Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Presents Credentials to Pope Leo XIV

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Holy See, resident in Madrid, Farrukh Tursunov, presented his credentials to Pope Leo XIV, Dunyo news agency reported.

During the meeting, the ambassador briefed the Pontiff on the large-scale reforms underway in Uzbekistan in the political, economic, and social spheres, as well as measures to strengthen democratic institutions.

On behalf of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, sincere greetings and best wishes were conveyed.

Pope Leo XIV expressed deep respect for the President and the people of Uzbekistan, noting that over 33 years of diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Uzbekistan, a strong foundation of cooperation has been established, aimed at fostering friendship and mutual understanding among people of different nationalities and faiths.

The Pontiff highlighted the significance of Samarkand as a historic center of philosophical and religious thought, influencing both the East and the West. He emphasized Uzbekistan’s commitment to interfaith harmony and tolerance, as well as its active support for international initiatives in this area.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Pope stated that he would pray for the well-being of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the prosperity of the Uzbek people, expressing his wish for continued strengthening of friendship and constructive cooperation between the Holy See and Uzbekistan.

Farrukh Tursunov has served as Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Spain since December 2023 and concurrently as Ambassador to Andorra, where in March 2025 he presented his credentials to the co-prince of the country, French President Emmanuel Macron.