By HAN News Desk
TASHKENT — Uzbekistan has formally welcomed Somalia’s first-ever ambassador to Tashkent, in what officials from both nations are describing as a historic milestone in their diplomatic engagement. Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov received the credentials of Fathudin Ali Mohamed, who becomes the inaugural Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to Uzbekistan.
The credential ceremony, held in Tashkent, underscored a renewed commitment by both governments to strengthen ties after years of limited bilateral interaction. According to reports from The Caspian Post and Uzbek state media, the two sides expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation across political, economic, educational, security, and cultural spheres.
Foreign Minister Saidov congratulated Ambassador Fathudin on assuming his post, saying Uzbekistan looks forward to “a productive, results-oriented partnership” that will benefit both nations. He emphasized that Tashkent is eager to explore opportunities in areas such as trade, agriculture, capacity-building, and multilateral coordination within international organizations.
Diplomatic analysts say the appointment of an ambassador signals growing Somali engagement with Central Asia, a region increasingly opening its foreign policy to Africa as part of broader strategic outreach. For Somalia, the move represents an effort to diversify partnerships, attract investment, and deepen international recognition at a time when the country is seeking stronger global ties.
The ceremony in Tashkent follows earlier diplomatic progress between the two countries. On February 5, in New York, Somalia and Uzbekistan signed a Joint Communiqué establishing formal diplomatic relations, laying the legal foundation for deeper cooperation. That agreement paved the way for the appointment of Somalia’s first envoy and has now culminated in this significant diplomatic step.
Officials from both sides say the establishment of a resident Somali ambassador will help accelerate dialogue on shared priorities, including education exchanges, counterterrorism cooperation, development assistance, and enhanced people-to-people engagement. The move is also expected to facilitate more direct institutional collaboration between ministries and government agencies.
With the presentation of credentials now complete, both governments have expressed optimism that the strengthened diplomatic relationship will open a new chapter in Somalia–Uzbekistan relations and lead to tangible progress in the years ahead.
