BRATISLAVA, December 27. /Dunyo IA/.  An event dedicated to the development of relations between Uzbekistan and Slovakia, with a particular focus on tourism, was held in Bratislava, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Diana Štrofová was awarded a certificate as Ambassador of Uzbekistan’s Tourism Brand in Slovakia. From 1998 to 2006, Diana Štrofová served as a member of the National Council of Slovakia (Parliament) and from 2006 to 2010 she held the position of State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia. Since 2012, she has been working as Director for External Relations at AZC Group.

The event was attended by Vladimír Šimonjak, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy of Slovakia, Ľudovít Černák, Honorary Consul of Uzbekistan, Robert Šimončič, Director General of the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Bratislava.

Delivering welcoming remarks, Ambassador of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Ibragimov informed participants about the reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan under the leadership of the President, the key results achieved in Uzbekistan-Slovakia relations in 2025 and the prospects for further development of bilateral cooperation.

Robert Spišák, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AZC Group, noted that Uzbekistan is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for foreign nationals. He emphasized that the company he leads is successfully implementing joint projects with Uzbek partners in agriculture, road construction, and other areas.

In turn, Diana Štrofová expressed her sincere appreciation for being granted the status of Ambassador of Uzbekistan’s Tourism Brand. She thanked the Uzbek side for the high level of trust and stated her intention to begin implementing concrete, targeted projects in the near future aimed at increasing the flow of foreign tourists to Uzbekistan.

At the conclusion of the event, Diana Štrofová gave a brief interview to Dunyo News Agency:

-              Today is a great celebration for me, as I have been presented with the certificate of Ambassador of Uzbekistan’s Tourism Brand in Slovakia.

I express my gratitude to my Uzbek partners for the high trust placed in me. I plan to use my knowledge and capabilities to engage in practical work aimed at achieving tangible results.

Uzbekistan is a country with a rich cultural heritage. Cities with ancient histories such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are centers of the Great Silk Road and reflect a high level of cultural, architectural, and artistic development in the past.

The country’s music and gastronomic potential are of particular interest to European tourists. Personally, I am especially fond of the Khorezm dance “Lazgi” and pilaf.

I am ready to promote your country among Slovak tourists as a land of beauty that embodies centuries-old history and serves as a source of inspiration.

Once again, I thank you for the trust shown in me.