On  9 December, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a delegation led by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), who is in the country to attend the FIA General Assembly taking place in Tashkent.

FIA Senate President Carmelo Sanz de Barros and Vice President for Mobility and TourismTim Shearman also took part in the meeting as members of the delegation.

The meeting discussed topical issues related to expanding mutually beneficial cooperation with this global organisation, which regulates motorsport and promotes road traffic safety. 

Mohammed Ben Sulayem highly appreciated the large-scale reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan aimed at developing professional and mass sports, promoting a healthy lifestyle, increasing physical activity among the population, and raising a harmoniously developed generation. 

It was noted that close cooperation is important for developing all areas of motorsport in the country, from karting to Formula racing.

Particular attention was given to training Uzbek racers, karting drivers, engineers, designers, and mechanics through the opportunities provided by the FIA University; creating modern motorsport infrastructure in Uzbekistan; assisting in the implementation of programmes to ensure the safety of pedestrian and vehicle traffic; and hosting international competitions under the auspices of this international organisation, especially Formula 1 races.

At the end of the meeting, the leader of our country awarded the head of the FIA with the state’s high award - the Order of “Dustlik” (Friendship) - in recognition of his significant personal contribution to developing cooperation with the International Automobile Federation and promoting motorsport in Uzbekistan in accordance with international standards. 

It should be noted that Uzbekistan has been an active member of the federation since 2019. Last year, an extraordinary General Assembly of the FIA dedicated to the 120th anniversary of the federation was held in Samarkand. As part of this year’s event, on 12 December, an awards ceremony honouring the most exemplary athletes and teams will be held at the Humo Arena complex with the participation of high-ranking foreign guests and champion racers.