Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Today, on 6 March, Uzbekistan hosted a solemn ceremony for the presentation of credentials by newly appointed foreign ambassadors.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received credentials from the newly appointed Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassadors of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Tamer Fathy; the Italian Republic, Piergabriele Papadia de Bottini; the Kyrgyz Republic, Duishonkul Chotonov; the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Ogorodnikov; Georgia, David Kotaria; and the Republic of Türkiye, Ufuk Ulutaş.

The head of state warmly congratulated the diplomats on the commencement of their important mission in Uzbekistan and wished them success in their future work.

It was noted that in the face of growing geopolitical tensions and increasing global competition, strengthening friendly ties and mutual support between nations is of particular importance.

Uzbekistan, pursuing an open and pragmatic foreign policy, consistently develops partnerships with countries from all regions of the world, as well as international organizations and financial institutions, based on the principles of respect and cooperation.

The President emphasized that thanks to a unified political will, Central Asia is transforming into a region of good neighborliness, trust, and integration. This year, Uzbekistan is chairing the Consultative Meetings of Central Asian Leaders and is actively preparing for the upcoming summit in Tashkent.

Amid rapid global changes, interest in the region has significantly increased. In this context, the "Central Asia Plus" dialogue format is expanding. In April, Uzbekistan will host the first "Central Asia–European Union" summit, and in May, the second meeting in the "Central Asia–Gulf Arab States" format will take place.

It was particularly noted that in recent years, Uzbekistan has initiated the adoption of 11 resolutions within the United Nations. This year, the country will host the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO. Furthermore, in 2027, Uzbekistan will assume the chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, demonstrating its growing authority on the international stage.

Last year, Uzbekistan attracted $35 billion in foreign investments, while exports exceeded $27 billion. Active preparations are now underway for the Tashkent Investment Forum, which will be held in an innovative new format.

"The main goal of our reforms is to ensure the well-being of every citizen, increase incomes, create the 'economy of the future,' develop cutting-edge infrastructure, and foster a favorable investment and business environment. Uzbekistan possesses all the necessary potential and resources, but most importantly, a firm commitment and political will to achieve the ambitious objectives set forth in the ‘Uzbekistan–2030’ Strategy," Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated.

The President expressed gratitude to the countries represented by the newly appointed ambassadors for their support of Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization.

During discussions with the Egyptian ambassador, the positive dynamics of bilateral relations were highlighted. Political consultations, meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission, and business forums are held regularly. Cooperation between leading companies of both countries is expanding, and the upcoming visit of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to Uzbekistan will mark a significant milestone in bilateral ties. Prospects for joint projects in energy, the chemical industry, agriculture, geology, tourism, and the textile sector are also being discussed.

The head of state also highly appreciated the Egyptian President’s initiative on Gaza reconstruction, voiced at the Arab League summit.

Regarding Uzbek-Italian cooperation, Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that Italy is a strategic partner of Uzbekistan. Large-scale projects are currently being implemented in green energy, the chemical industry, mechanical engineering, light industry, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, and tourism. A dynamic dialogue continues between foreign ministries within the "Italy–Central Asia" format. The Turin Polytechnic University and the University of Pisa have successfully established branches in Tashkent, and preparations are underway for a reciprocal visit by the Italian Prime Minister to Uzbekistan.

Kyrgyzstan is a close neighbor and strategic partner of Uzbekistan. Over the past few years, bilateral trade turnover has quadrupled, and the number of joint ventures has reached 300. In December 2023, construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway began. This month, a trilateral summit involving the leaders of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan will be held in Khujand.

Uzbekistan-Belarus relations have also reached a qualitatively new level. The visit of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to Uzbekistan last year further strengthened the partnership. Upcoming political consultations and an Intergovernmental Commission meeting will give a new impetus to cooperation in agriculture, light industry, healthcare, and municipal services.

Uzbekistan-Georgia relations continue to strengthen across various sectors. Last year, trade turnover between the two countries increased by 50%. Partnerships in logistics, banking, and tourism are also growing. The recent visit of Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to Uzbekistan opened new prospects for bilateral cooperation. Key areas of focus include the development of transit routes, the pharmaceutical industry, agriculture, and textiles.

Türkiye is one of Uzbekistan’s key strategic partners. Last year, bilateral trade turnover reached $3 billion, while investment volume amounted to $2 billion. A Turkic States International University is being established in Tashkent, marking a significant step in strengthening educational and cultural ties. This year, Uzbekistan will host the next meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the President of Uzbekistan wished the new ambassadors success in their diplomatic activities and encouraged active engagement with Uzbekistan’s regions and business community. In turn, the diplomats expressed their appreciation for the warm welcome and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multifaceted partnerships with Uzbekistan.