TASHKENT — Saudi Minister of Health Fahad AlJalajel held talks with Uzbekistan's Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev on Monday at the start of his official visit to the Central Asian country. The two sides explored ways to deepen cooperation in healthcare and investment.The meeting was attended by Uzbekistan's Minister of Health Eldor Adilov and Deputy Minister Ilhomjon Umurzakov.The officials reviewed the strong bilateral relationship between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan and discussed expanding cooperation in priority areas, including healthcare system development, digital transformation, medical and pharmaceutical industries, workforce development and specialized investment in the health sector.The discussions also focused on supporting sustainable development goals and advancing shared interests between the two countries.AlJalajel and senior Uzbek officials, joined by Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov, also reviewed progress on the Fergana Hospital project.The delegation received a briefing on the project's latest developments, operational plans and key components.The 800-bed hospital will comprise 10 floors with integrated healthcare facilities and services. Saudi company Vision Invest is participating in the project as part of an international consortium, reflecting growing Saudi-Uzbek investment cooperation in the healthcare sector and the private sector's role in delivering major healthcare projects.