RIYADH, September 22. /Dunyo IA/. Ambassador of Uzbekistan Nodirjon Turgunov granted an interview to the leading Saudi newspaper “Okaz”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Interview was published in a special edition of the periodical dedicated to the 12^th Anniversary of the accession to the throne of the King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

As noted in the publication, relations between the two countries have reached a qualitatively new level in recent years and encompass political, investment, energy, trade, economic and tourism spheres.

According to the Ambassador, the high level of political trust and regular contacts between the leadership of the two countries play a crucial role in developing bilateral interaction. The relations between the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman are of particular importance.

Significant attention in the interview was paid to investment cooperation. The portfolio of joint projects has exceeded $27 billion and it is expected to increase to $30 billion by the end of this year.

Energy remains one of the key areas. The Saudi company ACWA Power is participating in the implementation of major projects in Uzbekistan in the fields of solar and wind energy, energy storage and “green” hydrogen production. Their total volume is estimated at approximately $15 billion.

Cooperation is also developing in the transport sector. Within the framework of the Tashkent International Investment Forum, an agreement was signed between Uzbekistan Airports and Vision Invest on the construction and operation of the new Tashkent International Airport. The first phase of the project envisages attracting approximately $3 billion in investment.

Ambassador also noted the need to further increase mutual trade. In particular, agreements were reached to expand the export of Uzbek fruits, vegetables and other products to the Saudi Arabian market.

Special attention was paid to tourism cooperation. Uzbekistan is interested in increasing the flow of tourists from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. One of the contributing factors is the visa-free regime for citizens of Saudi Arabia for a period of up to 30 days.

It was emphasized that the expansion of investment, trade, and economic interaction, cooperation in energy and tourism, as well as the strengthening of political dialogue, create the foundation for further deepening the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia.