Uzbekistan has officially appointed its first ambassador to Malta, marking a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two nations. Abat Fayzullayev, who had previously served as Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Italy, presented his credentials to President of Malta Myriam Spiteri Debono on March 3, 2025.
During the meeting, President Debono emphasized the potential for collaboration and the growing engagement between the two countries. "Despite geographical distance between the two countries, they have interrelated interests and goals," she noted, highlighting the importance of Uzbekistan's pragmatic foreign policy and its willingness for open cooperation.
The diplomatic ties between Uzbekistan and Malta are still relatively new, having begun to develop significantly over the past couple of years. A notable step was taken back in September 2024 when the foreign ministers of both nations met for the first time during the UN General Assembly held in New York. This initial meeting allowed both parties to discuss bilateral relations and the mutual benefits of cooperation within international frameworks.
Since then, diplomatic outreach has only expanded. Notably, January 2025 saw Malta appoint its own ambassador to Uzbekistan, who will be based in Moscow. This appointment indicates Malta's commitment to strengthening ties with Uzbekistan. It was also around this time when the first round of consultations between the two countries' foreign ministries was held in the Maltese capital, Valletta.
Abat Fayzullayev’s career is reflective of his extensive experience and commitment to promoting Uzbekistan’s interests abroad. He has held various significant positions, including serving as Uzbekistan's Permanent Representative to various international organizations based in Rome, like the FAO, WHO, and UNODC. Fayzullayev is also credited as Uzbekistan's first ambassador to Cyprus since December 2024.
The appointment of Fayzullayev as the ambassador to Malta is expected not only to deepen bilateral relations but also to create pathways for broader collaboration on regional and global issues where both countries have shared interests. The enhancement of relations with Malta complements Uzbekistan’s overall aim to engage more actively with Europe and other regions, balancing its foreign policy pursuits.
With growing geopolitical interests, this new appointment signifies more than just formal representation; it indicates Uzbekistan's aspiration for greater involvement within various international organization platforms and its readiness to play an active role on the world stage.
Overall, the inaugural appointment of Abat Fayzullayev is seen as part of Uzbekistan's broader strategy to expand its diplomatic presence and strengthen its relationships globally, particularly within Europe. The move should facilitate increased collaboration and engagement between Uzbekistan and Malta, pointing toward future initiatives aimed at enhancing trade, culture, and political cooperation between the two nations.