Jeddah (UNA-OIC) – President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Dr. Bandar Hajjar met here on Wednesday with Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Saudi Arabia Ulugbek Maksudov.
The meeting discussed the ongoing preparations for holding the 46th annual meeting of the IsDB Board of Governors in Uzbekistan, the level of coordination between the two sides’ technical teams; the projects that the Bank is implementing in Uzbekistan, such as the trilateral project connecting Pakistan Railways with Afghanistan and Uzbekistan; and the IsDB’s support for the Imam Bukhari Research Center as a scientific and cultural beacon.
The meeting also touched on the Uzbek government’s request from IsDB to support the proposed regional railway project between Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. In this regard, Dr. Hajjar affirmed the IsDB’s support for this regional project, saying that one of the Bank’s objectives is to support regional integration and increase cooperation ties among member countries.
IsDB chief expressed his sincere thanks to the Government of Uzbekistan for its continuous support to the IsDB Group. He also affirmed the Bank’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Uzbekistan and examining all means that support the long-term partnership between the two sides.
For his part, Ambassador Maksudov underscored that intensive preparations are underway for hosting the IsDB annual meeting in Tashkent, in order to ensure the holding of a successful meeting, in a way that reflects the advanced relationship between the Bank and Uzbekistan. He commended the cooperation and coordination between IsDB and his country at various levels.
The total approvals of the IsDB for Uzbekistan to date amounted to US$2.4 billion, to support inclusive and sustainable economic development in the country. The IsDB’s asset portfolio in Uzbekistan is well-diversified by sectors of agriculture and rural development, transportation, energy, health and education.
