A meeting was held with representatives of the older generation, as well as the creative and scientific intelligentsia of Sughd region.
The Leader of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon noted that friendship and mutual trust between the two countries have become stronger thanks to the political will of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
“Could we even imagine that the accumulated problems will be solved in such a short time?! Even international organizations did not believe in this. Today, there are no unresolved issues between our states. An atmosphere of mutual trust has been established. The initiator and architect of these relations is the respected Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev”, Emomali Rahmon said.
It was emphasized that in recent years, 17 checkpoints have been opened on Tajikistan – Uzbekistan border, for which the people of Tajikistan are very grateful.
The President of Uzbekistan expressed deep respect to the audience and delivered a speech about the importance of appreciating the friendship and good-neighborliness of our peoples, developing cultural and humanitarian ties.
“In recent years, we have achieved tremendous results thanks to good-neighborliness and eternal friendship between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Of course, you, dear members of the public and the intelligentsia of the two countries, are also making an invaluable contribution to this success. We know this well and highly appreciate it”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.
It is no coincidence that an important part of the events of Uzbekistan Leader’s visit takes place in Khujand. This ancient city is equally dear to the peoples of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Indeed, for centuries it was the most important center on the Great Silk Road and played a big role in the cultural life of the entire region.
History keeps the memory of the exploits of the great commanders – the famous son of Khujand Temur Malik and the Khorezmshakh Jaloliddin Manguberdi, who stood side by side against the conquerors. The city continued playing an important role, grew and developed under the Timurids, Shaybanids and during the period of the khanates.
It deserves special attention that the public Uzbek Center for Spirituality and Enlightenment, a scientific school for training specialists in Uzbek philology at the local university, is actively operating in Khujand.
Uzbekistan attaches great importance to the creation of favorable conditions for the preservation and development of Tajik culture, as well as the culture of other nations and nationalities. Over one million six hundred thousand Tajiks live in Uzbekistan – fellow citizens who make a worthy contribution to the development of the country. These are talented scientists, entrepreneurs and farmers, teachers and doctors, cultural and art workers, leaders of different levels.
An important contribution to strengthening interethnic harmony is made by 15 Tajik national cultural centers. Newspapers and magazines are published in the Tajik language, television and radio programs are broadcast. In Uzbekistan, 255 schools are carrying out studies in the Tajik language, faculties and departments in several universities of the country. Admission to these directions has doubled in the current academic year.
In recent years alone, more than 130 of our fellow citizens of Tajik nationality have been awarded high state awards of Uzbekistan.
Great attention in the two countries is paid to the study and mutual enrichment of the literature and art of the two peoples. This is facilitated by a solid package of documents signed during the visit of the President of Uzbekistan. Agreements on cultural and humanitarian cooperation provide for several projects designed to strengthen the spiritual connection of our peoples, to unite our youth around common interests.
It was noted that the modern world is changing rapidly, new challenges and security threats are emerging, including in our region.
“We should value and enhance our great wealth – peace and stability, friendship and cooperation, instill in our youth respect for national and universal values”, the Leader of Uzbekistan said. – Only by uniting efforts, we will be able to achieve common goals – ensure peace and wellbeing, prosperity for future generations. I am sure that you, our respected representatives of the creative and scientific intelligentsia, with your rich knowledge and life experience, with your inherent energy and enthusiasm, will make your worthy contribution to strengthening Uzbekistan – Tajikistan friendship. And I am sure that such a noble mission is within your reach.
The Presidents visited the Arbob Palace of Culture. The complex was built in 1959. It has historical significance for the Tajik people. In the early 90s of the last century, important decisions were made here related to the country’s independence. In 1992, a fateful moment for Tajikistan took place here – Emomali Rahmon took office as the Head of the state.
