Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In order to get better acquainted with the work carried out in Uzbekistan on the development of football, a delegation of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), headed by the President of the Organization, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, is in Uzbekistan.

On 22 April, the Uzbekistan Football Association hosted a meeting between UFA President Abdusalam Azizov, Minister of Youth Policy and Sports Adkham Ikramov, NOC General Secretary Oybek Kasimov, UFA First Vice President, NOC First Deputy Chairman Ravshan Irmatov and the AFC delegation. The event included an exchange of views on the further development and strengthening of comprehensive cooperation between the AFC and the UFA based on mutual trust.

UFA President Abdusalom Azizov, first of all, congratulated Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa on his re-election to the leadership of the Asian Football Confederation and noted that bilateral cooperation has intensified significantly in recent years. It was noted that the decision of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, aimed at the development of football, is a huge incentive for the further popularization of this sport in our country. It was noted that the construction of the Center for National Teams of Uzbekistan continues in Tashkent region, a regular educational process has been established in the Center for Training Football Specialists in all areas, and work is underway to bring the activities of children’s academies to a high level.

“We are pleased that our cooperation with AFC is reaching a new level. We have successfully hosted the prestigious continental tournaments of the Asian Cups U-23 and U-20 with the support of the AFC. These starts have become a real holiday for millions of Uzbek football fans, and have further increased the interest of young people. Domestic specialists gained international experience. Football infrastructure in the regions has improved significantly. In addition, today it is very important for us that 7 representatives of our country be appointed to the regular committees of the AFC. In the future, we will do our best to organize any competitions on a continental scale at a high level. We are also pleased to host the AFC Congress with the participation of the General Secretaries, which will be held in October this year. We also organize republican competitions and festivals with the aim of developing not only professional, but also grassroots football. We believe that grassroots football unites people and serves to discover new talents,” said the UFA President.

In turn, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa highly appreciated these works and acknowledged that Uzbekistan is the closest partner in the region for AFC.

“We know Uzbekistan as a reliable partner with high potential and opportunities in the region. Thanks to the support of the head of state, we are witnessing the growth of football in your country. Especially under your leadership, the AFC U-20 Asian Cup tournament was held at a high level. The visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the final match testifies to the high attention to this sport in your country. The achievements of your youth are the result of the plans you are implementing. We are ready to consider all the proposals made by you,” the head of the AFC said.

During the meeting, a proposal was made to hold several Asian competitions and events in Uzbekistan in the coming years. The Congress of AFC General Secretaries will be attended by senior officials of the continent and FIFA, as well as the heads of the Associations, in order to have the opportunity to get to know Uzbekistan better.

At the meeting, the parties agreed to continue bilateral cooperation on a wider scale.