President of Uzbekistan Receives Credentials from Newly Appointed Foreign Ambassadors

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 27 November, a ceremonial event was held in Tashkent for the presentation of credentials by newly appointed foreign ambassadors accredited to Uzbekistan.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received credentials from the Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Hellenic Republic, Paraskevi Tseveleki; the Republic of Indonesia, Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin; the Republic of Latvia, Girts Jaunzems; the French Republic, Walid Fouque; the Russian Federation, Alexey Erkhov; Japan, Kenji Hirata; and the Republic of Tajikistan, Nasriddin Ismatullo.

The President congratulated the diplomats on the start of their missions in Uzbekistan and emphasized the importance of their work amid complex global geopolitical and economic conditions. He noted that during their first months in the country, they could observe Uzbekistan’s dynamic development, as the nation increasingly becomes a hub for international diplomacy. This year, Tashkent hosted the International Investment Forum, the Council of Foreign Investors, the 150th Anniversary Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the first Central Asia–EU Summit, the International Climate Forum, a historic UNESCO General Conference session, and the summit of Central Asian heads of state.

Mirziyoyev highlighted that under Uzbekistan’s initiative, the UN General Assembly adopted 13 resolutions in recent years. The country rose 19 positions in the Sustainable Development Goals Index this year, becoming one of the top five countries globally in terms of progress over the past decade. Over eight years, Uzbekistan’s economy more than doubled, while poverty fell from 35 % to 6.6 %. Thanks to the policy of openness, visa-free access has been introduced for nearly 100 countries, exports continue to expand steadily, the foreign trade turnover exceeded US$66 billion for the first time in history, and foreign investment reached US$39 billion. The President expressed gratitude to the governments of the ambassadors’ home countries for their active support of Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization.

Special attention during the ceremony was given to bilateral relations with each country. Relations with Greece are developing dynamically: this year bilateral political consultations were held, the Greek embassy office opened in Tashkent, and trade increased fivefold. The President emphasized the need to enhance cooperation in pharmaceuticals, light and food industries, energy, information technologies, and transport, as well as to ensure the effective conduct of the upcoming Intergovernmental Commission and business forum.

Uzbekistan shares historical, religious, and cultural ties with Indonesia. Trade between the two countries has grown by 60 % since the start of the year. Joint ventures operate successfully in the chemical industry, agriculture, telecommunications, and tourism, and direct flights are planned to commence in December. The President expressed confidence that upcoming intergovernmental and business initiatives will yield significant results.

Relations with Latvia are characterized by steady development of political and economic cooperation and growing contacts between business communities. Over the past five years, Uzbekistan’s exports and the number of joint ventures with Latvia have tripled. The Latvian Investment and Development Agency maintains an office in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan Days in Riga and the Rectors’ Forum strengthened mutual understanding, and agreements on migration, expanded flight connections, and effective use of economic cooperation mechanisms will continue to bring the peoples of the two countries closer.

The President also highlighted strategic partnership with France. Active political dialogue has elevated relations to the level of strategic partnership, with joint projects worth US$10 billion agreed this March. Bilateral trade this year exceeded US$1.2 billion, a cooperation program with the French Development Agency was approved through 2030, and the joint Uzbek-French University was inaugurated. Cultural events in Paris and an exhibition showcasing Uzbekistan’s tourism potential strengthened people-to-people ties. The President stressed the importance of the first meeting of the Joint Investment Council and the Interregional Forum next year.

Relations with the Russian Federation were described as a time-tested strategic partnership and alliance. Bilateral trade last year approached US$12 billion. More than 3,000 enterprises with Russian capital operate in Uzbekistan, with US$4 billion invested this year. Branches of 15 Russian universities function effectively. Key events this year included the Interparliamentary Commission meeting, the INNOPROM International Industrial Exhibition, the Council of Regional Leaders, political consultations, Rectors’ Forum, Russia Days, and other initiatives. The President emphasized the importance of the upcoming Intergovernmental Commission session on economic cooperation and the activation of interregional dialogue.

Uzbekistan develops a strategic partnership with Japan. JICA, JETRO, and Nagoya University maintain offices in the country. Projects in telecommunications, energy, healthcare, infrastructure, education, and tourism totaling US$8 billion are underway. This year, the first Strategic Dialogue and Rectors’ Forum were held, and Uzbekistan’s National Day at EXPO–2025 in Osaka was successfully organized. Upcoming meetings in Tokyo and business interactions are expected to give new momentum to bilateral cooperation.

Uzbekistan-Tajikistan relations have reached the level of strategic partnership and alliance. Border issues have been fully resolved, transport links restored, and cooperation between parliaments, governments, regions, and businesses intensified. Trade volume has increased more than fivefold, nearing US$1 billion. The creation of the “Oybek–Fotehobod” free trade and border zone and the “Andarkhan” trade and logistics center will further boost trade, while joint projects in industry, transport, geology, energy, agriculture, water management, tourism, education, and culture have significant implementation potential.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, President Mirziyoyev wished the newly appointed ambassadors — Paraskevi Tseveleki, Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin, Girts Jaunzems, Walid Fouque, Alexey Yerkhov, Kenji Hirata, and Nasriddin Ismatullo — success in their work, urging them to use all opportunities to strengthen partnerships, engage actively with regions, and cooperate with the private sector. In turn, the diplomats expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and working conditions, affirming their readiness to leverage their professional experience to develop multifaceted cooperation with Uzbekistan.