Abdulaziz Komilov recognized for distinguished services with Italy's top award

Abdulaziz Komilov, Uzbekistan’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Special Representative for Foreign Policy Affairs to the President, and Deputy Secretary of the Security Council under the President, has been awarded the "Order of Merit of the Italian Republic" at the Officer level. This was announced in an official press release published on the website of Italy’s government newspaper, Gazzetta Ufficiale.

The "Order of Merit of the Italian Republic" is Italy's highest state honor, established on March 3, 1951. It is intended to recognize Italian citizens and foreigners for significant contributions in fields such as literature, arts, economics, charity, social work, and humanitarian activities.

The award is bestowed by the President of Italy with the approval of the Prime Minister, typically twice a year—on June 2 (Republic Day) and December 27 (Constitution Day). Komilov was honored as part of the December 27, 2024, announcement.

Born on November 16, 1947, Komilov is currently 77 years old. He served as Uzbekistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2012 until April 2022. Following his tenure, on April 27, 2022, Komilov was appointed Deputy Secretary of the Security Council under the President, specializing in foreign policy and security matters.

In 2023, Komilov received Japan’s “Order of the Rising Sun, Grand Cordon” from Emperor Naruhito. In 2024, Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov awarded him the title “Hormatly il ýaşulusy” ("Honored Elder Statesman").