The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received credentials from the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors of the Arab Republic of Egypt Thamer Fathi, 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 President of Uzbekistan warmly congratulated the ambassadors on the beginning of their honorable missions in New Uzbekistan.

It was emphasized that in today’s world, marked by escalating conflicts and intensifying geopolitical competition, mutual support between friendly nations is more important than ever.

Under these conditions, Uzbekistan, through its open and pragmatic foreign policy, strengthens mutual respect and friendship while developing practical partnerships with countries from all regions of the world, international organizations, and global financial institutions.

The President emphasized that Central Asia is transforming into a region of good-neighborliness, trust, and integration thanks to shared political will.

This year, Uzbekistan holds the chairmanship of the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia and is preparing for a historic summit in Tashkent.

It was emphasized that interest in our region is rapidly growing in light of dynamic changes, and the “Central Asia Plus” dialogue platform is expanding.

In April this year, Uzbekistan will host the first “Central Asia – European Union” summit, followed by the second “Central Asia – Arab States of the Gulf” meeting in May.

It was also noted that, in recent years, 11 resolutions have been adopted within the framework of the United Nations at Uzbekistan’s initiative.

This year, Uzbekistan will host the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference. Additionally, in 2027, Uzbekistan will assume the chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, further reinforcing the country’s growing authority on the international stage.

Last year, the volume of attracted foreign investments reached $35 billion, while exports exceeded $27 billion. Preparations are underway for the Tashkent Investment Forum, which will be held in a new, innovative format.

“The primary goal of our reforms is to safeguard the interests of every individual, increase household incomes, build a future economy with advanced infrastructure, and ensure an attractive investment and business environment. We have the necessary potential and opportunities, but most importantly, we possess a strong commitment and political will to implement the ambitious goals and plans in the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy”, emphasized Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Gratitude was expressed to the countries’ governments represented by the heads of diplomatic missions for their support of Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization.

Addressing the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the President of Uzbekistan noted that Egypt is a reliable partner of Uzbekistan in the Middle East.

Political consultations are held regularly. Last year, a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission and three major business forums were successfully conducted. Cooperation between leading companies of both countries continues to expand.

It was emphasized that a key event marking the beginning of a new era in bilateral relations will be the visit of the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, to Uzbekistan.

The prospects for implementing joint programs and projects in energy, chemistry, agriculture, geology, tourism, textiles, and other industries, with the participation of leading Egyptian organizations and companies, were highlighted.

The Leader of Uzbekistan highly praised the initiative of the President of Egypt to adopt a plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, which was proposed at the recent Arab League summit.

The Leader of Uzbekistan stated that Italy is an important strategic partner with vast political and economic potential.

Major projects are being successfully implemented with Italian companies in green energy, chemistry, mechanical engineering, light industry, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, and tourism.

The dialogue between foreign ministers continues within the “Italy – Central Asia” format. The branches of the Turin Polytechnic University and the University of Pisa in Tashkent are operating effectively.

Last year, the first Forum of Leading Universities was held. Recently, the Uzbekistan Culture Days took place in Rome and Viareggio.

Shortly, a meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group and a business forum will be held, along with a visit by the Governor of Lombardy to Uzbekistan, during which the Council of Regions will convene. Additionally, the importance of establishing a joint investment fund was emphasized.

Coordinating a reciprocal visit by the Prime Minister of Italy to Uzbekistan was outlined as a key priority.

Kyrgyzstan is a close neighbor and a strategic partner of Uzbekistan.

Trade turnover has quadrupled in recent years, and the number of joint ventures has reached 300. An automobile plant, textile factories, medical centers, and agro-clusters have been launched in various regions.

An important historical event was the commencement of the construction of the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway in December last year.

This month, a trilateral summit with the participation of the leaders of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan will take place in the city of Khujand.

The need to ensure the effectiveness of the Intergovernmental and Interparliamentary Commissions, the Interregional Forum, and the Business Council was highlighted.

In recent years, cooperation between Uzbekistan and Belarus has reached a new level.

The official visit of the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, to Uzbekistan in February last year gave additional momentum to expanding the multifaceted partnership.

Trade turnover has steadily increased, and the number of joint ventures has reached 240. Political consultations, a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, and business events will take place shortly.

The President of Uzbekistan emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, electrical engineering, light industry, healthcare, construction, housing, and utilities.

Effectively conducting interregional, medical, and educational forums was emphasized.

The President of Uzbekistan noted that Georgia is a reliable partner in the South Caucasus.

Last year, trade turnover increased by 50 percent. Freight transportation volumes are growing, and cooperation in the banking sector is strengthening.

Government and parliamentary contacts have intensified, while cultural and tourism exchanges continue to expand.

It was expressed with confidence that the results of the official visit of the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, to Uzbekistan, which took place recently, will mark a new milestone in developing bilateral relations.

Particular attention was given to significantly increasing trade turnover and strengthening cooperation in logistics and transit, tourism, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and the textile industry.

The importance of holding a regional business forum, national product fairs, and cultural days this year was highlighted.

Addressing the Ambassador of Türkiye, the President of Uzbekistan noted that thanks to an active political dialogue, bilateral relations have been elevated to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Last year, trade turnover reached $3 billion, the volume of investments utilized amounted to $2 billion, and the number of joint companies exceeded 2,000. Major cooperation projects in priority economic sectors are being implemented with leading Turkish companies. Additionally, an International University of Turkic States is being established in Tashkent.

The importance of organizing the next meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Uzbekistan this year was emphasized to promote new promising areas and concrete projects.

Following the ceremony, the President of Uzbekistan wished the newly appointed ambassadors great success in their honorable and responsible mission. He urged them to effectively utilize all available opportunities to strengthen partnerships, actively engage with regional authorities, and collaborate with private sector representatives.

In turn, the diplomats expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and favorable conditions for their productive work. They reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging their professional experience and expertise to promote multifaceted cooperation with Uzbekistan actively.