Mirziyoyev Accepts Credentials from Nine Ambassadors

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev accepted credentials from the newly appointed ambassadors of nine nations on 28 July 2026, holding talks on priority areas of bilateral cooperation and joint projects.

Credentials were presented by Ambassador of Italy Guido de Sanctis, Ambassador of Palestine Wailla Batrehi, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia Saad Abuhaimed, Ambassador of Kuwait Turki Al-Mekrad, Ambassador of Algeria Djamila Achour, Ambassador of Malaysia Rafeda binti Abdul Aziz, Ambassador of Pakistan Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, Ambassador of Azerbaijan Rashad Mammadov, and Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yeraly Tugzhanov.

Mirziyoyev congratulated the diplomats on beginning their missions in Uzbekistan and emphasized the growing role of diplomacy amid rising geopolitical tensions in various global regions.

In talks with the Italian ambassador, Mirziyoyev noted significant potential for political and economic partnership, focusing on projects in green energy, metallurgy, chemicals, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, and tourism. He highlighted the operation of branches of Turin Polytechnic University and the University of Pisa in Tashkent and supported expanding cooperation with Lombardy and Tuscany, including joint initiatives to train medical personnel.

Addressing relations with Palestine, Mirziyoyev stated that Uzbekistan intends to continue developing long-standing friendly ties. He reaffirmed Uzbekistan's stance in favor of a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state solution and noted that Uzbekistan's participation in the Peace Council as a founding state aims to assist in the reconstruction of Gaza.

Regarding cooperation with Saudi Arabia, the president called the partnership exemplary, noting a joint project portfolio of US$25 billion. He highlighted the role of the Saudi Fund for Development in supporting reforms in Uzbekistan, identifying healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and green energy as key areas for further collaboration.

Kuwait and Uzbekistan noted opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Discussions also covered joint projects with the Kuwait Investment Authority in petrochemicals and public-private partnerships.

With Algeria, high-level contacts have intensified in recent years. Promising sectors include oil and gas, energy, mining, agriculture, and tourism. Mirziyoyev stressed the importance of establishing an Intergovernmental Commission and signing a Preferential Trade Agreement.

Mirziyoyev noted steady progress in relations with Malaysia and increased activity by Malaysian businesses in the Uzbek market. Promising areas include semiconductor manufacturing, petrochemicals, Islamic finance, and pilgrimage tourism.

Strategic partnership relations with Pakistan have reached a new level, Mirziyoyev said. Priorities include launching direct flights on the Tashkent–Karachi route, implementing the Trans-Afghan transport corridor, and deepening cooperation in industry, energy, agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.

During the meeting with the Azerbaijani ambassador, Mirziyoyev noted the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership and alliance. Mutual trade grew by 40%, the number of joint ventures reached nearly 450, and cargo transport doubled. The sides set a near-term goal of increasing the joint investment portfolio to US$10 billion.

Speaking with the Kazakh ambassador, Mirziyoyev highlighted the strengthening of historical ties and the development of strategic partnership and alliance relations. The parties set a target to increase mutual trade to US$10 billion and formed a portfolio of joint investment projects worth US$8 billion. Both sides expressed interest in the full launch of the "Central Asia" International Center for Industrial Cooperation.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mirziyoyev wished the ambassadors success in their diplomatic duties and urged them to engage actively with Uzbekistan's private sector and regional authorities. The diplomats expressed gratitude for the reception and reaffirmed their readiness to facilitate multi-faceted cooperation with Uzbekistan.