The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received credentials from the Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Italian Republic Guido De Sanctis, the State of Palestine Wael Battrekhi, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Saad Abuhaimed, the State of Kuwait Turki Al-Mekrad, the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria Jamila Achour, Malaysia Rafedah binti Abdul Aziz, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, the Republic of Azerbaijan Rashad Mammadov and the Republic of Kazakhstan Yeraly Tugzhanov.

The Head of State warmly congratulated the heads of diplomatic missions on the start of their assignments in New Uzbekistan.

It was highlighted that, during this challenging time of escalating geopolitical tensions worldwide, the role of diplomats is becoming increasingly crucial.

Addressing each ambassador, the President of Uzbekistan outlined the priority tasks to expand cooperation with the countries they represent.

It was highlighted that Italy is a key partner with considerable political and economic capabilities. Ongoing joint initiatives in sectors such as green energy, metallurgy, chemistry, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, and tourism were mentioned, as well as the successful functioning of the Tashkent branches of Turin Polytechnic University and the University of Pisa.

The President of Uzbekistan expressed support for developing cooperation with the Lombardy and Tuscany regions, particularly through joint initiatives to train medical personnel.

It was noted that relations with Palestine are developing based on longstanding friendly ties. Uzbekistan supports a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on the principle of “two-state solution for two peoples”.

It was highlighted that Uzbekistan’s joining the Board of Peace as a founding member aims to support the rebuilding of Gaza.

It was noted that the partnership with Saudi Arabia has become exemplary. The Head of State specifically emphasized the $25 billion portfolio of joint projects and praised the Saudi Fund for Development for its active role in supporting Uzbekistan’s reform efforts.

The discussion also highlighted the great potential for increased collaboration in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and green energy. Additionally, the efforts to improve conditions for Uzbekistan citizens to perform Hajj and Umrah were greatly appreciated.

It was noted that there are significant opportunities to enhance cooperation with Kuwait across sectors including trade, the economy, investment, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Additionally, there is potential for joint projects with the Kuwait Investment Authority in the petrochemical industry and through public-private partnerships.

It was emphasized that fully implementing the agreements reached at the highest level would serve the interests of the peoples of both countries.

The intensification of high-level contacts with Algeria in recent years was also noted.

There is significant potential to implement mutually beneficial projects across the oil and gas, energy, mining, agriculture, and tourism sectors. The importance of establishing a joint Intergovernmental Commission and signing a Preferential Trade Agreement was emphasized.

In recent years, relations with Malaysia have steadily improved across all areas. Contacts at the highest and senior levels have intensified, while leading Malaysian companies are actively entering the Uzbek market.

The President of Uzbekistan emphasized the significant potential to develop cooperation in the semiconductor industry, petrochemicals, Islamic finance, and pilgrimage tourism.

The strategic partnership with Pakistan, based on mutual respect and trust, has reached a qualitatively new level.

It was noted that priority tasks include launching direct flights between Tashkent and Karachi, implementing the Trans-Afghan Transport Corridor project, and deepening cooperation in industry, energy, agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.

It was emphasized that, thanks to the firm political will of the leaders of the two countries, relations with Azerbaijan have reached the level of strategic partnership and alliance. Bilateral trade has increased by 40 percent, the number of joint ventures has reached nearly 450, and freight traffic has doubled.

To significantly boost collaboration, the goal is to raise the joint investment portfolio between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan to $10 billion soon.

It was highlighted that the upcoming high-level meetings would boost bilateral cooperation.

Addressing the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, the Head of State highlighted that the longstanding friendship between the two nations continues to grow, and their strategic partnership and alliance are steadily broadening.

The primary goal is to raise bilateral trade to $10 billion, and an $8 billion portfolio of joint investment projects has been established. There was also interest in fully launching the Central Asia International Center for Industrial Cooperation.

Following the ceremony, the Head of State congratulated the new ambassadors and wished them success in their important diplomatic roles. He highlighted that all essential resources would be provided to enhance mutually beneficial partnerships. The President also urged the ambassadors to collaborate more actively with the private sector and regional authorities and to become familiar with the extensive development projects happening nationwide.

The diplomats sincerely appreciated the warm reception and the support provided for their work, emphasizing their commitment to actively fostering diverse cooperation with Uzbekistan.