Mirziyoyev Accepts Credentials from Nine Ambassadors
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev accepted credentials from nine newly appointed ambassadors on 28 July 2026 to deepen bilateral ties.
On July 28, 2026, Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received credentials from nine newly appointed ambassadors, engaging in discussions about key areas of bilateral cooperation and ongoing joint initiatives.
The ambassadors who presented their credentials were: Guido de Sanctis of Italy, Wailla Batrehi of Palestine, Saad Abuhaimed of Saudi Arabia, Turki Al-Mekrad of Kuwait, Djamila Achour of Algeria, Rafeda binti Abdul Aziz of Malaysia, Muhammad Mudassir Tipu of Pakistan, Rashad Mammadov of Azerbaijan, and Yeraly Tugzhanov of Kazakhstan.
President Mirziyoyev congratulated the diplomats on commencing their assignments in Uzbekistan, underscoring the increasing significance of diplomacy amidst escalating geopolitical tensions across various global regions.
During his conversation with the Italian ambassador, Mirziyoyev acknowledged the substantial potential for political and economic collaboration. He specifically highlighted projects in green energy, metallurgy, chemicals, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, and tourism. He also drew attention to the operational branches of Turin Polytechnic University and the University of Pisa in Tashkent, and expressed support for expanding cooperation with Lombardy and Tuscany, including joint efforts to train medical professionals.
Regarding relations with Palestine, Mirziyoyev affirmed Uzbekistan's commitment to fostering long-standing friendly ties. He reiterated Uzbekistan's support for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the two-state solution. He also noted that Uzbekistan's role as a founding state in the Peace Council aims to contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza.
In discussions concerning cooperation with Saudi Arabia, the president characterized the partnership as exemplary, citing a joint project portfolio valued at US$25 billion. He emphasized the Saudi Fund for Development's role in backing reforms in Uzbekistan, identifying healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and green energy as crucial sectors for future collaboration.
Kuwait and Uzbekistan identified opportunities to broaden cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The discussions also encompassed joint projects with the Kuwait Investment Authority in petrochemicals and public-private partnerships.
With Algeria, high-level interactions have intensified in recent years. Promising sectors for collaboration include oil and gas, energy, mining, agriculture, and tourism. Mirziyoyev stressed the importance of establishing an Intergovernmental Commission and finalizing a Preferential Trade Agreement.
Mirziyoyev observed consistent progress in relations with Malaysia and increased engagement from Malaysian businesses in the Uzbek market. Key areas for future development include semiconductor manufacturing, petrochemicals, Islamic finance, and pilgrimage tourism.
Strategic partnership relations with Pakistan have advanced to a new level, according to Mirziyoyev. Priorities include initiating direct flights on the Tashkent–Karachi route, implementing the Trans-Afghan transport corridor, and deepening cooperation in industry, energy, agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.
During his meeting with the Azerbaijani ambassador, Mirziyoyev noted the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership and alliance. Mutual trade has grown by 40%, the number of joint ventures has reached nearly 450, and cargo transport has doubled. Both sides set a near-term objective of increasing the joint investment portfolio to US$10 billion.
Speaking with the Kazakh ambassador, Mirziyoyev underscored the strengthening of historical ties and the development of strategic partnership and alliance relations. The parties established a target to increase mutual trade to US$10 billion and have formed a portfolio of joint investment projects worth US$8 billion. Both nations expressed interest in the full operational launch of the "Central Asia" International Center for Industrial Cooperation.
Concluding the ceremony, Mirziyoyev extended his best wishes to the ambassadors for success in their diplomatic roles and encouraged them to actively engage with Uzbekistan's private sector and regional authorities. The diplomats expressed their appreciation for the reception and reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating multifaceted cooperation with Uzbekistan.