Uzbekistan appoints new ambassador to Vatican

At the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, Uzbekistan’s new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Farrukh Tursunov, based in Madrid, presented his credentials to the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV.

During the conversation that followed the ceremony, the ambassador briefed the Pontiff on the wide-ranging political, economic, and social reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan, as well as on the steps taken to strengthen democratic institutions.

On behalf of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Tursunov conveyed the president’s sincere greetings and best wishes to the Pope.

Pope Leo XIV expressed deep respect for the president and the people of Uzbekistan. He noted that over the 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Uzbekistan, a strong foundation for cooperation has taken shape, aimed at fostering friendship and mutual understanding among people of different nationalities and faiths.

The Pontiff paid particular attention to the significance of Samarkand as a major center of philosophical and religious thought, influencing both the Eastern and Western worlds.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Pope Leo XIV said he would pray for the well-being of Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the prosperity of the Uzbek people, expressing hope for further strengthening of friendship and constructive engagement between the parties.

For reference, Tursunov also serves as Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Spain and Andorra.