Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – On 27 June 2022, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov received the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Spain in our country (with residence in Moscow) Marcos Gomez Martinez.

Accepting the credentials of the Ambassador, V.Norov congratulated him on his appointment and wished him success in his diplomatic mission.

The parties discussed topical issues of Uzbek-Spanish cooperation, which in recent years has risen to a qualitatively new level of development, enriched with practical content.

The importance of intensifying political dialogue, organizing visits at various levels, strengthening interaction within international institutions, and continuing consultations on the Afghan issue was noted.

Marcos Gomez Martinez said that Spain considers Uzbekistan as a key state in the region and fully supports the course of systemic reforms being implemented in the republic, which contribute to improving the welfare of the population and improving the country's image on the world stage.

Particular attention was paid to the prospects for intensifying economic diplomacy. The interest of the Spanish side in building up long-term cooperation with Uzbekistan in the areas of transport, agriculture, banking, textile and oil and gas industries, renewable energy and tourism was reported.

The Ambassador informed that for Spanish companies Uzbekistan is a promising market with significant opportunities. For a detailed study of the country and its business climate, it is planned to organize a visit to Uzbekistan of a delegation of Spanish business entities.

The presence of potential for the development of ties in the field of education was noted. In particular, issues of opening branches of Spanish universities in Uzbekistan and vocational training centers, as well as attracting Spanish specialists and teachers to the country were discussed.

On the same day, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs between the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Afghanistan Ismatilla Irgashev and the Ambassador of Spain Marcos Gomez Martinez, during which the parties discussed the current situation in Afghanistan and the provision of assistance to this country.