AKIPRESS.COM - The British Ambassador, George Edgar, O.B.E., paid an official visit to Surkhandarya Province in south-east Uzbekistan on February 18.

The Ambassador held meetings with the Surkhandarya Province governor and representatives of business. The Ambassador also visited the Termiz State University and the Khayraton Bridge across the Amudarya River on the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan border.

The Ambassador was received by the governor of Surkhandarya Province, Mr Normumin Choriev. They discussed economic and social development of the region. Mr Choriev and representatives from the regional Chamber of Trade and Industry also spoke about investment and tourism opportunities in the province. There are currently eight joint ventures with British capital operating in Surkhandarya province.

At Termiz State University, the university administration briefed the Ambassador about education and research in the region. The Ambassador spoke to students and academic staff about the work of the British Council in Uzbekistan which is helping to promote the teaching and studying of English. The students spoke about their personal educational and extracurricular achievements.

The Ambassador visited the Khayraton Bridge on the Amudaryo River, where he met customs and border officials. They demonstrated to the Ambassador how they manage border security and control movement of goods to and from Afghanistan.

Ambassador Edgar said: “I had a fascinating visit to a region whose geographical significance is reflected in its rich history and in its importance today. I am grateful to the regional authorities for the warm welcome they gave me.”