The President of Uzbekistan discusses the implementation of priority projects with Saudi Arabia
On October 15, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who arrived in Uzbekistan at the head of a large delegation of leading business executives from Saudi Arabia.
The distinguished guest conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to the President of Uzbekistan.
The talks focused on expanding multifaceted cooperation and strengthening a comprehensive partnership between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia, particularly in the practical implementation of high-level agreements.
The dynamic progress of mutually beneficial relations was noted with great satisfaction. Contacts at all levels have intensified, the volume of mutual trade and direct investment has continued to grow, and the number of joint ventures has increased. Air connectivity between the two countries has also been significantly expanded.
The portfolio of joint projects between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia has now reached $27 billion. Several large-scale energy projects totaling $15 billion are being implemented in cooperation with ACWA Power.
High appreciation was given to the productive outcomes of the recent meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council, held the previous day in Tashkent, during which new agreements and contracts were signed.
Particular attention was devoted to the timely implementation of projects and initiatives in the fields of green energy, agriculture, electrical engineering, real estate, and regional infrastructure modernization, as well as other priority areas of cooperation.
Uzbekistan showcases pilgrimage tourism potential at international exhibition in Istanbul
Uzbekistan’s national pavilion at the international “Umra Plus and Pilgrimage Tourism” exhibition in Istanbul highlighted the country's pilgrimage tourism potential, rich historical and cultural heritage, and growing opportunities in the tourism sector, reports Dunyo IA.
The exhibition was held at the Lütfi Kırdar International Convention and Exhibition Center, bringing together more than 400 international participants and around 1,500 representatives of Türkiye's tourism industry, including hotel chains, airlines, catering and ground service providers, as well as tour operators.
The Uzbekistan national pavilion, organized at the initiative of the Association of Umrah Tourism Organizations, showcased the country's key pilgrimage destinations, sacred sites, rich historical legacy, and modern tourism infrastructure.
Visitors received comprehensive information on the tourism potential of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Termez, Kokand, and Tashkent, as well as UNESCO World Heritage sites, renowned Islamic shrines, and the facilities and services created to ensure a comfortable experience for pilgrims.
The exhibition also featured presentations highlighting Uzbekistan's national traditions, handicrafts, cuisine, culture of hospitality, and ongoing reforms in the tourism sector.
In addition, a series of bilateral B2B meetings was held with tour operators, airlines, hotel industry representatives, and pilgrimage tourism stakeholders from Türkiye, the Middle East, and other countries. The discussions focused on increasing the flow of pilgrims to Uzbekistan, developing joint travel packages, and expanding bilateral cooperation.
The event was attended by representatives of the General Directorate of Hajj and Umrah under the Presidency of Religious Affairs of Türkiye (Diyanet), leaders of industry associations, and international tourism professionals.
The exhibition concluded with an award ceremony. It was noted that Uzbekistan's participation marked another important step toward strengthening the country's position as one of Central Asia's leading pilgrimage tourism destinations.
