Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Can you tell us about your family and upbringing? Do you think it influenced your choice of career in diplomacy?

I grew up in a family that always encouraged curiosity and a deep respect for learning. This nurturing environment instilled in me an early interest in global affairs. Later, studying Political Science with International Studies at the University of Birmingham broadened my horizons and solidified my passion for International Relations. It was this academic journey that ultimately inspired me to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and pursue a career in diplomacy.

What are the main plans and priorities for your role as Ambassador in the UK?

My priorities as Ambassador are clear: to deepen political dialogue, expand our trade and economic partnerships, and promote education and tourism. Through these initiatives, I aim to foster a vibrant and enduring relationship between Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom.

Expanding Trade and Economic Cooperation

This year will mark a significant milestone in our economic relations with the upcoming first meeting of the Joint Economic Commission between Uzbekistan and the UK. Key drivers of our bilateral trade and investment cooperation include banking, mining, infrastructure, IT and architecture. Notably, the UK government has, for the first time, appointed a dedicated Trade Envoy for Central Asia and Azerbaijan, highlighting the growing importance of our region in British economic policy.

We also see encouraging growth in Uzbekistan’s exports to the UK, particularly in fruits, vegetables, textiles and non-ferrous metals. Additionally, we recognise the potential for collaboration with UK Export Finance (UKEF) and look forward to exploring opportunities with this institution to facilitate trade and investment projects.

A landmark achievement in our economic engagement came on 12th October 2024, when Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company (NMMC) successfully placed its first-ever Eurobonds worth US$1 billion on the London Stock Exchange. As the operator of Muruntau, one of the world’s largest gold mines, NMMC’s debut on the global financial market reflects the growing confidence in Uzbekistan’s economic reforms and investment climate.

Strengthening Educational Ties

Education is another key pillar of our cooperation. Uzbekistan is home to 10 British universities, offering world-class education and fostering academic exchange. Additionally, the number of Uzbek students studying in the UK continues to rise, reflecting a strong demand for British higher education and an increasing people-to-people connection between our nations.

In my role as Ambassador to the UK, I am excited to announce several key initiatives designed to strengthen the bonds between our nations:

International Conference on Climate Challenges: On 4th to 5th April 2025, Samarkand will welcome an international conference entitled ‘Central Asia in the Face of Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Common Prosperity.’ This event will bring together experts and leaders to address pressing global issues.

Global Youth Festival: On 15th May 2025, Uzbekistan will host a Global Youth Festival, an initiative that will see active participation from high-level guests from the UK.

Cultural Engagement: On 21st and 22nd June this year, we will host the Uzbek Culture and Food Festival at London’s Pottersfield Park near Tower Bridge. This event – now in its third year and having attracted over 30,000 visitors last year – stands as the largest national celebration of Uzbekistan in Europe. Two tonnes of the Uzbek traditional signature dish, Plov, are cooked each year.

UNESCO General Conference: In 2025, the historic city of Samarkand will play host to the 43rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference, scheduled to take place between 7th and 11th October 2025. Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true crossroads of cultures, offers a unique setting to highlight our rich heritage.

Do you think that the UK-Uzbekistan relationship is changing or evolving following Brexit?

I believe our bilateral relationship with the United Kingdom is evolving at a dynamic pace following Brexit. One notable development has been the introduction of seasonal workers from Uzbekistan since 2022. This initiative is mutually beneficial—Uzbekistan, with a population of 37million and an annual growth nearing one million, is actively seeking new employment opportunities, while the UK has a robust demand for labour. This exchange has added a fresh dimension to our partnership, strengthening economic and cultural ties between our nations. In 2024, about 5,000 seasonal workers from Uzbekistan arrived in the UK.

In the run up to COP29, what climate issues are on the agenda for Uzbekistan?

As we approach COP30, Uzbekistan is fully committed to environmental sustainability as a cornerstone of our national strategy. Our goal is to merge ecological stewardship with robust economic growth by transitioning to a resource-efficient, green development model. In fact, 2025 has been declared the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy in Uzbekistan. Here are the key climate initiatives and priorities on our agenda:

Low-Carbon and Green Financing Strategies: We have developed a long-term Low-Carbon Development Strategy alongside a National Green Financing Programme. Over the next five years, we aim to ensure that green components make up 50 per cent of our investment projects.

Emission Reduction and Monitoring: We are implementing national systems for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions and establishing an emissions trading scheme. Our target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 per cent by 2030, with continuous improvements beyond that.

Urban and Agricultural Sustainability: Under the ‘Yashil Makon’ programme, we plan to green at least 30 per cent of our urban areas. Additionally, we are committed to equipping 100 per cent of our agricultural sector with water-saving technologies, ensuring a more sustainable future for our food systems.

Renewable Energy Expansion: In collaboration with international partners, we are currently executing over 50 large-scale projects totalling more than US$26 billion, which collectively produce 24 gigawatts of electricity. By 2030, we plan to raise the share of renewable energy in our national energy mix to 54 per cent. Moreover, a recently signed multilateral agreement with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan within the COP29 framework will facilitate the export of green energy to Europe.

International Collaborative Initiatives: At recent forums such as COP29 and in anticipation of COP30, we have proposed several initiatives aimed at combating climate change. These include establishing an International Center for Assessing Climate Change-Related Damages and Losses, ensuring the security of river ecosystems, forming a Regional Hub for Water-Saving Technologies, and creating a Plant Genetic Resources Bank. We are eager to begin practical work on these initiatives with our global partners.

Regional and Youth Engagement: At the upcoming Central Asia global climate conference, we will present our Regional Concept for Green Development. Additionally, I extend a warm invitation to your representatives to join us at the Global Youth Festival of Digital Green Initiatives, scheduled for 15th May in the Aral region on International Climate Day.

Through these initiatives, Uzbekistan is not only addressing its national environmental challenges but also contributing actively to global efforts against climate change.

What do you think is currently Uzbekistan’s greatest diplomatic challenge?

I believe that the greatest diplomatic challenge facing Uzbekistan today is ensuring stability while advancing our national interests. In an era of growing global geopolitical competition, it is essential for us to build a balanced and equidistant foreign policy that secures our sovereignty and promotes mutual understanding on the international stage.

Are there any particular hobbies and interests that you enjoy and why?

I have a strong passion for English football and have recently become an enthusiastic supporter of Manchester City. My interest is particularly fuelled by the exciting news that Abdukodir Khusanov — a talented defender for the Uzbekistan national team and formerly with French club Lens—is set to join Manchester City. It’s truly inspiring to see a compatriot making his mark on such a prestigious platform.