The Ambassador of Uzbekistan stationed in Washington DC, Javlon Vahabov presented his credentials to the Governor-General of Canada Julie Payette, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry said.

The Governor-General noted that Uzbekistan is known "for its great history and strategic location in a very important part of the world."

The former astronaut, Julie Payette, noted that “the Uzbek science has made a significant contribution to the space exploration programs by offering unique scientific developments and organizing the production of space devices and components.”

As an astronaut, she read a lot and heard about Uzbekistan and was familiar with the ruler of Samarkand and famous scientist Mirzo Ulugbek, the author of one of the most complete and accurate star catalogues (Gurgan Zidj), who "opened the doors of the Universe, building an entire observatory 150 years before Galilei invented the telescope," Julie Payette added

She stated that the current level of bilateral ties is on the rise and welcomed Uzbekistan's wish to integrate into the world community.

“I was very glad to hear that the Canadian Sky Power entered the Uzbekistan market with a large renewable energy project proposal,” she said. In her opinion, this project is “mutually beneficial”.

At the same time, Uzbekistan and Canada "still have a lot to do." In particular, she noted the need to expand trade between the countries, as well as enhance cooperation in the field of education.

Following the ceremony, the Ambassador met with the enior Arctic Official and DG, Circumpolar and Eastern Europe, Allison LeClaire. She expressed willingness to take a complex of political and diplomatic measures to organize the visit of the Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Canada in the first half of 2019.