FIA President Ben Sulayem Receives Uzbekistan’s Order of Friendship

Dubai, UAE, 10th December, 2025: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has received the Order of Dustlik (Friendship), Uzbekistan’s highest state honour for foreign nationals, which is awarded in recognition of unity and cooperation. The medal was presented to Ben Sulayem by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, HE Shavkat Mirziyoyev, at a meeting in Tashkent which is hosting the FIA Annual General Assemblies, ahead of Friday’s 2025 FIA Presidential Election, and the FIA Awards.

The meeting reaffirmed the partnership and friendship between the country and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), and focused on their shared priorities of automotive mobility innovation, road safety, and the growth of motorsport in the region.

Speaking at length, President Mirziyoyev and President Ben Sulayem discussed Uzbekistan’s key advancements in mobility and motorsport, including major infrastructure upgrades under the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy, which targets the construction of 5,500 km of roads linking urban centres with rural settlements.

They highlighted the country’s growing automobile production capacity and its commitment to introducing more sustainable energy solutions across the public fleet. The leaders also discussed the Government’s efforts to encourage greater participation of young people in regular sporting activities and the long-term plan to grow motorsport in Uzbekistan.

Speaking following the meeting, FIA President Ben Sulayem said: “It is a true honour to receive the Order of Friendship from His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This distinction is a lasting reminder of the strong partnership between Uzbekistan and the FIA, the work we have achieved together, and the collaboration that still lies ahead.

From our shared commitment to improving road safety to our efforts to develop motorsport across the region, we are united in our determination to advance progress and opportunity for all. My sincere thanks to President Mirziyoyev and to the people of Uzbekistan.”

About the FIA

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the global governing body for motorsport and the umbrella federation for mobility organisations worldwide. Established in 1904, the FIA is a non-profit organisation dedicated to driving innovation and promoting safety, sustainability, and equality across both motorsport and mobility sectors.

With headquarters in Paris, London, and Geneva, the FIA unites 245 Member Organisations across five continents. It represents millions of road users, motorsport professionals, and volunteers globally.

The FIA is responsible for developing and enforcing regulations in motorsport, including overseeing seven FIA World Championships, to ensure that competitions around the world are conducted fairly and safely for all participants.