Almost three decades ago, Uzbekistan and the the United Arab Emirates embarked on the path of friendship and shared progress and we have seen our ties blossom and deepen as our young nations have developed, often finding ourselves travelling together on the path to growth and advancement at both the national and international levels.

     Nowhere has this been the case quite so strongly as in our work together in the field of governance and the development of government systems and institutions that have come to truly define best practice for young and emerging nations. The strategic partnership our two nations embarked upon in 2019 has resulted in an enduring and positive contribution to better, smarter systems of governance and has brought deep benefits to both countries in our shared goal to provide the highest standards of governance and leadership for our respective peoples.

     Alongside our joint work in these areas, we have been pleased to work together in financing the development of key infrastructure together with exploring new commercial opportunities. The Abu Dhabi Uzbek Investment Company, founded in 2019, has already seen rapid expansion in our co-operation and we can only see potential to expand our joint efforts.

     Of course, these have been arduous times, and the world has seen challenges emerging that have both tested our systems of governance and healthcare, bringing new issues to the table, such as food security and the more adaptive ways of working that have emerged as a result of the pandemic. Throughout this difficult time, our work together has continued and even adapted to reflect the changes in the world around us – an agility and flexibility that is, I believe, core to the foundation of a strong and enduring relationship.

     I look forward to further strengthening this remarkable alliance between our two nations, based on our shared values and aspirations.