Phuket explores deepening relations with Uzbekistan
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat welcomed Fakhriddin Sultanov, Consul General of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and his delegation during a courtesy visit on Dec 14 to introduce themselves and discuss cooperation between Phuket and Uzbekistan in trade, investment and tourism.
At Phuket Provincial Hall, Mr Fakhriddin explained that his visit was the 36th time he had come to Phuket.
“I have had the opportunity to live in Thailand for several years. My family and children live in Thailand, so they are very attached to and impressed by Thailand,” he said.
“Personally, I have experience working in aviation before, and I see great importance in the development of tourism and the economy.
“Although Uzbekistan is far from Thailand and Phuket, it is similar in terms of way of life and lifestyle culture, such as how Thai people have a routine of waking up early and are very diligent. I am impressed how very similar our lifestyles are,” he added.
Mr Sultanov highlighted the potential to develop tourism between Phuket and Uzbekistan.
“There is an intention to exchange on many matters, including guidelines for promoting tourism and giving importance to soft power because Thai tourism makes tourists of Uzbekistan happy, enthusiastic and feel that they are quality citizens from tourism,” he said.
“In addition, Uzbekistan views Thailand as the most easily connected business partner in Southeast Asia. We have confidence in the products and services of Thai people, especially tropical fruits such as pineapples. Uzbek people view pineapples as sweet fruits and are often used as a symbol of celebration at the dining table. Therefore there is a great admiration for Phuket pineapples,” Mr Sultanov said.
“Although Islam is the main religion in Uzbekistan, it is not the national religion. Uzbekistan is a country with religious flexibility and has a connection with Buddhism and Christianity in the past as well. Therefore, I would like to encourage more historical and religious tourism,” he said.
“And there is a plan to create cooperation to research cultural connections with the Fine Arts Department of Thailand in terms of driving the economy and tourism between each other,” he added.
“There is an investment plan to open direct flights to Phuket, including strengthening the sister city relationship between Phuket and Samarkand,” he said.
Although Tashkent is the Uzbekistan capital, Samarkand in southeastern Uzbekistan is one of oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia, and is located on the ancient ‘Silk Road’.
“At present there are more and more Uzbek tourists traveling to Phuket, so it is expected that in the future there will be an opportunity to visit and promote relations, and further consular missions,” Mr Sultanov said.