linked to the country’s bid to join the World Trade Organization.
Tom outlined UK Music’s work supporting creators and music businesses, including on copyright, soft power and emerging challenges such as AI and offered to maintain continued dialogue beyond the meeting.
As a gesture of friendship, the Minister presented Tom with a traditional Uzbek Doppi hat, while Tom shared UK Music’s landmark recent reports on the UK music industry.