Uzbekistan Strengthens Ties with Holy See via New Ambassador

At the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, Uzbekistan’s newly appointed Ambassador to the Holy See, Farrukh Tursunov, has presented his credentials to Pope Leo XIV.

During the meeting, Tursunov briefed the Pontiff on Uzbekistan’s wide-ranging political, economic, and social reforms, as well as efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

He conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Pope Leo XIV expressed respect for the president and people of Uzbekistan, noting over 33 years of diplomatic relations have built a strong foundation for friendship and mutual understanding among people of different nationalities and faiths. He also highlighted Samarkand’s historic significance as a center of philosophical and religious thought bridging East and West.

The Pope praised Uzbekistan’s commitment to interfaith harmony and international cooperation, pledging prayers for President Mirziyoyev and the prosperity of the Uzbek people, and expressed hope for continued constructive ties between the Holy See and Uzbekistan.

Tursunov has served as Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Spain since December 2023 and concurrently as ambassador to Andorra, where he presented credentials to French President Emmanuel Macron in March 2025.