During the conversation that took place after the award ceremony, the ambassador informed the Pontiff about the large-scale reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan in the political, economic and social spheres, as well as steps aimed at strengthening democratic institutions.
On behalf of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, sincere greetings and best wishes were conveyed to the Pope.
Pope Leo XIV expressed his deep respect for the President and the people of Uzbekistan. He noted that in the 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Uzbekistan, a strong potential for cooperation has been formed, aimed at strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between representatives of different nationalities and faiths.
The Pontiff paid special attention to the importance of Samarkand as a major center of philosophical and religious thought, influencing both the East and the Western world. It was emphasized that Uzbekistan traditionally stands for the promotion of the principles of interreligious harmony and tolerance and actively supports international initiatives in this field.
At the end of the meeting, Pope Leo XIV noted that he would pray for the well-being of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the prosperity of the Uzbek people, wishing further strengthening of friendship and constructive cooperation between the Holy See and Uzbekistan.
Recall that Farrukh Tursunov is the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Spain, where he arrived on December 7, 2023. On April 9, 2024, the diplomat presented his credentials to King Philip VI of Spain.
In addition, the diplomat is also the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Andorra. On March 11, 2025, he presented his credentials to the co-ruler of Andorra, French President Emmanuel Macron.
