A foundation-laying ceremony for a new international airport took place recently in Tashkent Region, attended by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Among the distinguished guests was Muhammad Abunayyan, Chairman of Saudi-based ACWA Power and a major investor in Uzbekistan, who delivered a speech reflecting on the country’s ongoing reforms. Below is his full address.

“Your Excellency, Mr. President,

Honorable Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Khalid Al-Falih;

Dear partners and esteemed guests!

First of all, I extend to all of you my greetings, peace, and blessings.

Over the past eight years, you have accomplished—through close cooperation—what many nations could not achieve over centuries. Today, you have shown this not only to those gathered here but to the entire world.

Indeed, it is extremely rare for any global leader to reach such remarkable results in such a short time.

Your Excellency, I have said before, and I reaffirm today: I know only two leaders who have delivered transformations of this scale. The first is you, and the second is His Royal Highness, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman.

Every success we have witnessed in Uzbekistan is the result of your deep conviction in your mission and your tireless work. You pursue these efforts out of immense love for your people and your homeland.

I have met with leaders of 24 countries, yet have not seen another head of state who shows such genuine love for his people as you do. That is why your nation holds you in such high esteem.

I have had the honor of meeting you twenty times. Before each meeting, I prepare my speech carefully, thinking about what I should say. Yet, every time, your vision, determination, and practical actions surpass whatever I intend to say. You move swiftly, work wholeheartedly, and always deliver results.

You have shown great commitment to both domestic and foreign investors, creating equal opportunities for all. You have turned Uzbekistan into one of the most attractive investment destinations for companies and nations alike.

With transparency and sound governance, you have left behind the burdens of the past and opened a new chapter in history.

I have implemented investment projects in 15 countries and visited more than 30. Everywhere I go, I hear about the ‘New Uzbekistan.’ This New Uzbekistan is the outcome of your dedication and relentless labor for your nation.

Today, the whole world is watching you—and learning from you. Under your leadership, a reliable government and a devoted team work day and night. I have only seen governments working 18 to 20 hours a day, seven days a week, in two places: Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia. This is why your people love you, and why investors and many nations respect you. People now wish to come to Uzbekistan—not only as tourists, but also as friends and investors.

Uzbekistan has a great history, and today, your achievements also hold significant historical importance. Most importantly, you never stop at what has already been accomplished. Even at today’s meeting, you noted that projects worth $30 billion have been completed, and that further initiatives will follow in new directions.

Your Excellency, your central goal is to improve the quality of life of your people. You place strong faith in the younger generation, because it is these talented young people who are the power and future of the New Uzbekistan.

In just eight years, a solid foundation for the New Uzbekistan has been built. God willing, in the years ahead, Uzbekistan will demonstrate its full potential even more clearly to the world. The world will undoubtedly see what the New Uzbekistan is capable of.

Your Excellency, thank you for the trust you have placed in us. We are profoundly grateful to witness and support the major initiatives under your leadership.

I have two mentors in my life: one is His Royal Highness, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and the other is you, Mr. President. I have learned so much from you. You are my teacher. Once again, thank you very much.”