H.E. Mr. Bakhodir Abdullaev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran presented his credentials to the ECO Secretary General, H.E. Dr. Hadi Soleimanpour, as the Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to the Organization.
During the meeting, the Ambassador acknowledged the importance of ECO with a view to promoting regional economic cooperation, adding that the strong relations with neighboring countries and the emphasis on regional organizations have been prioritized in foreign policy of the new Government of Uzbekistan.
While expressing his pleasure to receive ambassador’s credentials, the Secretary General considered the gesture of the Government of the Republic Uzbekistan as an evidence of its willingness to further fuel the level of existing cooperation with ECO.
The Secretary General added that under the visionary leadership of H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Republic of Uzbekistan has been playing a dynamic and pivotal role at regional level as well as in the activities of the regional organizations including ECO. Considering the geopolitical, geo-economic, historical, social and cultural richness of Uzbekistan, the outcome of this new policy undoubtedly will increase the role of Uzbekistan in regional and international arenas, the ECO Secretary General expressed.
The two sides also discussed the ECO reform process and role of the Republic of Uzbekistan in this regard. They further reviewed the capacities and methods for operationalization of basic agreements such as TTFA and ECOTA.
Uzbekistan is a key member of the organization with 32.4 million of population. The foreign trade’s turnover of the country in the year 2017 amounted to 733 billion US dollars, while it plays an essential role in the areas of transit transport and regional development.
