Uzbekistan and Canada Step Up Interparliamentary Dialogue and Plan to Open Embassies

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A delegation from Uzbekistan, led by First Deputy Chair of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis Sodik Safoyev, paid an official visit to Canada from 25 to 27 November 2025, holding meetings in Ottawa and Toronto.

The visit took place against the backdrop of strengthening political dialogue and expanding ties between the two countries.

“Uzbekistan Days” were held at the Canadian Parliament, along with a presentation of the book “New Uzbekistan: The Path of Shavkat Mirziyoyev”. The event brought together more than 80 participants, including parliamentarians, representatives of government agencies, business circles, experts, and media. Canadian politicians positively assessed the reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan, noting their scale and sustainability.

The meetings discussed accelerating the process of opening embassies for Uzbekistan and Canada. The Canadian side supported the proposal to hold the first Uzbekistan–Canada Parliamentary Forum in Samarkand in 2026.

In the Canadian Senate, an initiative was also proposed to organize a “Canada Day” in Uzbekistan.

The Uzbek delegation held talks with Senate Speaker Raymonde Gagné and House of Commons Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia. Gagné expressed full support for the opening of the Uzbekistan Embassy in Ottawa. Scarpaleggia emphasized that interparliamentary contacts have noticeably intensified and that Canadian business participation in the upcoming Samarkand forum will be of significant importance.

During meetings with the Parliamentary Friendship Group, headed by Ziad Aboultayef, issues of economic cooperation, migration, and cultural exchanges were discussed. Particular attention was given to the contribution of the Uzbek diaspora in Canada, numbering over 60,000.

The Canadian side highlighted the high demand in the country’s healthcare system for medical personnel, with negotiations ongoing with the provinces of Alberta and Ontario.

Canadian senators also praised Uzbekistan’s reforms in public safety, urban development, and religious tolerance, emphasizing that the country’s investment openness creates new opportunities for Canadian business.