Is Ortiqhojaev returning to the government?

Today, on August 23, a dialogue was held with representatives of the country's business circles, attended by the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Jahangir Ortiqhojaev, the former mayor of Tashkent and a well-known businessman, also participated in this meeting.

Since Ortiqhojaev was released from his post on January 16, 2023, he has not appeared at government events.

During the meeting, the former mayor did not sit among the other businessmen but was seated next to the Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, and was second from the left of Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Yesterday, Ortiqhojaev made his first appearance at a presidential event since his dismissal, attending a meeting with entrepreneurs in the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

In addition to Ortiqhojaev, businessman Zafar Hoshimov, and ERIELL Group chairman Bakhtiyor Fozilov also participated in today's meeting with representatives of the business community.

Notably, Emin Agalarov, the former son-in-law of the President of Azerbaijan, was also present at the meeting.

For reference, Emin Agalarov is the ex-husband of Ilham Aliyev's daughter, Leyla Aliyeva. They were married from 2006 to 2015 and have three children. Agalarov is not only a singer but also the vice president of the Agalarov Development Company.

As a reminder, Ortiqhojaev was dismissed by Shavkat Mirziyoev during a meeting on energy supply held on January 16, 2023. The President criticized Ortiqhojaev for not adequately preparing for the winter, despite previous warnings.