Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 12 June, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Republic of Maldives, Sardor Rustambayev, presented his credentials to Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, the Dunyo news agency reports.

Following the official ceremony, the two sides held a meeting to discuss the current state and prospects of Uzbekistan–Maldives cooperation across a range of areas, including political dialogue, trade and investment, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges. Both parties noted significant untapped potential for expanding bilateral engagement.

President Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to strengthening cooperation with Uzbekistan within the frameworks of the UN, OIC, and other international and regional platforms — particularly on issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and regional security.

Special attention was given to boosting cooperation in tourism and higher education. The sides discussed the possibility of Maldivian students studying at Uzbek universities, launching direct flights, easing visa requirements, and creating joint tourism packages.

The discussion also touched on the prospects for high-level visits, enhancing business-to-business contacts, and facilitating inter-sectoral delegation exchanges.

Diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and the Maldives were established on December 7, 1994.

Sardor Rustambayev was appointed Ambassador of Uzbekistan to India and concurrently to the Maldives in January 2024. He previously headed Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions in France and Portugal.