Uzbekistan appoints new ambassador to Afghanistan

The 62-year-old diplomat brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served in Uzbekistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1998 and holding key diplomatic positions across several countries.

Usmonov is a graduate of Tashkent State University (now the National University of Uzbekistan), where he studied in the Faculty of Philology and Oriental Studies. Prior to the appointment, he served as Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Pakistan from 2020 to 2024.

Throughout his diplomatic career, Usmonov has held multiple significant roles, including postings at Uzbekistan's embassies and a stint as the country’s ambassador to Egypt. He also served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2011 to 2012.

Usmonov’s appointment to Kabul comes at a critical time, with regional security and cooperation high on the agenda for Uzbekistan’s foreign policy.