Tom Kil, Executive Director of UK Music, met with Uzbekistan's Minister of Culture, Ozodbek Nazarbakov. This meeting was part of the British organization's efforts to develop international ties in the music sector, as reported by UK Music.
The meeting took place on September 11, 2026, and was also attended by the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the United Kingdom, Ravshan Usmanov. The parties discussed opportunities for cooperation between the music industries of the two countries.
One of the topics discussed concerned the minister's plans to strengthen copyright protection in Uzbekistan within the context of broader reforms related to the country's application to join the World Trade Organization. Kil presented the activities of UK Music aimed at supporting songwriters and the music business, including copyright protection, the use of soft power, and new challenges related to the development of artificial intelligence. He also proposed continuing the dialogue after the meeting concluded.
Ozodbek Nazarbakov, a renowned Uzbek contemporary singer, was in London to participate in an event marking the 35th anniversary of the country's independence. At this event, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, a speaker from the UK House of Commons, delivered the keynote address.
As a gesture of goodwill, Nazarbakov presented Kil with a traditional Uzbek doppi cap. In return, the head of UK Music handed the minister the latest reports from the organization on the state of the British music industry.