Shavkat Mirziyoyev awards Saudi Ambassador

On December 29, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Yousef Al-Otaibi, who is concluding his diplomatic mission in the country, the Presidential Press Service reported.

The head of state highly praised the ambassador’s effective work and his personal contribution to the development and strengthening of comprehensive partnership relations between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia.

It was noted with satisfaction that systematic dialogue and active contacts have been established at various levels. Trade turnover, the volume of direct investment, and the number of joint ventures are growing rapidly. The portfolio of projects with leading Saudi companies has exceeded $27 billion.

Projects and initiatives are being implemented in green energy, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure development, and other priority areas, the statement said.

It was also reported that cultural and humanitarian exchanges have intensified. In October this year, Days of Uzbek Culture were held in Saudi Arabia at a high level. Uzbekistan also participated in the International Book Fair held in Riyadh.

The Uzbek leader expressed gratitude to the Government of Saudi Arabia for the favorable conditions created for Uzbek citizens performing the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev awarded Yousef Al-Otaibi the Order of Friendship for his significant contribution to strengthening Uzbek–Saudi friendship and multifaceted partnership relations.

The ambassador, in turn, expressed deep gratitude to the Uzbek leader for the high appreciation of his diplomatic mission and for the comprehensive support provided to the development of broad cooperation between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia.

It is worth recalling that on August 14 this year, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic, Aurélia Bouchez, upon the completion of her diplomatic mission and awarded her the Order of Friendship for her significant contribution to strengthening relations of friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries.