SAUDI, UZBEK TIES GROWING, SAYS ENVOY

JEDDAH: The Consulate General of Uzbekistan celebrated the 24th year of independence and 23rd anniversary of the constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan here.

Uzbek Consul General Ulugbek Maksudov speaking on the occasion said that Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong ties. Ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations 23 years ago, relations between Uzbekistan and the Kingdom have strengthened, the consul general said. Every year more than 11,000 Uzbek pilgrims visit Saudi Arabia for Haj and Umrah and they are provided excellent facilities by the Saudi government, he said.

Maksudov said the economy of Uzbekistan has been evolving on the basis of the national model developed by President Islam Karimov taking into account the social and economic potential of the country, history of the Uzbek people, national values as well as the best international practices. He said the implementation of five basic principles of transition to a socially-oriented free market economy during reforms has enabled the country to achieve desired results, provide sustainable economic growth and improve national welfare in a short period.

Currently the small business generates over 56 percent of the GDP and more than 90 percent of all enterprises are represented by small businesses, he said.

“Presently more than 20 international transport corridors are functioning in Uzbekistan, two of which are the major international roads connecting Western Europe with East Asia,” Maksudov said.

A photo exhibition was also held to mark the occasion.

Chief guest was Adel A. Bakhsh, deputy director general and director of protocol Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Makkah region while other guests were Vice Chairman of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mazen M. Batterjee, Assistant Secretary-General of the OIC Ambassador Hameed A. Opeloyeru and consuls general of various countries.

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