Deputy FM: Russia To Open Consulate General In Uzbekistan’s Samarkand

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov has announced that the Russian Federation is set to open a Consulate General in Samarkand, Uzbekistan in the near future.

Ryabkov made these remarks during a reception at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Moscow, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

The event was held in celebration of Uzbekistan’s Independence Day.

“The process of establishing the Russian Consulate General in Samarkand is nearing completion. The official opening will take place very soon,” Ryabkov said in his remarks.

The deputy minister noted that the move is a clear demonstration of the “mutual desire to strengthen bilateral relations, including at the regional level.” He underscored that the initiative aligns with both countries’ commitment to expanding cooperation across various sectors.

The forthcoming consulate is expected to significantly improve access to consular services for Russian citizens residing in Samarkand and surrounding areas, which are home to a sizable Russian-speaking community. The facility will handle a range of services, from visa applications to civil documentation and support for Russian nationals abroad.

The plan to establish the consulate was officially set in motion in February 2024, when Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a government decree approving its creation.

The opening of the diplomatic mission in one of Uzbekistan’s most historic and strategically important cities is being viewed as a step toward deepening people-to-people ties and facilitating regional connectivity between the two countries.

As Uzbekistan continues strengthening its international partnerships, and Russia looks to expand its diplomatic footprint in Central Asia, the new consulate in Samarkand marks a meaningful milestone in the evolving relationship between Moscow and Tashkent.