Dear Dr Khudaynazar Yunusov,

I would like to express my sincere gratitude, as well as the gratitude of the World Organisation for Animal Health and all the Delegates, for the warm welcome and enlightening visit to the Samarkand State University of Veterinary Medicine, Livestock and Biotechnologies on the occasion of the 31st Conference of the Regional Commission for Europe.

I am grateful to you, your staff and your students for your great hospitality and for the effort you put into organising the cultural activities offered during the university visit.

I was particularly pleased to see the WOAH General Session simulation exercise that you presented with the WOAH Delegate from Uzbekistan, Dr Abrar Akbarov, and the students from your university. I would like to thank you for the time and energy you put into preparing this exercise, which was much appreciated by all participants. It demonstrated the commitment of your university to ensure quality education by emphasising both academic and practical skills.

I would also like to express my deepest gratitude for being awarded the title of "Honorary Professor" by the Samarkand State University of Veterinary Medicine, Livestock and Biotechnologies. I was truly honoured to receive this award and I thank you for the recognition of our Organisation and for your great efforts to fosters academic excellence in the field of animal health and welfare.

Under your leadership, Samarkand State University of Veterinary Medicine, Livestock and Biotechnologies is playing a crucial role in shaping individuals who will make meaningful contributions to their fields and to society as a whole. Your commitment to excellence in education ensures that graduates are not only well equipped with knowledge, but also ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.

We deeply appreciate the efforts of your entire team, and I am confident that your institution will continue to make a lasting impact on future professionals.

Yours sincerely,

                                         Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran

Copy                      WOAH: F. Caya, Chief of Staff; N. Monsalve, Regional Activities Coordination Manager; B. Plavšić, Regional Representative; E. Hamelin, Sub-Regional Representative in Brussels; M. Taitubayev, Sub- Regional Representative for Central Asia