The President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov, received the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ozodbek Nazarbekov, today, December 13.

President Sadyr Japarov emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural ties of friendship between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, which are bound by shared history, language, culture, and traditions.

– Our peoples are united by centuries-old bonds of friendship and good neighborliness. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, bilateral ties have reached a new level, and culture plays a crucial role in strengthening them, – noted Sadyr Japarov.

The President recalled that during his state visit to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Culture Days were held in Tashkent and Bukhara, featuring a gala concert, exhibitions, and film screenings dedicated to Kyrgyz-Uzbek friendship.

President Japarov expressed confidence that Uzbekistan Culture Days in Kyrgyzstan, scheduled for 2025, will become a significant event for bringing the two nations closer together.

Congratulating Ozodbek Nazarbekov on being awarded the title "People's Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic," Sadyr Japarov highlighted his immense contribution to the development of cultural relations and the strengthening of friendship between the two countries.

– Your creative journey inspires many. The musical evening featuring your performance, scheduled for December 15 at the Kyrgyz National Philharmonic named after Toktogul Satylganov, will be another bright example of our shared cultural unity, – said President Sadyr Japarov.

Uzbekistan's Minister of Culture, Ozodbek Nazarbekov, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the honor and high recognition of his work, emphasizing his commitment to strengthening the brotherly relations between the two nations.

He remarked that President Sadyr Japarov's state visit to Uzbekistan was a pivotal event in the history of friendship and strategic partnership between the peoples, opening a new chapter in the development of bilateral relations.

– We are delighted that events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of the great writer of the Kyrgyz people, a cultural symbol, and Uzbekistan's beloved author Chingiz Aitmatov, are being held in Uzbekistan, – said Ozodbek Nazarbekov.

Additionally, he noted that Uzbekistan's leading theaters are currently working with their Kyrgyz counterparts on a joint theater project that will become a symbol of creative collaboration between the two peoples.