TASHKENT, August 22. /Dunyo IA/. On the eve of the 33rd anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Independence, the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of the United Arab Emirates Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei gave an exclusive interview to Dunyo IA, in which he shared his vision of the prospects for cooperation with our country and assessed the current development of UAE-Uzbekistan relations:

– Today, on the eve of the celebration of the 33rd Independence Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which also coincides with the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, – said Minister Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei. – I would like to especially note that this significant milestone underscores a historic deep-rooted partnership founded on mutual respect and a shared vision for the future.

This celebration honors Uzbekistan, a country rich in cultural heritage and achievements. Under the leadership of His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has become a pivotal player on both regional and international stages. His steadfast efforts have transformed the economic and social landscape toward a future-oriented outlook.

Following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, our cooperation with Uzbekistan has been significantly enhanced, focusing on development and mutual collaboration. Our strong relations have strengthened across various sectors, including renewable energy, infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, "smart" government, and knowledge exchange.

To further this economic expansion, both countries engage in a number of strategic initiatives. During my recent visit to Uzbekistan in April this year, accompanied by a high-level delegation of government officials and UAE companies, I was delighted to meet with His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Our discussions focused on future prospects and promising opportunities for bolstering cooperation, including across sectors such as green energy, minerals, agriculture, transportation, and communications. We identified several potential future projects for collaboration.

Furthermore, our strategic partnership is exemplified by the Government Knowledge Exchange Program, established in 2019 for a period of ten years. This program reflects our shared vision and goals, and serves as a global model for effective governmental cooperation. It emphasizes our commitment to mutual progress and innovation, facilitates the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and successful practices, while focusing on capacity building and innovative initiatives inspired by the UAE’s government model.

To date, more than 175 initiatives have been launched, 570 workshops held, and over two million individuals trained.

In line with our unwavering commitment to a sustainable future as outlined at the COP28 Climate Change Conference and subsequent global agreements, including the historic "UAE Consensus", the UAE and Uzbekistan have collaborated to address the effects and consequences of climate change. In cooperation with Masdar, wind farm and solar energy projects in Jizzakh, Samarkand, Surkhandarya, Navoi, Bukhara and Kashkadarya regions — with a total capacity of 2.047 gigawatts — have been developed, representing the largest solar energy development program in Central Asia.

Moreover, infrastructure development plays a crucial role in enhancing economic relations and accelerating connectivity. To achieve this goal, a number of programs are being implemented. Earlier this year, our two countries signed a memorandum of understanding for Investment Cooperation in Digital Infrastructure. I look forward to seeing Uzbekistan transform into a regional hub for data and Artificial Intelligence. And in this regard, I encourage UAE companies to explore opportunities with Uzbek partners in this field, and similarly we invite companies in Uzbekistan to take advantage of the promising opportunities offered by the UAE.

The UAE boasts a vibrant, thriving economic business environment that attracts foreign investment. We hold an advanced position globally as a developed financial, commercial, and economic center, enabling the country to become a global capital for investment and economic innovation. Additionally, the UAE serves as a comprehensive incubator for entrepreneurship and an advanced laboratory for new economic opportunities and emerging projects.

In a country rich in history, tradition, and heritage, cultural and tourism relations must be a cornerstone of a solid, ambitious, and mutually successful relationship. This makes enhancing bilateral cultural cooperation a natural and fruitful endeavor for both parties, strengthening the bridges of communication between our peoples. To maintain this connection, there are currently 42 weekly flights between the two countries.

To conclude, as we approach the 33rd Independence Day of Uzbekistan, it is important to commend the progress we have made together and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to continuing to enhance bilateral relations and contribute to the growth and prosperity of both countries and our peoples, paving the way for a relationship without limits to succeed and prosper.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to sincerely congratulate all the people of Uzbekistan on Independence Day.

I wish the leadership and people of Uzbekistan good health, happiness, peace and lasting prosperity!