Foreign Minister Saidov meets newly appointed envoys of Italy and Belgium

During the talks with Guido De Sanctis, the newly appointed Ambassador of Italy to Uzbekistan, the parties discussed the current state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation, with particular attention given to expanding trade, investment, and economic ties. The sides also underscored the importance of strengthening practical cooperation and encouraging closer contacts between business communities.

Ambassador De Sanctis, 64, is a career diplomat who has held senior positions within Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic missions since 1991. He previously served as Italy’s ambassador to Qatar from 2013 to 2017 and speaks English and Russian. He succeeds Piergabriele Papadia de Bottini, who served as Italy’s ambassador to Uzbekistan in 2024–2025.

On the same day, Bakhtiyor Saidov also received the credentials of Eric De Maeyer, the newly accredited Ambassador of Belgium to Uzbekistan, with residence in Astana. According to the Foreign Minister, the meeting covered the full spectrum of bilateral relations, highlighting the need to further promote trade, investment, and business cooperation, as well as to expand practical economic interaction between Uzbekistan and Belgium.

Ambassador De Mayer, 59, is an experienced diplomat who has held senior roles since 1993 within international organizations, Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and foreign diplomatic missions. He replaces Henri Vantieghem, who was accredited as Belgium’s ambassador to Uzbekistan in 2024.

The minister wished success to both ambassadors in their diplomatic mission in Uzbekistan.